Control Risks
Modernising Global Project Management with Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations
The Client
Control Risks is a global risk consultancy known for helping organisations navigate uncertainty, from political instability to cyber threats. With a history rooted in crisis response and a global presence spanning 36 offices, the firm supports clients in some of the world’s most challenging environments. Today, it plays a vital role in helping businesses operate securely and responsibly wherever they are in the world.
The Challenge
In 2024, Control Risks faced a critical, time-sensitive technology challenge. Microsoft announced the retirement of its Project Service Automation (PSA) solution, with support ceasing by April 2025. As a core system for managing the entire project lifecycle, from sales and planning to delivery and invoicing, PSA was deeply embedded in Control Risks’ operations.
To avoid disruption and financial reporting risks, the business needed to implement a fully operational solution ahead of the PSA end-of-support deadline, and crucially before the financial year-end. The replacement system also had to align with Microsoft’s ‘One-Version’ upgrade strategy and seamlessly incorporate the bespoke features, integrations, and processes that Control Risks’ global teams depend on to run their projects effectively.
Hitachi Solutions did a great job of bringing their expertise to really understand our business, our requirements and goals; then designed a tailored solution to fit and embedded their project team with the mindset of making our success their success.
Emma Kehoe
Training & Systems Analyst
The Solution
Rather than embark on a full system rebuild, Control Risks and Hitachi Solutions chose a carefully considered upgrade path. The existing PSA platform was migrated to Microsoft Dynamics 365 Project Operations using a “lite” deployment model, an approach that retained critical functionality while offering a modern, scalable foundation for the future.
This strategy allowed Control Risks to build on the processes and tools already in place, avoiding the risk of a disruptive rebuild. It also gave the business time to adjust gradually to the new system, without putting unnecessary pressure on teams during a busy financial period.
The team were fabulous to work with as a group and individuals and enabled an enjoyable working environment despite tight deadlines and high pressure at certain points.
Emma Kehoe
Training & Systems Analyst
The project itself was a strong example of partnership in action. Control Risks and Hitachi Solutions worked closely together from the start, aligning on timelines, managing expectations, and solving problems collaboratively. While the project faced the usual complexities of system changes, including some staff turnover and technical hurdles in development environments, these were addressed quickly through clear communication, shared ownership, and a flexible approach to planning and resourcing.
Rigorous testing and continuous feedback loops helped ensure the final solution worked not just for standard processes, but for the edge cases and exceptions that are part of real-world operations. The system went live on schedule, with no disruption to day-to-day activity.
The project was completed a day ahead of schedule, despite the already tight timeframe and multiple technical challenges which arose.
Gautham Gurumurthi
Head of Applications
Key Project Elements
From the outset, the team worked within a defined budget and a tight delivery window, fully aware of the risks posed by the PSA end-of-life deadline. Success depended on comprehensive testing that extended beyond standard processes to cover exceptions, edge cases, and technical unknowns.
Clear understanding of the risk landscape
From the outset, the team worked within a defined budget and a tight delivery window, fully aware of the risks posed by the PSA end-of-life deadline. Success depended on comprehensive testing that extended beyond standard processes to cover exceptions, edge cases, and technical unknowns.
Seamless collaboration
Strong coordination between project management, technical teams, and business stakeholders on both sides ensured expectations were aligned. Regular, open communication and a shared sense of accountability ensured the project stayed on track throughout.
Adaptability through changes
As with many long-term projects, some personnel changes occurred. These transitions were handled smoothly through effective knowledge transfer, clear documentation and rapid reassignment of responsibilities, maintaining momentum and minimising disruption.
Effective issue resolution
A small number of critical product issues emerged during development and testing. These were addressed quickly through structured triage processes, clear escalation paths, and focused collaboration, which brought the right people into the conversation at the right time.
Disciplined, high quality testing
A detailed and disciplined testing phase was central to the project’s success. Careful stakeholder selection and extensive test coverage ensured confidence in the system’s performance across a range of real-world scenarios.
Managing environment bottlenecks
Temporary delays caused by capacity constraints in development and staging environments were quickly identified and resolved through updated deployment strategies and infrastructure coordination.
Proactive eisk and issue management
Regular retrospectives, open feedback channels and a proactive approach to issue tracking enabled the team to identify and address challenges early, helping the project remain agile and resilient under pressure.
The Future
Now live with Dynamics 365 Project Operations, Control Risks has a stable, modern platform that supports their project lifecycle and provides room to grow. The business plans to expand its use of the system to reduce manual processes, increase efficiency, and align with a broader digital transformation strategy currently underway.
What started as a necessary system upgrade became a deeper opportunity to strengthen operational resilience and reinforced a trusted, long-term partnership between Control Risks and Hitachi Solutions.
Overall, the relationship between the project teams was very good throughout the project, and strengthened the ongoing partnership
Gautham Gurumurthi
Head of Applications