Essent invest substantial energy in Dynamics 365

Essent, a leading energy company, recognized that outdated IT infrastructure impeded its ability to drive growth and innovation. This realization proved particularly relevant as they launched their new Energy Infrastructure Solutions (EIS) business unit. EIS aims to empower companies and governments to build more sustainable energy networks. To effectively serve these clients, a modern and robust IT landscape became paramount.

Dynamics 365: A foundation for success

Michiel Valk, CIO at Essent, elaborates on their decision to implement Dynamics 365: "In collaboration with HSO, we established a comprehensive program designed to seamlessly integrate our EIS business processes with a powerful IT system. This project ensures a future-proof platform that optimizes customer service and digital energy system management."

Why Dynamics 365? A unified solution for future growth

The need for a new IT solution was clear, but why Dynamics 365? Marco Coopmans, Enterprise Architect at Essent, explains: "We sought a unified suite, not a collection of disparate systems. Dynamics 365 not only offered the functionalities we required but also the scalability to accommodate our expanding ambitions."

Meeting the tight TSA Deadline: agility and collaboration

Early on, Essent faced a critical challenge – a looming Transfer of Service Agreement (TSA) deadline. "The project's initial hurdle arose from a recent acquisition," reflects Allien Simons-Wagemakers, Program Manager at Essent. "The acquired company' access to its previous IT applications would cease after June 1st, 2024." Through an agile approach and close collaboration with HSO, they successfully met this critical deadline.

A collaborative partnership with HSO

HSO, Essent's digital transformation partner, played a pivotal role. "HSO delivered essential functionalities on top of Dynamics 365, perfectly aligning with our needs," says Coopmans. "We craved a collaborative partnership, not merely a vendor-client relationship. We implemented a system where both Essent (business and IT) and HSO personnel physically co-located at least two days per week, fostering a truly collaborative environment."

Reduced error rates and enhanced efficiency

The digital transformation is fostering a more streamlined and efficient internal environment. "This initiative brings clarity, structure, and user-friendliness, enabling our employees to minimize errors, work more productively, and ultimately deliver superior customer service," remarks Aleksandar Veljanovski, Sales Development Manager at Essent.

Future-Proofing for the evolving energy landscape

The energy sector is inherently dynamic, demanding a flexible IT solution. This agility underpins Essent's confidence in Dynamics 365. "The Microsoft Platform and HSO are well-positioned to support our long-term goals through continuous platform development," concludes Michiel Valk. "As the energy sector evolves, we require a platform and a partner that can keep pace with the energy transition."