Malenfant secretly orchestrated SAP's involvement in SAAQclic through unofficial means.
SAAQ's Digital Transformation: Questions Surrounding Cost Increase and Transparency
The Société de l'assurance automobile du Québec (SAAQ) has been embroiled in controversy over the past few years, with questions being raised about the cost increase and lack of transparency in its digital transformation project.
In 2015, the estimated cost of the digital transformation was 458 million over 21 years. However, by 2017, the estimated cost had increased to 823 million over 15 years, following the project's market launch. This significant cost increase has raised concerns, with prosecutor Thériault-Marois questioning the lack of analysis or reflection regarding the increase.
The Auditor General of Quebec expressed similar concerns in a report, expressing worry about the proximity between SAP, the company leading the digital shift, and the Crown corporation. SAP was already active at SAAQ, making a "major investment" as it led employee workshops, and participated in multiple working sessions and exchanges for five months before recommending its own technology to replace the SAAQ's computer systems.
Karl Malenfant, the SAAQ's CEO, defended against the lack of transparency, assuring that all necessary information had been transmitted to the board of directors. He also mentioned that SAP was in "pre-sales mode," anticipating the call for tenders for the digital transformation contract.
In an email dated October 25, 2014, titled "Through unofficial channels - elements of reflection and subjects to share," Malenfant and Louise Savoie, a freelancer at SAAQ, discussed ways to ensure SAP was involved in the digital transformation contract. Malenfant even suggested to Savoie, in her next discussions with Pierre Lamarre, SAP's commercial representative, to "fish for understanding 'what conditions would ensure that SAP is at the table'."
Louise Savoie, who identified herself as an "informal link," also mentioned meeting two SAP commercial representatives, Pierre Lamarre and Guy Cossette. It is worth noting that SAP was one of the finalists in the 2015 call for tenders for the digital transformation contract at SAAQ.
The duo of SAP and LGS was retained in 2017 to realize the digital transformation. However, the person who took on the role of Digitalization Architect for SAAQ in the tender of the digitalization contract was not publicly disclosed.
The cost increase represents an additional 365 million with six years of less recurrence. Prosecutor Thériault-Marois also questioned the lack of transparency in the process, particularly regarding the decision to award the contract to SAP. The investigation into these matters continues, with Malenfant's testimony set to continue on Friday.
Meanwhile, other developments have caught the attention of keen observers. Attempts to hide the bruises of President Trump have been a topic of discussion, while the victim of a head found in Montreal was a 40-year-old man. These events serve as a reminder that the world continues to unfold, with various stories vying for our attention.
Read also:
- Rapid Expansion in Organic Rice Protein Market Projected at 15.6% Through 2034
- The Virtual Commissioning Market is projected to exceed $4.86 billion by the year 2034.
- Kenya broadens economic zones featuring Olkaria's geothermal energy advantage
- Accelerated Expansion of OCR Technology Market at a Rate of 15.5%
