Overview
A regional public utility authority serving over 50,000 residents sought to replace its aging, siloed software systems with a modern, integrated ERP platform. The goal was to enhance operational efficiency, improve data visibility, and provide better services to both internal teams and the public.
Challenges
- Multiple legacy systems were creating inefficiencies, duplicate data entry, and limited access to real-time insights.
- Utility billing, asset management, payroll, and GIS data were housed in separate platforms with limited or no integration.
- The client required both on-premise and cloud-ready flexibility, with high cybersecurity standards (e.g., NIST 800-171, SOC 2 compliance).
- Staff resources were limited, necessitating a phased implementation with intuitive workflows and minimal disruption.
Our Solution
Apex Consultants led the ERP transformation, partnering with a cybersecurity expert to ensure a secure and compliant deployment. Our approach included:
🔹 Unified ERP Platform – Integrated utility billing, HR, payroll, finance, operations, and asset management into a centralized system.
🔹 GIS & CMMS Integration – Leveraged existing ESRI GIS data for asset tracking, predictive maintenance, and capital planning.
🔹 Customer Portal Deployment – Enabled online bill pay, usage tracking, and real-time service notifications, improving customer engagement.
🔹 Advanced Reporting & Dashboards – Provided role-based dashboards and ad-hoc reporting tools for finance, engineering, and customer service.
🔹 Cybersecurity & Compliance – Delivered a solution aligned with federal cybersecurity and data privacy frameworks, including MFA and full audit logs.
Results
- 40% reduction in manual data entry across departments
- Full digitization of HR onboarding and payroll processes
- Real-time reporting across operations and finance functions
- Improved response time for maintenance work orders through mobile CMMS
- Successful rollout of a secure customer portal with online payment and service alerts
Key Takeaway
This project highlights the power of a well-executed ERP strategy in the public utility space. With a scalable architecture, secure design, and user-centric implementation, the authority is now better equipped to manage infrastructure, serve its constituents, and plan for future growth.
