Improving Traffic Safety in California
Highlands Consulting has a long history of providing services to California’s transportation departments. Since joining the team I have worked on transportation projects and discovered a new passion for traffic safety. Most recently, we helped the Office of Traffic Safety develop their 2020-2023 Strategic Management…
Read MoreLeveraging Technology in the COVID-19 Pandemic
Highlands Consulting helps government clients manage digital transformation. There’s an image floating around LinkedIn and Twitter asking people “Who led the digital transformation of your company? 1. CEO; 2. CTO; or 3. COVID-19?” Many of us might circle answer #3. Change was hard before the…
Read MoreTransitioning to FI$Cal Department-Wide
Implementation of the Financial Information System for California (FI$Cal) represents massive change across the entire state. Highlands Consulting is wrapping up the second phase of a FI$Cal transition effort for a large state department. Phase one transitioned administrative staff in the Accounting, Budgets, and Procurement…
Read MoreWhat’s Measured Gets Done
“If you don’t know where you’re going, any road will take you there.”– Lewis Carroll In business, clear goals matter. When done well, a written strategic plan is both a path forward and a roadmap to help achieve an organization’s mission. That’s why our team…
Read MoreAchieving Agile Success in the Public Sector
As the Agile Methodology continues to gain momentum in the public sector, we’ve put together a list of insights to help make your next Agile project a success. Initial Scope. Many of us rush straight into software development…because it’s Agile. But the most important step…
Read MoreFinding the (Often Hidden) Benefits of FI$Cal
Nearly all designated State departments have been using FI$Cal for at least a year now. And with such a complex system, it’s been challenging indeed. Many of us at Highlands are continuously evaluating how to help our clients take full advantage of FI$Cal and gain…
Read MoreA Client-Focused Project Management Tool
Coordinating projects can be a challenge, even for seasoned professionals. During an engagement, you have competing deadlines, shifting priorities, client demands to meet, and a project team to coordinate. So how do you keep track of all that? You find a tool that works for…
Read MoreSelection to Success in Three Months
Is it conceivable to automate a 100% paper-based process in less than three months, even for a complex State environmental program? The answer is yes! This week, one of our clients at the State Water Resources Control Board (Water Board) delivered a presentation that recounted…
Read MoreConsultant Speak vs. the Nitty Gritty
For nearly 30 years, I’ve enjoyed working in the government technology industry, focused on serving the State of California. Along the way, I’ve met and worked with hundreds of amazing consultants with business and technical expertise. In recent years, I’ve become sensitive to what our…
Read MoreThe Six Core Concepts of Business Analysis
In my current role as an acquisition consultant, I am helping California agencies plan and procure new information technology solutions. Starting with a structured approach to business analysis has set the stage for success. The Business Analysis Core Concept Model (BACCM™), developed by the International Institute…
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