Working closely with our clients, we’ve identified that Exclusive Networks, a leading value-added distributor of cybersecurity products, faced challenges in sprint planning and resource management.
Earlier this year we supported them in adopting ActivityTimeline, a tool from our partners Reliex, to gain better visibility into capacity and time tracking. This case study explores how PMO expert Laura and her team implemented the solution and how the process felt from their perspective.
Some context, please.
Exclusive Networks specializes in cybersecurity distribution across IT and digital areas. Laura, a PMO with a technical background, joined the company rather recently (a matter of months) and she manages resources for IT and Digital teams, forecasting needs and spotting capacity conflicts early. So this project quickly became a priority for her.
In her role, Laura provides tools that help teams plan ahead. Before ActivityTimeline, the company lacked a dedicated system for structured resource planning. Early talks highlighted needs like hour-based sprint estimates instead of story points, time tracking split by CapEx/OpEx, and reports comparing planned versus actual time.
To make sure our client is involved in the selection process and is satisfied with the choice they make, we shortlisted the top 3 solutions that we knew could fit their needs and we organised discovery meetings with these app vendors. This way they have access not only to our expertise, but also directly to the app creators, and can identify themselves the pros and cons of each solution.
Every challenge has... at least one solution
Teams struggled with time tracking adoption. “The team members were not used to estimating time and capacity,” Laura noted. It took effort to help them understand the new process, but holidays synced with HR tools made it smoother.
The Reliex team saw clear core needs: sprint planning, capacity visibility, and combined reporting. Initially uncertain about full time tracking rollout, Exclusive Networks proceeded post-go-live, asking follow-up questions. A key custom feature added individual user holiday calendars, beyond standard team-level handling – this aids international teams broadly.
Adoption, adoption
In the end, adoption was accomplished, despite being a new tool and process. “Still adopting it,” Laura shared, but benefits emerged quickly. The setup now covers capacity planning, time tracking, and planned vs. actual analysis – a major step up in delivery maturity.
Results include better resource allocation of full-time equivalents (FTEs). Teams gained speed in delivery through customizing options and bug fixes. No exact percentages yet, as it’s early, but the tool resolves prior gaps in forecasting conflicts.
Why a Solution Partner and not DIY?
Laura praised highly everyone involved in the project, both on the vendor’s side and on the Solution Partner’s side. An initial Atlassian session proved unhelpful (too generic?), but Life in Codes delivered (the magic of custom answers to someone’s specific needs ✨).
“Only good words for Sultan’s support. His support is always a 10/10, good communication, clear instructions and good problem solving,” she said. “I’m very grateful to him.”
The ongoing partnership id more: it fixed bugs and added features fast, so it kept evolving after the actual implementation. The overall support boosted efficiency, which was exactly their objective – EFFICIENCY.
The main impact?
Faster delivery and fewer project mistakes, Amen!
Short-term gains include better capacity management within a year – it’s not a quick shot kind of project as it involves user adoption which is planned to improve over time.
Long-term, it optimizes employee efficiency and client impact through precise allocation.
“I do recommend LiC support,” Laura affirms. From no structured planning to a complete system, Exclusive Networks advanced reporting and operations. This maturity leap positions them for scalable growth in cybersecurity services. It takes maturity to realise when external help is needed and experts need to be involved in order to make the most sustainable decision for the future of a growing business.
Closing thought: maturity calls are not easy decisions
Exclusive Networks is still early in its journey, but the direction is clear. ActivityTimeline, together with Life in Codes, gave structure where there was none.
Sprint planning, capacity, and time tracking are now more visible and easier to manage. The custom holiday calendars and clear reporting support teams across countries. Laura especially values the fast response, clear communication, and problem-solving attitude.
What started as a search for a planning tool became a bigger maturity step in delivery and reporting. With this foundation, Exclusive Networks is better prepared to scale and deliver secure solutions to its clients.
