I have been working on the FIS project since September 2008. The programme is based in Glasgow and it was set up to reduce the number of systems currently being used and maintained within ScottishPower.
Originally we were going to use the current Iberdrola Billing system, however after submitting a Request For Proposal in summer 2010, we decided that we would look into developing our own functionality in SAP as this is a global platform used in other utilities in the UK.
The new system will cover many areas of the Retail Business ranging from Industry Processes, Meter Management, Billing, Collections and Settlements and of course it will be used within Customer Service to service our 5.4 million services.
There are key deadlines within the programme that must be met in order to deliver this ambitious project. There are milestones set for different functionality and each delivery date is key to the customer base. In that regard, the application has been developed for domestic customers first, following the implementation of complex metering, Energy Services and SME at a later date. It is important to deliver the functionality in different parts and once the system is stable it will be easier to integrate a more complex functionality into SAP.
This has been an amazing experience for everyone involved in the project. I started as a Billing expert but when we adopted the SAP software, I then took on the role as the Head of Billing, Meter Reading and Settlements. The areas have been grouped as there is a strong link between them and it is essential to consider the impact of each if something goes wrong.
Around 400 people are working on the programme. Being involved with so many people from different parts of the world, such as Scotland, Spain, India, etc is key to ensuring that everyone knows exactly what is expected of them. One of the most important things is making sure that everyone understands the requirements, the solution and, of course, the delivery dates. This sometimes means working longer hours during the week and at the weekends in order to meet the deadlines.
This has been a very educational experience. Not only did we have to learn a new system and the links between other functional areas but also work with a multinational and multilingual team, which has probably been the biggest challenge. In addition to learning the operation of SAP, there are different types of people with different skills, different languages and different levels within each company from SP, Iberdrola, IBM and Deloitte. It is important that everyone understands exactly what their role is and what is required of them.
Testing the system has proved to be a challenge. You have to know what the requirements are and the solution is in order to be able to test your process effectively and accurately. If a defect is detected, you have to provide accurate information to the IBM team so that they can analyse the problem and find a solution.
On December 3, the system became operational with our first group of customers. This was a momentous day for FIS. The objective is to migrate a total of 5,4 million services and so far we have migrated 1,8 million. The plan is to migrate the pending services in at least 5 further tranches. The target is to finish by the end of the year. This has been a long process but we are on track with the delivery of the SAP Global platform.
