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Since the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand (EGAT) installed component-based business software from IFS, it has increased operational efficiency, improved customer service, and made major savings. In fact, EGAT expects to reduce costs by 10% in the near future thanks to IFS Applications. Disparate Legacy Systems Could not Cope with Change
Reliability and availability are crucial aspects of EGAT’s operations because failure to supply electricity, besides inconveniencing consumers, can have a negative impact on the entire nation’s economics. When the Authority sought to integrate a new business unit for overhaul and maintenance, it discovered that its business software could not support the new business processes that resulted. Since its different business units used different IT systems and databases, they had trouble interfacing with each other. This made it difficult to respond rapidly to issues and provide accurate information to customers. Following a needs analysis, EGAT began to search for web-based business software that would enable it to integrate processes such as work orders, procurement, and project management in the same solution. Moreover, the Operation & Maintenance Unit required IT support for cost control, human resource planning, and timesheet control to improve operations and enhance customer satisfaction. The software would also have to meet future needs and developments at EGAT.
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Industry Know-how and Component Architecture
EGAT selected IFS from a short list of ERP vendors because IFS provided the best match for its needs. With component-based architecture and local support capacity, IFS offered a web-based solution that enabled step-by-step implementation. This ensured greater control and minimum disruption of operations. Also, IFS came with strong references as an ERP vendor to the energy & utilities sector. Mr. Sutat Patamasiriwat, Director, Business Project for Power Plant Operation & Routine Maintenance, said, “IFS displayed a deep understanding of our industry, business processes and requirements.”
Implementation on Schedule and within Budget
The implementation team-6 IFS Consultants and 60 key users from EGAT-completed the implementation on time and within budget. IFS places a strong focus on staff training and knowledge transfer during implementation so now EGAT’s own key users provide internal first-level support. Mr. Sutat adds, “Policy changes at EGAT during the implementation added to the scope of work, but IFS provided strong support to stay on course and within the framework of our budget. This dedication to resolving issues and to meeting our needs permeates IFS’ entire approach.”
Immediate Improvements and Better Service
“We are highly satisfied with IFS Applications, which has fully met all our business requirements. The investment is worthwhile considering the huge benefits we have gained. Integration capability is one of the greatest advantages, apart from its latest features and functionalities offered together with the web-based technology,” said Mr. Sutat.
EGAT began to realize benefits immediately after go live. Because the entire business unit shares the same database, users can access information more easily. This has increased efficiency throughout the unit. Moreover, IFS Applications enhanced quality control, resource planning, follow-up of work-in-progress, work control, and a number of other processes, including documentation.
Cost savings were another benefit. EGAT has saved about US $48 million annually (about US $29 million per year for the Maintenance Division). And the Authority expects to achieve a 10% reduction in costs in the near future.
Another result of investing in IFS Applications is that the greater efficiency achieved has enabled EGAT to offer better service to its customers and develop customer relationships.
“I am confident that IFS is one of the best ERP providers for our business as well as for the others—be it small or large. I strongly recommend IFS Applications as one of the best choices for any organization,” concludes Mr. Sutat.
About EGAT
EGAT, the Electricity Generating Authority of Thailand, is the biggest electricity supplier in Thailand generating electricity and transmitting it to two distributing authorities, which then deliver supply to the users across the country. EGAT's direct customers also include a small number of large industries. Annual revenue was approximately US $5 billion in 2004, and the company has 27,000 employees. EGAT builds, owns and, operates a variety of power plants across the country with a combined installed capacity of 15,000 MW, about 59% of the country's generating capacity.
Benefits
• Improved efficiency in quality control, work control, resource planning, follow-up on work-in-progress, analysis, and P&L reports.
• Cost savings totaling US $48 million annually (about US $29 million per year for the Maintenance Division).
• Estimated 10% cost reduction to be realized in the near future.
• Better service improves customer relationships.
• Better documentation
• Easy-to-use interfaces
• Easier access to information
Software
IFS Financials
IFS Distribution
IFS Maintenance
IFS Sales & Marketing
IFS Project Management
IFS Document Management
IFS Web Solution
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“We are highly satisfied with IFS Applications, which has fully met all our business requirements. The investment is worthwhile considering the huge benefits we have gained.”
Mr. Sutat Patamasiriwat, Director, Business Project for Power Plant Operation & Routine Maintenance
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