Project Information Control System (PICS) Modernization & Technical Assessment
Client: Port of Los Angeles (POLA)
Project: Technical Assessment & Upgrade Path for PICS
• Single Point of Contact (SPOC)
Modernizing a Mission-Critical Project Management Platform
E.K Associates partnered with the Port of Los Angeles to assess and modernize the technical foundation of its Project Information Control System (PICS)—a key system supporting capital project planning, reporting, and governance. Acting as the Contract Manager and Single Point of Contact (SPOC), our team led a comprehensive evaluation of POLA’s legacy Project Server environment and charted the upgrade path from Project Server 2010 to Project Server 2016.
Through deep technical analysis, structured testing, and strategic recommendations, we enabled POLA to reduce operational risk, improve reporting capabilities, and prepare PICS for long-term scalability and integration.
The E.K Advantage
Comprehensive Assessment of the Legacy Environment
We performed an in-depth evaluation of the existing Project Server 2010 landscape—including databases, web applications, workflows, service components, and integration touchpoints.
Multi-Stage Migration Testing & Validation
Our engineers executed sequential test migrations from 2010 → 2013 → 2016, validating the full upgrade path to ensure compatibility, stability, and data integrity at every stage.
Tools, Process, and Upgrade Strategy Recommendations
We reviewed POLA’s operational processes and recommended tools, methodologies, and modernization strategies to support a seamless transition to Project Server 2016.
Data Model Development for Future Integrations
E.K designed a robust data model to support smooth integration between PICS and the upgraded Project Server 2016 environment.
PICS DLL Compatibility & Technical Feasibility Review
We conducted a feasibility study to determine whether the existing PICS integration DLL—built for Project Server 2010—could operate within the 2016 framework.
Enhanced CIP Dashboard & Reporting Options
Our team evaluated alternative solutions for implementing the CIP Dashboard using SQL Server Reporting Services (SSRS) and other modern reporting approaches.
Database & Integration Impact Analysis
We documented key differences between Project Server 2010 and 2016 databases, identifying impacts on PICS integration, reporting logic, and downstream data dependencies.
Final Technical Report & Modernization Roadmap
The engagement culminated in a detailed final report that included:
· Proof-of-concept (POC) findings
· Technical feasibility outcomes
· Migration strategy and project plan
· Scope, risks, and recommended next steps
Impact Delivered
✔ A validated, low-risk upgrade path from Project Server 2010 to 2016
✔ Improved integration design for long-term PICS compatibility
✔ Clear technical roadmap to modernize POLA’s project management ecosystem
✔ Enhanced reporting and dashboard opportunities through SSRS and modern data models
✔ Reduced operational vulnerabilities from aging infrastructure
