IT Revolutionizes Business Success at BCU: A Paradigm Shift in Strategy

IT as a Core Competency for Business Success at BCU

At BCU, IT has emerged as a core competency for the credit union’s business success. The integration of IT and business strategy has blurred the lines between the two, leading to a shift in leadership focus and the recognition of IT as a strategic driver of overall business solutions.

IT’s Central Role in BCU’s Business Strategy

BCU’s executive team acknowledges the pivotal role that IT plays in the credit union’s operations. Every strategy or initiative designed to serve BCU’s 350,000-plus members runs through the IT department. Whether it’s ensuring system uptime, implementing digital banking services, or delivering seamless customer experiences, the 77-person-and-growing IT organization is at the heart of BCU’s business strategy and innovation.

Successful Projects and Technological Advancements

The IT team at BCU has overseen numerous successful projects, showcasing their ability to deliver business solutions and contribute to the credit union’s success. In the past year alone, they have successfully completed 150 projects, including the conversion of a legacy monolithic middleware environment into a modern microservices architecture. Additionally, the IT organization has transitioned to a full agile value stream methodology for project delivery, enabling them to be more responsive to rapidly changing business strategies and the evolving needs of BCU’s members and employees.

IT as a Core Competency for Success

Scott Zulpo, Senior Vice President and Chief Technology Officer at BCU, emphasizes the strategic importance of IT in delivering business solutions to the credit union’s members. IT is considered a core competency for BCU’s success, as it enables the organization to stay competitive, innovative, and responsive to the evolving demands of the financial industry.

Employee Well-being and Outcome-based Workplace

BCU places a strong emphasis on employee well-being, recognizing it as essential to the credit union’s success. The post-pandemic work model at BCU is designed to provide flexibility, allowing employees to work where they work best. Unlike other hybrid models that mandate specific in-office days, BCU’s approach is more fluid. IT personnel local to the credit union’s headquarters are encouraged to come into the office on Wednesdays, with perks such as free lunches and barista-made coffee specials to enhance the workplace experience.

Support for Remote Workers and Enhanced Virtual Desktop Environment

BCU has also taken steps to support remote workers by launching an enhanced virtual desktop environment called “roam.” This environment provides employees with access to all necessary applications, regardless of their location. Additionally, BCU offers a range of training and checkpoint resources to foster productivity among remote workers. The credit union operates on a high level of trust and goal-oriented approach, allowing employees the flexibility to work remotely as long as they deliver high-level results.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) in the IT Organization

BCU is committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI), and the IT organization has embraced this principle. The IT team comprises a diverse mix of employees, with 36% identifying as part of a minority group and 32% of IT managers being women. This diversity brings different perspectives to the table, enhancing the process of building and optimizing a great member experience. BCU has also established employee resource groups (ERGs) to foster community and idea-sharing among various groups, including Asian, LatinX, women, African American, multigenerational, and Agile Innovation-focused ERGs.

Fostering Camaraderie and Collaboration

BCU recognizes the importance of fostering camaraderie and collaboration between IT and business users. The credit union hosts a variety of informal social and development events, both virtual and in-person, to bring employees together. These events include onsite food trucks, cookouts, happy hours, entertainment, and even therapy dog visits. By creating opportunities for employees to connect and be themselves, BCU fosters new ideas, higher levels of collaboration, and ultimately better outcomes for the organization.

BCU’s recognition of IT as a core competency for business success, combined with a focus on employee well-being, technological advancements, diversity, and collaboration, positions the credit union for continued growth and innovation in the ever-evolving financial industry.

The Impact of IT as a Core Competency at BCU

The recognition of IT as a core competency for business success at BCU has had a profound impact on the credit union’s operations and outcomes. The integration of IT and business strategy, along with the emphasis on employee well-being and technological advancements, has led to several significant effects that contribute to BCU’s success.

Enhanced Business Solutions and Innovation

By considering IT as a core competency, BCU has been able to deliver enhanced business solutions to its members. The close alignment between IT and business strategy enables the credit union to develop innovative products and services that meet the evolving needs of its members. The successful completion of 150 projects in the past year, including the conversion to a modern microservices architecture and the adoption of an agile value stream methodology, demonstrates the IT organization’s ability to drive innovation and deliver tangible results.

Improved Customer Experiences

The integration of IT into BCU’s business strategy has resulted in improved customer experiences. Through the implementation of digital banking and payment services, BCU has been able to provide seamless and convenient banking experiences to its members. The focus on delivering high-level results and the flexibility of remote work arrangements have allowed the IT organization to be responsive to the changing needs and expectations of customers, ensuring that their experiences with BCU are positive and satisfying.

Increased Operational Efficiency

IT as a core competency has also contributed to increased operational efficiency at BCU. The adoption of a modern microservices architecture and agile project delivery methodology has enabled the IT organization to respond quickly to business needs and implement changes more efficiently. This increased agility and responsiveness have streamlined internal processes, reduced operational bottlenecks, and improved overall efficiency within the credit union.

Positive Work Environment and Employee Satisfaction

The emphasis on employee well-being and the outcome-based workplace model at BCU has created a positive work environment and increased employee satisfaction. The flexibility to work where employees work best, the support for remote work, and the provision of resources and training for productivity have contributed to a healthy work-life balance and a sense of trust and autonomy among employees. The diverse and inclusive culture, fostered through employee resource groups and social events, further enhances employee satisfaction and engagement.

Continued Growth and Innovation

The effects of IT as a core competency at BCU position the credit union for continued growth and innovation. By recognizing the strategic importance of IT and investing in technological advancements, BCU remains competitive in the financial industry. The ability to adapt to changing business strategies and meet the evolving needs of members ensures that BCU can continue to innovate and provide value to its stakeholders.

The impact of IT as a core competency at BCU is evident in the enhanced business solutions, improved customer experiences, increased operational efficiency, positive work environment, and continued growth and innovation. By prioritizing IT and integrating it into their overall business strategy, BCU has positioned itself for long-term success in the dynamic and evolving financial landscape.