UniSuper, one of Australia’s leading superannuation funds, has significantly enhanced its project management capabilities with the implementation of Altus, a Microsoft Power Platform-based solution implemented by Sensei Project Solutions. Transitioning from fragmented tools and rigid systems, UniSuper now benefits from a centralised, customisable platform. With Altus, they now benefit from real-time insights that support UniSuper’s strategic vision of Scale and Simplification.
As the organisation continues to optimise its use of Altus, it experiences improved visibility, flexibility, and user engagement across its project portfolio. For more than 40 years, UniSuper has been managing superannuation for people employed in the higher education and research sectors.
UniSuper manages approximately $149 billion in assets for more than 650,000 members (as at 31 December 2024). With a commitment to delivering value for its members, UniSuper oversees a dynamic portfolio of projects. They range from small initiatives to multimillion-dollar undertakings, totalling approximately $60-70 million annually.
The search for a more flexible project management platform
Prior to Altus, project management at UniSuper was hindered by disparate tools. In particular, a heavy reliance on Excel spreadsheets, and a rigid, off-the-shelf solution that lacked flexibility. As a result, UniSuper PMO Manager Chi Keen Low explains, “We couldn’t get the information we needed. Every team wanted to slice and dice data differently, and our systems just couldn’t keep up.”
The lack of a consolidated platform made it difficult to achieve visibility across projects, customise reporting, or adapt to evolving organisational needs. Additionally, changing data consumption requirements for varied audiences within the organisation further complicated matters.
Whiteboards and manual processes further compounded inefficiencies, limiting the ability to scale and communicate effectively.
Recognising these challenges, UniSuper sought a solution that could centralise data, enable customisation, and support dynamic reporting. The project fit within a broader digital transformation strategy. Following a competitive RFP process, Altus was selected for its flexibility, robust integration with Microsoft Power BI, and ability to deliver value for UniSuper’s members.
The ultimate project portfolio management solution
A valued Altus partner, Sensei Project Solutions took a collaborative and phased approach to deploying Altus. This ensured alignment with UniSuper’s unique requirements. The implementation began with data migration from legacy systems, followed by extensive stakeholder engagement and tailored training sessions for project managers, PMO staff, and other users.
Altus’ foundation on the Microsoft Power Platform was crucial to the success. It allowed UniSuper to customise workflows, labels, and reporting to suit its needs, addressing the rigidity of previous tools.
However, the transition to production presented inevitable challenges, notes Low. “Nothing goes perfectly on day one in a major software implementation,” he notes, adding that the test of vendor and solution is more about how issues are handled, rather than their existence.
Issues such as incorrect permissions, unexpected integration hurdles, and the need for label adjustments surfaced, providing an opportunity for Sensei’s team to shine. Responding with agility and working closely with UniSuper, the flexible Altus platform was refined and customised through iterative tweaks. From adjusting terminology to enhancing access controls, these changes ensured Altus aligned with UniSuper’s operational realities.
“They’ve been fantastic—accommodating, collaborative, and always ready to propose solutions. If all our vendors and platforms were like Sensei and Altus, life would be easier”
Chi Keen Low
PMO Manager, UniSuper
A key component of the rollout was change management. Sensei provided persona-based training modules within Altus. This enabled users (which include 20 to 30 project managers, 10 to 15 PMO staff, up to 5 Risk Managers, multiple report users and hundreds of timesheet submitters) to learn the system in a test environment. Regular feedback sessions and support groups helped address teething issues, fostering user adoption and confidence.
Low remarks, “We provided plenty of support and change management to get our people on board with Altus… We also made sure it was the only solution available for project management, which really helped drive adoption!”
Key outcomes with Altus
Custom integrated reports
Allowing tailored insights via seamless Power BI integration.
Improved Project Visibility
Enabling better decision-making and resource allocation.
Streamlined Processes
Through built-in business case templates and timesheet tracking
High User Engagement
With reduced complaints and teams relying on Altus daily.
Long-term benefits for UniSuper
Since going live, Altus has transformed UniSuper’s project management landscape. With over 200 projects already delivered and around 60 projects a year with an annual value of $60-70 million under management at any time, UniSuper now benefits from a single source of truth.
“We used to hear complaints about not getting information,” Low says. “Those complaints are gone. Now, if there’s any issue with access to Altus, people say they’re going home – it has become that crucial to our everyday operations.”
The platform’s flexibility has proven invaluable to an organisation where requirements for reporting and data consumption are in constant flux among a wide user base. Altus allows UniSuper to customise reports and integrates seamlessly with Power BI, enabling teams to slice and dice data to meet individual needs.
Features like built-in business case templates and timesheet tracking have streamlined processes, while ongoing enhancements—driven by user feedback—ensure the system evolves with the organisation.
Qualitatively, Altus has delivered significant benefits, confirms Low. He says project visibility has improved, enabling better decision-making and resource allocation. The reduction in user complaints around information access reflects high engagement, with teams actively relying on Altus for daily operations.
Low emphasises the cultural shift: “We’ve seen issues move from people having problems finding what they need, to giving feedback where they are seeking more from the system. It’s a good place to be, because it means we’re equipped to keep improving Altus for our people.”
The implementation has also aligned with UniSuper’s strategic goals of Scale and Simplification. By consolidating project management into one platform, UniSuper has laid a foundation for future growth.
Meanwhile, lessons learned—such as the importance of delving into granular details like end-of-month processes—have informed other enterprise projects, reinforcing the value of thorough preparation and careful delivery.
Reflecting on the partnership, Low praises both Altus and the Sensei team. “They’ve been fantastic—accommodating, collaborative, and always ready to propose solutions. If all our vendors and platforms were like Sensei and Altus, life would be easier,” he smiles.
As UniSuper continues its digital transformation, Altus remains a cornerstone, proving that the right tool, paired with the right partner, can turn challenges into opportunities for innovation and efficiency.
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