Deploying global teams to deliver a global platform

CGIAR is a global partnership engaged in research for a food secure future. Founded as the Consultative Group on International Agricultural Research, the organisation underwent a major transformation to become CGIAR in 2008. CGIAR research is dedicated to reducing rural poverty, increasing food security, improving human health and nutrition, and ensuring sustainable management of natural resources. It is carried out by 15 research centres that are based around the world. These include WorldFish, based in Manilla, World Agroforestry, based in Nairobi, and Africa Rice Center in the Cote d’Ivoire. The 15 research centres generate and disseminate knowledge, technologies, and policies for agricultural development through the CGIAR Research Programs. CGIAR has almost 10,000 scientists and staff, unparalleled research infrastructure and their collections of genetic resources are the most comprehensive in the world.

The challenge:

To derive benefit from economies of scale and operational efficiencies CGIAR initiated an ERP-enabled transformation across their 15-member research centres, called OCS (One Corporate System). Unit4 Agresso was selected as the core ERP application and whilst some Centers already operated Agresso, a decision was made to migrate all Centres to a common Agresso Milestone 4 platform.

The solution:

SystemsAccountants have been retained as project resource partner for over 18 months and during this time we have provided nine Agresso contractors to deliver project review, project management, design, build, test and implementation services. Our contractors have been deployed globally in to Centres in locations as diverse as Penang, Beirut, Cali, Benin, Rome and Nairobi.