“BKW ERP2NIS“– INTEGRATION FOR BETTER DATA QUALITY AND MORE PROCESS SPEED
In the scope of the project “SAP2NIS“ and “PM2NIS“ the BKW planned a direct connection between the IT of the network infrastructure and the business processes of SAP ERP’s. We were responsible for conception and technical realization of a powerful and stable bidirectional interface between SAP ISU and EAM in order to support the interoperability of the systems.
THE CHALLENGES
As part of an enterprise-wide IT strategy. BKW planned the data integration of the grid information system which incorporates a physical and geographical power grid infrastructure and SAP ERP. Furthermore, it was necessary to include the maintenance processes in the SAP module Plant Management (PW; now Enterprise Asset Management EAM).
With the implementation of this requirement two subprojects emerged: “SAP2NIS”, which ensured the “hard” interconnection of data objects between SAP IS-U, and NIS. And in the context of “PM2NIS” maintenance processes and process integration were assimilated in EAM.
Another requirement was the inclusion of the Oracle Service Bus (OSB) as an interface application, as part of BKW’s general IT strategy.
OUR APPROACH
To reduce project complexity and ensure to meet the requirements within the systems of SAP, OSB and NIS, various technical approaches were analyzed and evaluated in Proof of Concepts.
Utilizing the SOAP web service, we developed a bidirectional interface, that enabled communication and data exchange between systems. To maintain data quality and interface stability, we also implemented monitoring tools via SAP workflow, during the subproject “SAP2NIS”.
THE RESULT
Clear advantage due to integration of network infrastructure information with SAP ERP: A performant interface based on webservices enabled the bidirectional communication between systems using the Oracle Service Bus and NIS. Data integrity could be vastly improved with data cleansing, especially SAP-ERP data. Synchronization of ERP data and infrastructure objects allows the direct branching into the corresponding system, thus creating significant optimization potential for maintaining network infrastructure. Due to high data information density, customer focused processes, like planning and execution of new connections within the BKW supply area, could be improved.
ABOUT BKW
The BKW Group is an internationally active energy and infrastructure company headquartered in Bern. It employs around 10,500 people. Thanks to its network of companies and its innovative technologies, it offers its customers comprehensive expertise in the areas of infrastructure, buildings and energy. It plans, builds and operates energy production and supply infrastructures for companies, private individuals and the public sector, and offers digital business models for renewable energies. Today, the BKW Group’s portfolio ranges from planning and consulting in engineering for energy, infrastructure and environmental projects to integrated offerings in the field of building technology and the construction, service and maintenance of energy, telecommunications, transport and water networks.
