Clear Horizons: Empowering Wahl Clipper’s EPMO with Strategic Clarity

Why OnePlan: Seamless integration with Microsoft tools (especially Teams) in addition to visionary approach, labeling it a “one-stop shop” with features like Sofia, Roadmaps and OKR’s providing valuable functionalities.

Departments: Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO)

Feature Highlight

• Portfolio Management 
• Prioritization Scoring 
• Objectives & Key Results (OKR) 
• Seamless integration with Microsoft cloud technologies such as Teams 
• Reporting & Visibility 

Debmitra Das, MBA, PMP, serves as the Corporate Program Manager for the Enterprise Project Management Office (EPMO) at Wahl Clipper Corporation, the world leader in the manufacture and distribution of professional and consumer clippers, trimmers, shavers, and personal care devices. With a rich heritage of excellence and a remarkable list of groundbreaking innovations, Wahl Clipper is dedicated to designing, manufacturing, and marketing high-quality hair clipping and personal care products for the global market.

Approximately two years ago, Wahl Clipper Corporation embarked on its journey with OnePlan, a strategic portfolio management solution. The decision to adopt OnePlan was spurred by the challenges posed by the global shift during the COVID-19 pandemic. Das mentions that the transition to remote work posed significant hurdles in collaboration, task tracking, and maintaining efficiency. 

Challenges Addressed with OnePlan

Before implementing OnePlan, Wahl Clipper faced significant challenges, particularly in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic. The transition to remote work highlighted the need for improved collaboration, task tracking, and overall project management efficiency. With subsidiaries worldwide operating on their own initiatives, the lack of visibility for senior leadership at the Sterling, IL headquarters posed a significant challenge. OnePlan emerged as the solution to enhance visibility, enabling better prioritization of strategic projects and alignment of organizational goals. 

Why OnePlan

What made OnePlan stand out for Wahl Clipper was its seamless integration with Microsoft tools, particularly Teams. This integration was pivotal as Wahl Clipper increasingly utilized Teams for communication and collaboration. The simplicity and effectiveness of OnePlan, coupled with its alignment with the organization’s existing tools and leadership support, made it the preferred choice. 

Das emphasizes OnePlan’s visionary approach, describing it as a “one-stop shop” for project management needs. Features such as Sofia, configuration options, roadmap updates, and more were noted as visionary elements that Wahl Clipper hadn’t even realized they needed. These features align with industry trends and provide unexpected yet valuable functionalities for the organization. 

Success & Results

The benefits of implementing OnePlan are evident in Wahl Clipper’s improved project scoping, business planning, and overall efficiency. The tool has facilitated substantial cost savings, notably in cybersecurity insurance. The organization has set ambitious goals for further savings, indicating the ongoing positive impact of OnePlan on their financial strategies.  

OnePlan played a pivotal role in this transformation by offering advanced features for strategic planning & OKRs, scenario analysis, and investment prioritization. The EPMO team could now evaluate projects not only based on their individual merits but also in the context of the organization’s broader vision.  Benefits include: 

• Enhanced Visibility:  OnePlan provided Wahl Clipper with a clear view of ongoing projects and initiatives across global subsidiaries. 
• Prioritization of Strategic Projects: The tool enabled the organization to identify and prioritize key strategic projects for maximum impact. 
• Alignment of Organizational Goals:  OnePlan facilitated better alignment of projects with Wahl Clipper’s overarching business objectives. 

Das emphasizes the value of OnePlan’s comprehensive approach to project management, particularly in combating scope creep. The tool’s structured approach, with features such as form creation and business case development, has instilled a methodical mindset within the organization. Wahl Clipper project teams now appreciate the importance of defining project scope and appreciate the clarity that OnePlan provides. 

Partnership with OnePlan

The relationship between Wahl Clipper Corporation and the OnePlan team is characterized by collaboration and support. Das recounts his involvement from the initial training phase to facilitating conversations with the leadership team. The OnePlan team provided invaluable guidance, understanding the unique needs of a family-owned, century-old company. Their mentorship and expertise were instrumental in tailoring OnePlan to Wahl Clipper’s requirements. 

The implementation of OnePlan has empowered Wahl Clipper’s team by enhancing visibility and enforcing a more methodical approach to project management. Das notes the substantial time spent by the OnePlan team with the organization, providing hands-on support and training. The tool has become integral to Wahl Clipper’s daily operations, enabling smoother collaboration and efficient task tracking. 

Final Thoughts

To organizations considering OnePlan, Das offers a resounding endorsement. She highlights the user-friendly interface, intuitive features, and transformative impact on collaboration and efficiency. Das envisions success for Wahl Clipper’s continued journey with OnePlan as increased team engagement, global adoption, and continued realization of the tool’s benefits. 

In her final remarks, Debmitra commends the OnePlan team for their excellence and encourages them to maintain their current trajectory. She expresses gratitude for the positive experiences and interactions with OnePlan, acknowledging the team’s pivotal role in Wahl Clipper’s success. Das concludes with a simple yet powerful statement, expressing her unwavering belief in OnePlan’s greatness and the value it continues to bring to Wahl Clipper Corporation.