National Grid Smart selects IFS Applications 9 to support move to smart meters
Installation and operation of next-generation meters in UK homes to be managed by IFS enterprise software
IFS, the global enterprise applications company, announces that it is supporting UK-based National Grid’s new smart meter business, National Grid Smart, with the deployment of IFS Applications™ 9 across the company’s core business operations.
National Grid Smart’s goal of introducing smart meters into UK homes began in November 2016 and the solution supports the procurement, scheduling, and installation of new meters.
National Grid Smart offers a fully-managed smart meter service to national energy suppliers, with services ranging from asset financing and installation to managed logistics and customer communications. Each phase of the company’s rollout is supported by core IFS Applications functionality including financials, procurement, asset management, project management, service management, and mobile workforce management.
Among other benefits, IFS’s solution will provide a constant feed of installation and procurement data from engineers in the field via the IFS Mobile Work Order application, enabling National Grid Smart to monitor progress and address initial challenges swiftly.
IFS was selected as the lead software provider for the program following a competitive six-month selection and procurement process, which saw a range of solution providers assessed for their ability to deliver a tailored ERP system within a tight timeframe, and integrate with existing systems used by national energy suppliers and sub-contractors.
National Grid’s smart meter program is expected to deliver a range of benefits for consumers and organizations, including:
- The provision of real-time information on energy usage to both consumers and suppliers
- Enhanced ability to manage energy usage, fix problems, and save money
- An end to estimated billing—consumers and organizations will only be billed for the energy they actually use
- Easier switching—smoother and faster to switch suppliers to get the best deals
“The implementation of IFS Applications 9 mirrors the concept of smarter thinking that underpins our smart metering program, helping us access vital information in real-time to ensure that we’re able to meet tight project deadlines and, in the long-term, ensure a smooth roll out of interconnected smart meters.” Kerri Matthews, Director of National Grid Smart, said. “IFS’s solution stood out to us as a user-friendly ‘single’ system, which could centralize our data management capability, be deployed and adapted within a tight timeframe and which will work seamlessly with our wider solution landscape. We were particularly impressed with the speed of deployment—we had initial system functionality up and running in two months. IFS’s solutions have been viewed as trailblazing internally, and we’re excited about the opportunities they’ll create for us as we transform the way consumers and organizations use energy.”
Paul Massey, Managing Director of IFS in the UK, said, “We are delighted to announce this significant win in the UK energy and utilities sector, and especially in the rapidly growing market for smart meters. With the rise of interconnected devices and the Internet of Things, we see smart meters as a major step for the UK on the digitization ladder, and are delighted that NG Smart chose IFS Applications to deliver the timely, integrated solution it was looking for.”
Along with the deployment of IFS Applications 9 across National Grid Smart’s operations, IFS will also provide service support to integrate into the organization’s current solution set, and automate a number of processes.
Christine Murphy, Marketing Manager, IFS UK. Telephone: 44 (0) 149 44 28 991, press@ifsworld.com
About National Grid Smart
National Grid Smart ltd was incorporated in January 2016 and is a subsidiary of National Grid within the Non-Regulated Business division. National Grid Smart offers a fully-managed smart meter service to national energy suppliers, with services ranging from asset financing and installation to managed logistics and customer communications. For more information visit: http://nationalgridsmart.com/
About IFS
IFS™ is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM). Founded in 1983, IFS bring customers in targeted sectors closer to their business, helps them be more agile and prepare for what's next in their industry. IFS’s 2,800 employees support more than 1 million users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing ecosystem of partners. For more information, visit: IFSworld.com.
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