Powerlink Queensland Replatforms SAP System for Enhanced Performance

Powerlink Queensland is undergoing a significant transformation in its enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems as part of a broader digital vision to optimize its operations and enhance access to key information and services for stakeholders. The company is currently in the process of migrating its SAP system from its own Azure instance to SAP’s managed cloud infrastructure, a move that is about 50 percent complete. This shift is part of Powerlink’s broader strategy to modernize its ERP infrastructure, which is expected to provide more efficient and scalable systems to meet future needs.

Mark Pozdena, the General Manager of Business IT at Powerlink, spoke in detail about the migration on the iTnews Podcast, highlighting the company’s progress and key motivations behind the move to “RISE with SAP.” A significant aspect of this transition is the opportunity to leverage SAP’s artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities, including Joule, SAP’s AI copilot that enables natural language interaction with the SAP system. Pozdena shared that the company was eager to adopt this technology, having already seen the benefits of AI integration with Microsoft 365 Copilot, which inspired Powerlink’s desire to incorporate similar AI tools into their SAP ecosystem.

“More than just an AI tool, Joule represents a game-changer in how we interact with financial data and business functions,” Pozdena explained. He noted that the natural language capabilities of Joule could bridge various parts of Powerlink’s technology stack, including Microsoft Copilot and Snowflake AI, the latter being a key player in Powerlink’s enterprise data strategy. The potential for AI-driven productivity gains is one of the driving forces behind this integration, which Pozdena described as having far-reaching implications for the company’s operations. He stressed that these capabilities would not only streamline processes but also provide a competitive edge in managing and leveraging vast amounts of data efficiently.

Powerlink’s move to RISE with SAP is part of a longer-term strategy to re-platform its technology infrastructure. This journey began with the migration of its database from Oracle to SAP HANA on Azure, followed by the upgrade from SAP Business Suite to S/4HANA. These changes reflect a larger effort to simplify and standardize the company’s systems, reducing reliance on highly customized configurations. The switch to the most recent version of SAP S/4 2023 was also a key milestone, enabling Powerlink to take full advantage of the RISE with SAP offering.

Pozdena highlighted that the company’s broader digital vision revolves around enabling stakeholders to access the right information and services in a timely and efficient manner. This vision is supported by a number of key strategies, including a comprehensive data strategy, ERP investment strategy, application lifecycle management, and a focus on information security. Security is particularly emphasized, with Pozdena noting that without strong security frameworks in place, the success of these digital initiatives would be compromised.

Powerlink’s approach to upgrading its systems and processes has been methodical and careful. The company has worked to ensure that the migration to RISE with SAP is done in stages, reducing risk and allowing for more manageable changes. By dividing projects into technical and business components, and packaging them into smaller, more manageable tasks, Powerlink has minimized the risk of disruption, a common concern in large-scale IT transformations. This approach stands in contrast to the traditional “big bang” methodology, which often leads to unforeseen complications and delays.

The success of these efforts has been driven by strong executive sponsorship, with key figures within Powerlink, including the CEO, CFO, and head of corporate, providing clear direction and backing for the project. This leadership support has been crucial in driving the changes forward and ensuring alignment with the company’s strategic goals.

Powerlink has already seen the fruits of its investment in new technologies, with several successful implementations such as electricity transmission billing and a Sustainability Control Tower for climate reporting. These efforts illustrate how the company is leveraging its upgraded SAP environment to enhance both operational efficiency and its sustainability initiatives.

Looking forward, Powerlink plans to continue its journey with SAP and AI integration, using tools like Joule and Snowflake AI to unlock even greater potential. By staying at the forefront of technological innovation, the company is positioning itself to meet the evolving needs of its stakeholders, improve its operations, and maintain a competitive edge in the industry. The AI-powered future, according to Pozdena, is one where productivity gains are significant, and organizations like Powerlink that embrace these technologies will be better equipped to navigate the challenges of tomorrow.