Spatial meets ERP: The value of integration
The Advantages of Integration
Alone, both SRP and ERP alone are powerful, enterprise-level systems that allow an
organization to function more effectively. But when working together, they have a synergistic
effect that brings more value to each.
The seamless blending of SRP- and ERP-based information creates unprecedented opportunities
to streamline work processes, improve customer service, evaluate operational issues, identify
strategic opportunities and make better-informed business decisions.
The integration of these systems opens up a whole new realm of possibilities. A few examples
from a utility environment with integrated SRP-ERP systems:
- Customer service personnel can give callers immediate answers on the availability of service
to a new residential or commercial location.
- Planners, engineers and financial officers can share the same information on market growth
projections and current network facilities, so they can keep the company on well managed,
adequately funded growth path.
- Dispatchers and repair crews can operate more efficiently with real-time access to complete
and accurate information on the state of the distribution network-including customer reports
of outages and the precise location of facilities.
These are just a few examples of the way in which utility personnel can gain from the integration
of SRP and ERP systems. There are potentially hundreds of other applications.
In a mature, integrated ERP-SRP environment, all records relating to assets in a distribution
network can be viewed via standard applications on the desktop. In larger environments,
thousands of users could have access to the same data-whenever they need it. This opens up a
wealth of possibilities to streamline processes, cut costs and improve customer service-the keys
to success in a competitive business environment.
Why Aren't We There Today?
All of this begs the question of why the integration of SRP and ERP systems is for many utilities
largely an activity of the decade ahead rather than the previous decade.
The answer goes back to the problem of standalone IT solutions. The first order of business has
been the integration of the systems and processes that use business data and the integration of the
systems and processes that use spatial data. This ongoing work has brought us comprehensive
ERP solutions and emerging yet powerful SRP solutions.
At the same time, the underlying technology that supports this integration is just emerging. At a
technical level, integrated ERP and SRP solutions are made possible by developments in IT that
allow bundles of spatial data from an SRP system to be viewed as just another data record in an
ERP system. This means that it is now possible for facilities and operational data to be viewed
alongside corresponding data related to financial transactions, human resources and historical
records.
And, finally, recent advances in communications networks and desktop computing systems allow
utilities to gain the greatest benefit from the integration of systems. Today's Web browsers and
company intranets, for instance, make it possible for virtually any user on a corporate network to
access and view data from across the enterprise-as long as systems are integrated.
And none of this is to say that integrated ERP-SRP solutions are not at work today. They are a
reality in some forward-looking utilities. New Orleans-based Entergy, for instance, has an
operational ERP-SRP solution at work today. This solution encompasses a comprehensive.
Operations Management System that supports both day-to-day network management as well as
emergency outage management activities. The system tracks reports of outages in the utility's
electric distribution system, runs network traces, identifies common pieces of equipment that are
related to all calls and makes predictions about devices that may have failed.
Entergy's Operations Management System, in turn, is integrated with the company's Oraclebased
Agent Information System, which holds information used by customer service
representatives. The integration of the two systems allows customer service representatives to
use the Agent Information System to enter reports of outages, which are passed on to the
Operations Management System, and to access information from the Operations Management
System on the locations, causes and expect duration of outages. This makes it possible for
customer service representatives to give customers specific, accurate information on why they
lost power and when they can expect power to be restored.
When you look around the industry, you can find many other examples of progressive utilities
that are already realizing the benefits of ERP-SRP integration. But, at the same time, you can
find many examples of companies that aren't there in any meaningful way-companies that are
held back by patchworks of older information systems and ineffective processes.
As we enter a new decade-one that is sure to bring continuing dramatic changes in the utility
industry-utilities would do well to follow the lead of the progressive companies that are already
capitalizing on investments in integrated ERP-SRP solutions. Today, across North America
alone, dozens of forward-looking utilities are moving ahead-with blistering speed, in many
cases-with extremely functional, tightly integrated ERP-SRP solutions. They are demonstrating
the potential of integrated solutions to cut costs, create operational efficiencies, and improve
service delivery and deliver competitive advantage.
At a technology level, we have what we need. Now, the issue is more a matter of the human
dynamic. We need to recognize the potential of ERP-SRP integration, set high goals and push
forward.
