Digitization platforms: The X4 BPMS networks the utility industry
As part of a digitization offensive, Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH (WWN), headquartered in Paderborn, implemented a mobile solution for civil engineering in its latest project. This enables employees of subcontractors (e.g. planners, construction workers or craftsmen) to transfer data directly from the construction site to the SAP system of the municipal energy network operator using a tablet or smartphone. The X4 BPMS digitization platform from SoftProject serves as a central data hub and intelligent link between the web-based portal and the back-end systems. The automated data exchange avoids errors, multiple entries or duplicate data storage and accelerates processes.
“With the X4 Enterprise Service Bus (ESB), we integrate portals from the cloud into our existing SAP-centric IT landscape and ensure smooth communication without media discontinuity: both between the systems and between the employees involved in the project,” says Uwe Jeschke, division manager for the utilities industry at SoftProject GmbH. The data required for process automation is coupled directly with the SAP modules via the powerful adapters of X4 BPMS. For example, debtors, PM orders or functional locations can be created. Customers and clerks thus benefit from smooth and user-friendly workflows with maximum transparency and data quality.
The network operator has been automating and accelerating its business processes with X4 BPMS since 2018. Before the “Tiefbau App” project, the digitization experts from SoftProject implemented the digital network connection process together with other partner companies. Processes were simplified as a result – among other things, due to the elimination of manual activities — both for new customers and for the clerks, and the workload was significantly reduced.
“As a modern company, we rely on intelligent and digital technologies, automation, and digitization. In this way, we increase efficiency and enhance customer satisfaction, which is our top priority along with topics such as security of supply,” says Birgit Schmidt, project manager and responsible for E2E process integration at Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH. “With SoftProject, we have an experienced partner that convinces us with its digitization expertise and with its products.”
Further projects based on the X4 ESB are planned. In the future, (distributed) data from cloud-based feeder systems will be collected and made available to users via dashboards for evaluations and process monitoring. As a flexible central data hub, the X4 BPMS will also be used in the context of Redispatch 2.0. “The digitization projects will continue to make an important contribution to increasing customer satisfaction and efficiency at Westfalen Weser Netz GmbH in the coming years,” Birgit Schmidt is sure.