Technology Operating Model and Strategy for Transitioned Coal Business

Client Overview
A newly independent coal business in regional Australia had recently transitioned from a larger corporate group. With Day 1 operations underway, the business sought to establish a fit-for-purpose technology strategy and operating model to support safe, productive, and cost-efficient operations across its single-asset footprint.

Challenge
Following separation, the technology function required a ground-up reassessment to align with the organisation’s new scale, risk posture, and strategic ambitions. Many services had previously been provided by the former parent company, including enterprise systems, cybersecurity, governance, and infrastructure. The business needed a clear strategy for rebuilding its technology foundations without excessive complexity or cost.

Approach
Cravern led the development of a tailored technology operating model, starting with a capability map and baseline review of current systems and functions. Options were developed for different operating structures, including sourcing strategies, delivery responsibilities, and governance approaches. The preferred model was selected through a stakeholder workshop and aligned to the business's post-transition context. A pragmatic roadmap was also developed, outlining stabilisation actions, future-state initiatives, and scalable technology enablers.

Solution
The engagement delivered a technology strategy grounded in principles of lean operation, high availability, and long-term scalability. A centralised IT model was defined for initial stabilisation, with future transition points to a hub-and-spoke model as the business expands. Key decisions included retaining internal leadership and planning capabilities, outsourcing “run” functions to managed partners, embedding ERP and cybersecurity support, and building a services catalogue aligned to operational needs.

Impact
The strategy provided immediate stability while setting a clear path for future capability development. It restored ownership over critical systems, reduced ongoing risk, and established the technology function as a deliberate enabler of productivity, safety, and cost control.

Headline Note
Full operating model reset delivered within six months of corporate transition.