Template-Driven Project Management System
A scalable solution built in Brussels to automate, coordinate, and monitor 60,000+ operational projects — from branch mergers to infrastructure upgrades.
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Client
BNP Paribas Fortis
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Headquarters
Montagne du Parc 3, 1000 Brussels
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Industry
Banking
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Department
Infrastucture
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Time spent
4 years
Overview
A reusable, template-based project management platform designed to handle thousands of parallel operational projects with precision and minimal overhead.
Built in Brussels between 2007 and 2011, this system was initially created to manage branch mergers for a large financial institution. It allowed users to define project templates with stakeholder roles, relative task timing, and a central pivot date — such as a merger event — to automatically calculate deadlines. Once instantiated, tasks were assigned to real users, with automated notifications and dashboards ensuring timely execution and oversight. Over time, the system was generalized to support additional use cases, including IT deployments, branch openings, and infrastructure changes.
The Challenge
The organization needed a way to manage hundreds of ongoing operational projects with consistency and accuracy. Manual tracking via spreadsheets was error-prone and unscalable. Each project type — starting with branch mergers — required coordination among multiple departments and strict timing relative to key milestones.
- Automated task scheduling based on pivot dates
- Dynamic stakeholder assignment by role
- Real-time dashboards and overdue alerts
- Generalized system architecture for any project type
Result
The final system managed over 60,000 projects, including nearly 500 branch mergers. It scaled seamlessly across teams and initiatives, providing structure and accountability without burdening users. Built using ASP.NET and SQL Server, the platform remains in use today — a testament to its flexibility and robust design.
- 60,000+ projects coordinated
- 500+ mergers successfully managed
- Adapted for various use cases beyond original scope
- Still operational after 15+ years
Benefits Over Traditional Tools
Unlike generic project management platforms like MS Project, this system was purpose-built for operational consistency and scalability. It automates task scheduling, aligns stakeholder responsibilities, and eliminates the overhead of manual setup for repeatable projects — all without the need for per-user licenses or excessive configuration.
Designed for operational efficiency, this solution allowed teams to launch complex projects in seconds using standardized templates and smart scheduling. Stakeholders were automatically notified, tracked, and held accountable — without needing to learn or maintain traditional project management software.
4 Devs
Small team with large-scale impact
4 Years
Design and development lifecycle
60,000+
Projects managed through the system
This system transformed the way we manage operational projects. What used to take days of coordination can now be launched in minutes — with greater control, accountability, and transparency than any off-the-shelf tool we evaluated.
