Power transmission operator ELES gains agility with Microsoft Dynamics 365

ELES, Slovenia's electric power transmission operator, knows a thing or two about keeping the current flowing. “We like to think of ourselves as the guardians of the Slovenian electric power transmission systems,” shares Tamara Slapar, Deputy Information and Communications Technology Director at ELES. “Our primary goal is to ensure safe, reliable, and uninterrupted transmission of electricity.”

In 2012, ELES started its search for an enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution. Its system of manual data entry was not sustainable at scale and hindered informed decision-making. Together with partner BE-terna, it implemented Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, an on-premises system. However, ELES soon realized that its version of the platform was too heavily customized. “This situation made it impossible to technically upgrade or transition to newer ERP versions. We were stuck with a solution that was not upgradable,” explains Slapar.

An evergreen and cost-efficient alternative

ELES decided to consider a cloud-based solution. “The world is moving to the cloud. We realized that it would give us an evergreen solution, and it would be as cost-effective as possible,” Slapar shares. After a total cost of ownership (TCO) analysis, ELES turned to its long-time partners, BE-terna and Microsoft, to make another transition, this time to Microsoft Dynamics 365.

“We successfully conducted a fit-gap analysis, developed all the gaps in different sprints, and BE-terna handled the development according to these defined sprints,” recalls Slapar. “We started user training sessions just two weeks after signing the contract, where we showed users how to complete standard processes with their data in the new solution. We also received strong support from our top management during the implementation.”

Today, over 200 ELES employees come together on a single platform. They use various interconnected modules for everything from human resources and payroll to project management and procurement. This was only possible because the implementation team had set up a great foundation. “The key is to establish workflows and input as much essential information as possible from the start,” explains Slapar. “After that, documents or tasks seamlessly transition between stages. We have all the prior details at hand, and we know what’s next, which makes our lives easier.”

ELES uses Azure Logic Apps to connect the ERP system with other systems like the document management system (DMS) and Asset Management tool. And so, Dynamics 365 ensures that all relevant information, including documents related to public procurements, financial data, and project progress reports, is centrally accessible and updated. This integration facilitates a more efficient workflow, improved collaboration between departments, and a more transparent process. And with Power BI, ELES staff can easily consolidate data from multiple sources and view a comprehensive history of every process within the solution.

Informed decisions for continuity

With a central hub that empowers employees to track and manage resources in real time, ELES can now make more informed decisions. With comprehensive, automated, and standardized reports—ELES has even enhanced its compliance with local and regional legislation. This includes complying with Slovenian and European security guidelines by amplifying data protection and cybersecurity measures.

Looking back on a successful implementation, Slapar acknowledges the role of ELES’ long-standing collaborators. “BE-terna is more than a provider; they are partners. Our entire implementation coincided with the global pandemic, which meant that we had to work from home. But thanks to BE-terna's in-depth understanding of our processes and their agility, we had a smooth transition. And none of this would have been successful without proper support from Microsoft.”

Now that ELES is all set with a future-proof, scalable solution, it continues to look for more opportunities for improvement. “We have ongoing digital transformation projects within the company, including robotic process automation. Currently, we're analyzing certain processes to identify gaps and opportunities for automation, with the aim of alleviating administrative burdens,” concludes Slapar. “I am excited about all the new features and products being launched. I am confident these tools will help us improve further and work more effectively.”