COUNT+CARE, an established energy market service provider headquartered in Darmstadt, not only possesses in-depth expertise in metering, measurement, and billing for the energy industry, but also has a deep understanding of IT processes. With proven expertise, the company supports its customers in their individual IT and digital transformation projects. In doing so, the Darmstadt-based company covers the full spectrum of energy industry services in the area of managed services. In a dynamic market environment characterized by change, opportunities, and challenges, COUNT+CARE stands for future-oriented, modular service offerings that it provides to its customers in a personalized, flexible, and one-stop manner.
Brownfield Approach with Green Accents
The company’s own aspirations were hampered by an aging SPA ECC 6.0 EHP 8.0 system that offered little flexibility or capacity for innovation and would have reached the end of its support life in 2028. For this reason, the decision was made to migrate to S/4HANA. Furthermore, the system is intended to serve as the foundation for future innovation initiatives. A key implementation goal was a fast and streamlined transition to S/4HANA based on a brownfield conversion (migration of the existing system) and the implementation of “low-hanging fruits” (simple improvements). Furthermore, ECC processes that would no longer be required under S/4HANA were to be mapped using standard S/4HANA tools. Since EWM was also to be implemented as a completely new module, a “quasi-hybrid approach” (a mix of brownfield and greenfield elements) emerged. In addition, several new processes, such as the billing of rental equipment (e.g., gas cylinders, pallets) or various adjustments in Customer Service and Finance, were to be established. In particular, the inherent need to map every substation, every power pole, and every facility in the utility network to the fixed assets of the Finance division presented a major challenge. These involved both technical and regulatory aspects that had to be taken into account during implementation and often required early coordination with auditors.
We would like to thank CONSILIO for its structured project approach and highly collaborative work, which contributed significantly to the successful go-live of our S/4HANA transformation. The personal flexibility of the CONSILIO team members complemented our internal project team perfectly.
The CONSILIO Method Was the Deciding Factor
With their expertise, the Munich-based company focuses primarily on the automotive, process, and MILL industries, aerospace and defense, mechanical and plant engineering, and the service sector. In addition, CONSILIO meets the highest security and quality standards through various certifications.
The decisive factor in COUNT+CARE’s decision to choose CONSILIO as a partner was the clear methodology employed by the Munich-based SAP specialists. For their projects, they use a modified version of SAP Activate, which they label “tailored by CONSILIO.” This modification to SAP Activate made it possible to complete the migration to S/4HANA with just three test conversions: sandbox, development, and quality assurance—followed immediately by go-live. Other providers recommended up to five, which would not only have made the project more expensive but also delayed its completion.
This methodology also allowed COUNT+CARE and CONSILIO to agree on a kind of “hybrid model” for project implementation: remote work with on-site presence as needed, high flexibility and availability, and, as a result, time and cost savings. Over the course of the project, this proved to be a major benefit for all parties involved.
Open and honest communication formed the foundation for our trusting collaboration. This allowed us to overcome obstacles early on and successfully carry out the S/4HANA transformation.