Rapid Data Loss Mitigation and Microsoft 365 Deployment

CASE STUDY - EUROPEAN PHARMACEUTICAL ORGANISATION

Laboratory microscope representing pharmaceutical technology transformation

The Requirement

The client needed to progress a key technology workstream within its wider business transformation. An early priority was moving users to Microsoft 365 and using OneDrive as the user data file store.

Maxica was asked to help address the technical and delivery dependencies that could prevent the migration from progressing safely and at pace. The work needed to protect user data, modernise the Microsoft 365 update approach and give the project team clear visibility of delivery progress.

Pharmaceutical production line representing a complex enterprise rollout

The Challenge

Two areas of technical debt required rapid attention. Following migration from shared local file servers to OneDrive, a growing number of users were accessing locally cached copies of shared data. This created a material risk of data loss and required immediate remediation.

At the same time, the Microsoft 365 estate needed to move to Microsoft’s monthly update channel so users could benefit from regular automated patching and a more current service. The deployment also required a change in user behaviour: employees needed to adopt a self-service upgrade process across a geographically dispersed organisation.

Pharmaceutical scientist representing a data-led delivery approach

Our Approach

Rapid mobilisation: The client was already using Maxica’s flexible Project Management as a Service model, enabling an experienced project manager to be engaged quickly.

Data-led control: Data from Active Directory, ManageEngine and custom scripts was consolidated and analysed to create real-time dashboards and data-capture forms covering daily targets, resource requirements, burn rates and progress.

Focused change: The Microsoft 365 rollout combined a simple self-service upgrade route with communications through email, newsletters, direct messaging and business champions in five languages.

Laboratory work representing controlled Microsoft 365 remediation

Our Solution

Maxica coordinated the remediation of OneDrive users at risk from locally cached shared data while supporting migration activity and the Microsoft 365 estate update.

Real-time reporting converted technical deployment data into actionable management information. This enabled the steering committee to identify issues early, understand resource needs and take informed action to maintain delivery momentum.

Users were provided with a straightforward portal-based Microsoft 365 upgrade package, supported by multilingual communications designed to increase adoption of the self-service route.

Sterile pharmaceutical production representing controlled delivery outcomes

Benefits

81,256 files migrated as part of the data transition.

1,067 users updated to Microsoft 365.

583 OneDrive users remediated to address the identified data-loss risk.

More than 60% self-service adoption, demonstrating a significant change in user behaviour.

12-country rollout in five languages, delivered in eight weeks, one week ahead of schedule and within budget.

Pharmaceutical specialist representing skilled project leadership

Why it Worked

The engagement combined rapid access to experienced project leadership with detailed delivery data and focused change communications.

The PMaaS model allowed the client to add capability quickly. Real-time dashboards created a shared view of progress and supported timely steering decisions. The self-service deployment route was kept simple for users and reinforced through multilingual communications and business champions.

Maxica consultant discussing technology delivery

Learn More

If you need to reduce technology delivery risk, accelerate a Microsoft 365 deployment or add experienced project leadership at short notice, Maxica can help you structure the work, improve delivery visibility and maintain momentum.

Call us on 0333 700 2014

Email us on hello@maxica.com