The BOOST success – a case study
The Logical Derivation.
For more than a decade, we have accompanied and been responsible for numerous international IT and digitization projects. Throughout this time, the same fundamental components have consistently proven to be the central factors for project success: a clear determination of the starting situation, a well-thought-out planning and organizational process, efficient and transparent communication, targeted empowerment (training) of all participants, as well as continuous documentation and transparent performance measurement.
It was from these insights that we developed our BOOST model about a year and a half ago:
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B for Baseline & Goals
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O for Organize, Analyze & Execute
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O for Optimized Communication
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S for Support & Training
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T for Transparency & Acceptance
Although this methodology has always been an integral part of our work, it was only with BOOST that we created a clear explanatory model, one that helps clients and partners even more quickly understand why and how we lead projects to success. The model follows the guiding principle of breaking down complex challenges into manageable steps and efficiently integrating the relevant interfaces—from Legal to IT, and all the way to Marketing and operational departments.
Framework and Success.
Introducing a Global e-Privacy Solution
A particularly striking example of how effective our BOOST approach can be is the introduction of an E-Privacy solution (consent management) at an internationally operating automobile manufacturer. The project was prompted by the necessity of establishing a legally compliant solution that meets stringent data protection requirements while simultaneously addressing the marketing and analytics needs of various markets and departments.
Initial Situation and Challenges
After the GDPR went into effect in Europe, the pressure increased to align all digital touchpoints—especially websites and online portals—with data protection guidelines. In parallel, Germany’s then-applicable Telemedia Act (TMG) introduced additional regulations, while other countries had either different or less stringent rules. This often led to two extremes:
- Legal and Compliance departments wanting maximum data protection.
- Marketing and Customer Relations teams aiming to continue extensively tracking customer data and usage behavior in order to run targeted campaigns and conduct analyses.
These opposing priorities resulted in a high degree of coordination effort and potential conflict, as each department prioritized its core focus. In addition, the requirement to scale massively posed another challenge: Over 4,500 websites worldwide needed to be switched over within a defined time frame. The initial plan involved bringing in a third-party service provider (Accenture) to handle the mass rollout.
Project Goals and Success
The project team concentrated on enabling both legal compliance and marketing performance in equal measure. Concretely, this meant:
- A global consent management solution that takes country-specific requirements into account.
- Balancing statutory minimum data protection requirements with the maximum possible marketing/analytics data.
- Simple scalability across numerous markets—from Europe to North America, Asia, and Australia.
- A rollout completed on schedule and within the given budget.
The result speaks for itself: the solution was rolled out on more than 4,500 websites worldwide, on time and on budget. Thanks to our lean yet structured approach, it was possible to do this without involving the planned large-scale external service provider. In doing so, we not only achieved significant cost savings but also managed to reconcile the interests of all stakeholders.
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The BOOST Effect.
How Our Model Secured Project Success
The key lay in the consistent application of the five BOOST components. Each letter stands for an essential step that structures the project work into defined phases and responsibilities.
B – Baseline & Goals
The first step focused on identifying the starting conditions and determining goals.
- Legal Baseline: We researched the relevant data protection requirements in the main markets and analyzed the extent to which existing legal differences needed to be accounted for.
- Technical and Organizational Baseline: The team first inventoried all online platforms, then defined existing tracking and analytics tools and evaluated their importance. This process revealed a worst-case scenario in which marketing features would potentially be shut down completely.
- Stakeholder Workshops: Together with the Legal and Marketing departments, we clarified expectations and possible resistance. These insights flowed into communication guidelines and target metrics. Based on that, clear goals took shape: legal compliance, maximum possible data usage, an on-time rollout, and satisfied business units.
O – Organize, Analyze & Execute
The second step focused on structured project organization.
- Agile Approach: We relied on a “Scrum of Scrums” model since multiple teams (e.g., IT development, rollout, Legal, Marketing) were running their own sprints. These were then coordinated through overarching Scrum meetings.
- Process Design: To deliver value as quickly as possible, the team decided to first roll out a minimum viable functionality to ensure legal compliance. Additional features were added gradually thereafter.
- Iterative Method: Because of this agile approach, we were able to rapidly identify and address issues early on. In doing so, timelines were more reliably met, and necessary adjustments were implemented immediately.
O – Optimized Communication
A core element of success was regular, transparent, and easily accessible communication.
- Multi-Channel Strategy: We connected internal and external channels—from email updates to intranet news to project status information in chat tools.
- Central Rollout Platform: All relevant documents, tutorials, timelines, and status reports were shared via a central portal. This allowed local market representatives, agencies, and internal BMW teams to have real-time insight into the project status.
- Quick Escalation Paths: For urgent decisions, clarification sessions with project leaders and management were arranged to prevent delays.
S – Support & Training
Empowering and supporting all stakeholders played a decisive role.
- E-Learnings and Live Sessions: We set up an e-learning platform for worldwide markets, offering step-by-step instructions, videos, and FAQs.
- Coaching for Leadership: Since tensions between legal requirements and marketing desires often arose, targeted coaching helped minimize conflicts and find constructive compromises.
- Continuous Feedback: Regular feedback from the markets ensured that the training content was continually updated and improved.
T – Transparency & Acceptance
Finally, comprehensive transparency across all project phases is crucial for creating acceptance at every level.
- Reporting & KPIs: We developed a “slide factory” that visualized project progress, risks, and rollout status using an easy-to-understand traffic-light system. This allowed both management and each department to see at a glance where the project stood.
- Obligation to Provide Evidence to Authorities: Through meticulous documentation of each rollout step and the associated risk analysis, we guaranteed that in the event of a data protection authority audit, we could demonstrate the care and diligence with which the project was carried out.
- Building Trust: Clear, ongoing communication of all successes, challenges, and decisions fostered broad acceptance, ranging from the executive board to the operational teams.
