AusNet saves big with SAP SuccessFactors and IBM Consulting

AusNet is driving AUD $2.1 million in savings over the next five years with SAP SuccessFactors and IBM Consulting.   

AusNet has more than 1,300 employees responsible for managing the distribution and transmission networks that power over 1.5 million Victorians. 

Until recently, AusNet had a legacy IT system to manage employee time records and organisational and position management information. However, a lack of controls in its legacy solution meant achieving effective compliance around enterprise workplace agreements was difficult. Furthermore, siloed systems created inefficient and time-consuming processes for its employees. 

AusNet is working with IBM Consulting to embark on this HR transformation underpinned by SAP SuccessFactors, consolidating 38 business processes from three systems into one over ten months. 

IBM Consulting brings expertise in SAP solutions and deep HR transformation experience. Through this project, AusNet has simplified the employee experience by standardising business processes, reducing HR administrative work, and consolidating functions so there are fewer touchpoints for its staff.

Bernie Repacholi, Head of People Systems and Enablement, says: "We wanted to modernise the processes and systems that underpin our employee experience, removing silos, streamlining processes, and making it easier for our employees to get their work done."

"In partnership with IBM we took a human-centred design process to co-create a solution, underpinned by SAP, that would help to future-proof our business by better meeting the needs of our people." 

"This includes reducing time spent on administrative tasks to free up staff to focus on more strategic initiatives and incorporate stronger controls and compliance to ensure accurate review of enterprise workplace agreements." 

"Additionally, access to people analytics means we're empowering our HR team to make more informed decisions for the business including labour forecasting, wage growth, and wage reviews," says Repacholi.  

Pete Andrew, Head of Industries, SAP Australia and New Zealand, comments: "As regulation increases across all industries, technology has become critical in helping organisations respond and manage this, which frees up their time to focus on other priorities, like their people." 

"By implementing SAP SuccessFactors, AusNet has futureproofed its processes and systems by rolling out a business-wide compliance program which has streamlined processes and standardised operations, fostering higher productivity among its workforce."

Wes Dunn, SuccessFactors Practice Lead for IBM Consulting Australia and New Zealand, says AusNet, IBM and SAP worked as one team to deliver a unique solution focusing on AusNet's needs. 

"By utilising our proprietary IBM Consulting SAP SuccessFactors Accelerator for Utilities we were able to revamp and streamline legacy processes saving employees time and helping to create a more efficient way of working," says Dunn. 

"Importantly, the new system provides managers with access to analytics, enabling them to quickly review attendances, absences, turnover and workflow statistics."

"IBM is proud to be AusNet's implementation partner, enabling a trusted, intuitive and leading practice application which is at the heart of people centricity," Dunn concludes.