The Complexity of the Project

The project's complexity stemmed from the various business segments of the contracting company. The goal was to automate and optimize trading operations in a market where an energy trading entity may function as both a producer and supplier, engaging in both wholesale and retail activities.

Additionally, the intricacy of the production portfolio added a layer of difficulty, as a diverse array of assets complicated short-term optimization tasks, which involved extensive statistical calculations. The final deliverable needed to ensure both long-term and short-term forecasting and optimization of all production units while facilitating automated trading of energy quantities across multiple markets.

1. Requirements Gathering Phase
   • Essential IT Functional Requirements

I identified six main functional requirements that shaped the project.

1. The primary requirement was for algorithmic trading of open positions, which served as the core of the project. This system needed to continuously process data inputs and maintain real-time market connections.
   2. The standard algorithm had to be adjustable, allowing for user modifications alongside the default settings.
   3. Every trade quantity had to be efficiently scheduled to the Transmission System Operator (TSO) relevant to the delivery location, necessitating automated data transmission daily.
   4. Secure, continuous two-way communication with the market was essential, utilizing REST APIs and WebSocket interfaces.
   5. The system needed to support both Day-ahead and Intraday markets, requiring appropriate interface connections for each.
   6. Ongoing monitoring of executed transactions, presented in customizable formats, was crucial.
2. Tender Preparation Phase

Preparing the IT tender was a multifaceted and prolonged process. We meticulously reviewed the draft contract and necessary documentation. Given the lack of a specific product within our company's offerings, we formed a consortium with a key industry partner to bolster our bid.

The complexity of the solution required necessitated that we seek additional partnerships, leading us to collaborate with another European firm through a subcontractor agreement.

Returning to the festive gathering, when the Sales Director announced our successful bid submission, I felt a mix of pride and anxiety, anticipating the prospect of leading the project if we were awarded the contract.

After the tender evaluation, we received the thrilling news in early February: we had emerged victorious, surpassing our competitors significantly. Naturally, I was chosen to lead the implementation, a commitment that would demand three full years of my focus.

3. Project Initiation Phase

I embarked on project preparation amidst personal challenges. Without direct subordinates from my company, I had to connect with colleagues from our consortium partner and subcontractor prior to our initial kick-off meeting.

Armed with an “Administrative Provisions” document detailing responsibilities and project structure, I compiled presentations for the kick-off. However, our subcontractor's travel complications meant I had to present on their behalf, a challenging yet enlightening experience.

4. Implementation Phase

The implementation was designed to unfold over three years, divided into five key milestones. I facilitated daily stand-up meetings with project managers from both sides and coordinated with the customer through weekly status updates.

To ensure our partners were aligned, we conducted internal meetings prior to customer interactions, which proved to be an efficient strategy. Additionally, I organized technical Q&A sessions to foster communication between our team and the customer’s technical experts.

Lesson learned: Having a background in IT can significantly enhance a project manager's ability to support their team effectively.

5. Project Closure Phase

The integration project concluded successfully, albeit four months beyond the original timeline. The delivered solution not only met expectations but also began generating profits almost immediately upon launch.

Though I was assigned to another project in the final months and missed witnessing the culmination of our efforts, the positive feedback from partners and clients was immensely gratifying.