Essent builds a scalable foundation with Dynamics 365
A focused foundation enabled a fast go-live and created room to grow, with a platform that can support evolving processes, data, and new applications. Watch the video for Essent’s full story.
"The energy sector is subject to a lot of change and that requires flexibility."
Together with HSO, Essent implemented an integrated Microsoft platform for its new Energy Infrastructure Solutions business unit. Bringing processes and information together in one place helps employees work more efficiently, reduce errors, and deliver better service to customers.
Legacy IT systems hindered growth: a catalyst for change
Essent, a leading energy company, recognized that outdated IT infrastructure impeded its ability to drive growth and innovation.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.
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."
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."
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. " With the acquired company’s access to its previous IT applications ending after June 1, 2024, Essent faced a firm deadline. Close collaboration with HSO and an agile approach enabled the team to deliver on time.
Given the short timeline, the first phase deliberately focused on a relatively lean MVP: establishing a solid foundation that allowed Essent to go live quickly, then building on it step by step. Since then, that foundation has been expanded with new capabilities.
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."
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.
The integrated platform also helps EIS support a growing number of assets. Connecting Field Service with data gives employees a more complete view of the information they need, while helping the business scale effectively.
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."
The platform has continued to evolve, bringing together data from across the business to support reporting and generate new insights. This creates a strong basis for further automation and new applications, while opening up opportunities to explore how AI can build on the existing foundation.
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