A wide variety of stakeholders made it natural to involve representatives at an early stage, learn about their challenges and desires and secure their early commitment to the new initiative. This tactic has proved valuable in making the final product, as the insights can guide decision-making, and potential conflicts are uncovered early so they can be effectively mitigated.

Creating extensive visual prototypes is a solid strategy for avoiding the ambiguity of language-heavy slide decks and instead discussing the solution itself and how it will be used. The prototypes have sparked many healthy discussions and reassured management that the project is going in the right direction and has the momentum they are looking for. This visual type of specifying future systems was adopted all the way through the call for tenders with great success.

With a highly visual specification and extensive research and testing to back it up, the call for tenders could be arranged as a ‘tender with negotiations’.

A number of suppliers can be shortlisted from among relevant applicants, and after proposals have been received from the shortlisted suppliers, negotiations can begin. The negotiations help further qualify the offers, and the tenderers have a chance to revise their proposals based on feedback received before the final selection. This process has proved to create well-qualified partnerships and enable the desired solution to be realized effectively.

With early stakeholder involvement, visual specifications and new tender strategies, the Danish Road Directorate has a new and effective toolbox for future digital projects.

Technology is an integral part of providing a modern and efficient service, and new digital projects are already presenting themselves. With this new toolbox and a solid partnership, we are ready to take on these new challenges.