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HSO in the public sector
Groningen Water Company: Not a Complex Landscape, but a Single Foundation
When Waterbedrijf Groningen, WMD, and Waterlaboratorium Noord decided to replace their outdated Unit4 ERP system with Microsoft Dynamics 365 F&O, their goal was to standardize as much as possible wherever feasible.
Remco van Kan, Procurement & Logistics Manager at Waterbedrijf Groningen, explains how HSO helped make decisions, maintain momentum, and get three organizations moving in the same direction.
Why take this step?
“We wanted as little customization as possible and an integrated platform that makes the most of standard functionality,” says Remco van Kan, procurement & logistics manager at Waterbedrijf Groningen. “That makes the system easier to manage and future-proof; you’re less dependent on specialized knowledge, and updates go more smoothly. Moreover, we were collaborating with three organizations—so you don’t want a complex landscape, but a single foundation that everyone can connect to.”
“HSO dared to get involved as individuals, not as a company. They adapted their own approach to meet our needs. That built trust, and as a result, we gained the commitment of everyone involved. I am grateful to HSO for that.”
What was HSO’s role?
As a drinking water utility, you are required to put large IT projects out to bid. This ensures transparency, market competition, and equal opportunities for suppliers. However, a great deal often happens even before the tender process begins. For example, the project to replace Unit4 as the ERP system with Microsoft Dynamics Finance & Operations (including Supply Chain and Procurement) began in 2024.
During that preparatory phase in the second half of 2024, HSO played a crucial role. The team helped develop the ERP user stories, streamline collaboration between the three organizations involved, and refine the strategic direction. They did so in a way that inspired confidence. “HSO dared to step in as individuals, not as a company. They adapted their own methodology to what we needed. That built trust, and that’s how we secured the commitment of everyone involved. I’m grateful to HSO for that.” Although the contract ultimately went to another party through the European tendering process, the impression remains positive. “HSO has shown that they can deliver value quickly.”
How do you view the future?
"The system has yet to be built. We expect the process to continue until at least February of next year. So we don’t yet know exactly how it will work in practice. But thanks to the sessions with HSO, we’ve already laid the groundwork for it and gained a good understanding of it."
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In the public sector, you face complex IT decisions. How do you ensure you quickly realize value from your investment while remaining future-proof? HSO is here to help.
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