HERMES 2022 - What do you need to know?

Jérôme Galeuchet has been a member of the eCH specialist group HERMES since 2013, is HERMES 2022 Advanced certified and has decades of experience as a project manager. In this interview, he comments on the most important changes of HERMES 2022 and gives advice for implementation.

What is HERMES?

Jérôme, you have gained a lot of experience with project management during your career and often work in administration. Can you briefly explain what HERMES is?

HERMES is basically a project management method developed by the Swiss Confederation. Every seven to eight years there is a new HERMES version. Now HERMES 2022 has replaced the previous HERMES 5.

HERMES serves as a project management tool for the management, control and implementation of projects of all kinds. In addition to IT projects, which are the norm, HERMES can also be used to implement non-IT projects such as the integration of new products or even reorganizations.

Project Management Method - The Key to Success

Why is it important to apply project management methods?

In the past, a majority of projects were not successfully implemented. The application of a project management method massively increases the probability of successful implementation.

HERMES 2022 offers many tools that support the success of a project. Right from the start, a project appears well structured through the application of HERMES. The procedure on the way to implementation is clear from the start. There are role descriptions, defined delivery results and the distribution of tasks is in place.

HERMES in a new guise

What are the most important changes in HERMES 2022?

I would like to mention the most important 2 changes.

First, the focus with HERMES 2022 is now more on the user. Second, HERMES 2022 now enables an adaptive approach. It is still possible to handle projects in the classic way, as we know it from HERMES. With version 2022, however, it is now also possible to handle projects in an agile manner. There is both the variant of completely agile project management, as well as a hybrid approach, in which the classic and agile project management is used as a mixture. In my opinion, it is important in this day and age to ensure this flexibility in the implementation of projects.

HERMES 2022 in practice

How do you rate these changes and what will actually change in practice?

I appreciate these changes very much, especially with regard to agility. The reason for this is that the world we live in is constantly changing and I consider it very important that a project management method like HERMES takes this reality into account.

Implementation of HERMES 2022

Where do you see the biggest challenge in implementing HERMES 2022? Will there be any difficulties?

The greatest challenge certainly lies in the combination of traditional and agile approaches. Consequently, good and clear communication is a prerequisite. It must be clearly defined in which cases which methods are used. Furthermore, a well-founded training of all those involved is indispensable.

A difficulty can also be the integration of the project management method into the organization. Typically, architecture as well as controlling topics represent hurdles in the integration. The question must be answered as to how these topics can be wisely integrated with HERMES.

Personal experience

What kind of experience have you already had with HERMES 2022?

I was already there for the pilot test, as well as for the first pilot project. The experience has been very positive. I can already see the first added values of HERMES 2022.

Convert to HERMES 2022

What would you like to share with people who are now transitioning to HERMES 2022?

HERMES 2022 is definitely a change that brings certain challenges. At the same time, however, it is also an opportunity for improvement. I recommend that the responsible persons really take the time to familiarize themselves with the topic and that they share the experiences of others in their networks.