Hydro-Quebec is a company found in Canada that generates, transmits and distribute electric power. This electric power is produced basically from green sources. In this company the primary sources of electricity the hydro electric power plant. However it operates other power generating plants such as thermal stations, nuclear power plant, and wind farms. With the aim of maximizing on profit, Quebec has developed their power with respect for the community and the environment. It has therefore been able to supply electricity that is reliable and affordable for export market and domestic use. This company has made effort in the innovation of technology to make the company competitive in the global market. Innovation in technology has been made an integral part the strategic orientations of
Quebec. This has helped the company to improve its operation and performances (Selby, 1992).
Hydro-Quebec has history and culture of innovation in technology. After analysis that was carefully done, the management concluded that they need to apply the same enthusiasm, optimism, and project management skills to its information technology by identifying the client information system, identify solution that its process in business, transform and modernize all business process to make them match with the support by an ERP solution.
They had to achieve this by implementing the full SAP suit of functionalities for Utility industries and integrate all the processes fully. These include, specific solutions for billing, service request, and meter reading. Other suggested implementations include, consumer interaction center and sales solution, Net weaver, portal, business intelligence, learning solutions and knowledge management. The second solution was to integrate for contemporary project with SAP solution. These involved new electronic portable mater reading device, new mailing and printing equipments, implementing multiple channel capabilities for the users of the power, and scanning machines. The third proposed change was realizing all business processes accordingly.
The changes in the environment have forced Hydro-Quebec to eliminate some of its technological approaches. Recently, the environment said in December that several aerobic digestion plants by the technology of RCL would be invested. As part of its offer, Hydro-Quebec invites tenders to purchase energy that was produced by biomass cogeneration was retained. RCL is the first company with the priority of developing the technology of biomass in Quebec Company. These plants are proposed to transform organic materials into biogas that will provide power to generators. The plants will make it possible to achieve the implementation of RCL environment’s strategy which aim at maximizing on production of electric power, reduce waste products by emphasizing recycling and reuse of wastes (Bolduc, 1989).
When Quebec did its analysis of its future expectations, they concluded that it would be very difficult for them to meet the needs of the consumers with the current systems and processes. It found that, even if it makes important investment, it would not achieve its goals. When more analysis was made, a conclusion was made that the improvement to be made would be integrated solution. It therefore decided to change its customer service system and change its management system.
The proposed achievement of the company in the changing of information technology was enable the representatives of the customers to be able to monitor work in progress and to make necessary commitments concerning the time taken to accomplish the power request. They also wanted to achieve improvements in establishing rating of credit using the relationship of the past. They also wanted to increase the internet service coverage and acquiring an information technology system that can activate the client data and all the other work done in real time. The employees were to benefit through great number of tools for answering client request and therefore an empowerment, great control over the task, and benefit of training (Garcia, 2009).
After the analysis of all the information technology solutions available, which included the development of the in-house system, this company came up with a conclusion. They concluded that the only possible solution is an integrated ERP solution given a business requirement that is varied. All the managements were fixed in a discussion on the possible considerations that were to be taken into account. They were to get rid of all old systems and focus on integrated solution. This was an automatic change in culture and a challenge to the engineers. The last achievement that is aimed by his company is the training of the employee to expertise on the new processes (Garcia, 2009).
Bibliography
Selby, B. (1992). Hydro-Quebec's Big Power Play.US. Carbridge Press.New York
Bolduc, A. at al. (1989). Hydro-Quebec After 100 Years of Electricity. Oxford University Press. London.
Garcia, C. (2009). How would the privatisation of Hydro-Québec would make Quebecers richer . London . Oxford University Press.
