Powerlink Queensland, a government-owned transmission network service provider in Australia, has chosen RISE with SAP on Microsoft Azure to further enhance its data and asset management capabilities through SAP Business AI. This strategic move marks another significant step in Powerlink’s ongoing digital transformation efforts.
Powerlink Queensland operates an extensive electricity transmission network that stretches over 1,700 kilometers from Cairns to the New South Wales border. The network includes 15,449 circuit kilometers of transmission lines and 152 substations, making it a critical component of Queensland’s energy infrastructure. The company’s adoption of SAP solutions is a continuation of its long-term partnership with SAP, which has spanned 25 years.
In its pursuit of operational excellence, Powerlink Queensland has integrated various SAP solutions to optimize its processes. The latest adoption of RISE with SAP is designed to build on these existing systems, bringing additional improvements to data management and visualization. By incorporating SAP Business AI, including SAP’s AI copilot Joule, Powerlink also aims to enable its workforce to efficiently access vital information related to company services, assets, and finances using natural language capabilities.
Furthermore, Powerlink’s decision to move to RISE with SAP aligns with its broader digital transformation strategy. The company had already implemented SAP S/4HANA and SAP Analytics Cloud in 2022, followed by SAP Sustainability Control Tower (SCT) in 2023. These implementations have provided Powerlink with enhanced analytics, streamlined budget planning, and improved financial reporting capabilities. Additionally, the introduction of SAP SCT has strengthened Powerlink’s sustainability reporting, allowing the organization to consolidate and report climate-related metrics in accordance with both Australian and international standards.
Powerlink’s commitment to adopting cutting-edge technology is driven by its goal to support the Queensland Government’s Energy and Jobs Plan. This plan seeks to transform the state’s energy system to deliver clean, reliable, and affordable energy. With SAP SCT, Powerlink can also accurately track and report on its sustainability efforts, aligning with the state’s climate targets and legislative requirements.
Leveraging SAP Business AI for Enhanced Operations
Powerlink Queensland’s Chief Executive, Paul Simshauser, emphasized that the organization’s decision to adopt RISE with SAP is a natural progression in its digital evolution. With the majority of Powerlink’s critical processes already running on SAP platforms, the integration of SAP Business AI is expected to further empower the organization’s workforce. The aim is also to enhance productivity and operational efficiency by leveraging AI-driven analytics and automation tools.
Mark Pozdena, Powerlink’s General Manager of Business IT and Digital Delivery, highlighted the benefits that RISE with SAP will bring to the organization. The new platform offers improved security, functionality, and visualization tools that are essential for managing Powerlink’s vast and expanding transmission network. These features will be vital as Powerlink continues to upgrade its infrastructure and capabilities.
Powerlink’s transition to RISE with SAP is scheduled for completion by the end of the year. The move is intended to unlock new innovations within the platform, offering enhanced capabilities to Powerlink’s employees. In today’s fast-paced digital environment, the increased security and availability provided by RISE with SAP are also seen as essential components in safeguarding Powerlink’s operations.
The integration of SAP Business AI into Powerlink Queensland’s operations includes several key solutions designed to enhance efficiency and sustainability:
- SAP S/4HANA: Provides real-time data processing and analytics to improve decision-making and operational efficiency.
- SAP Analytics Cloud: Offers advanced analytics capabilities, supporting budget planning and financial reporting.
- SAP Sustainability Control Tower: Enhances sustainability reporting by consolidating climate-related metrics in line with regulatory standards.
- SAP AI Copilot, Joule: Enables users to access critical information through natural language processing, streamlining workflows and improving access to data.
Powerlink’s future plans include the implementation of SAP SuccessFactors by the end of 2024, which will support the recruitment, hiring, training, and development of its workforce. This ongoing digital transformation is expected to provide Powerlink with the tools needed to navigate the evolving energy landscape, while also contributing to the state’s broader economic and environmental objectives.
