IBM and KPMG Partner To Transform Energy & Utilities Sector

In a strategic move aimed at bolstering business transformations within the energy and utilities markets, IBM and KPMG LLP have announced an expansion of their collaborative efforts. The focus of this partnership is centered around leveraging SAP S/4HANA®, a leading enterprise resource planning (ERP) platform. Recognizing the potential pitfalls of cloud ERP projects without the right technology and expertise in place, IBM Consulting and KPMG are combining their strengths to offer a comprehensive suite of services.

IBM Consulting, a global leader in SAP transformations, brings to the table a wealth of experience in delivering integrated solutions, driven by industry expertise, artificial intelligence, and hybrid multi-cloud deployment capabilities. With a storied history spanning five decades of collaboration with SAP, IBM provides a solid technological foundation and an extensive partner ecosystem.

On the other hand, KPMG is renowned for its business-focused approach to SAP-enabled functional transformations, spanning over 25 countries. Their deep understanding of the energy and utility industries positions them as a valuable asset in delivering tangible business value.

Bill Piotrowski, Americas SAP Leader for IBM Consulting, emphasized the importance of expert support in successful transformation projects, especially in the face of rapid cloud adoption and the shift towards SAP S/4HANA. The goal of the partnership with KPMG is to give Energy & Utilities clients the industry knowledge and insights they need, based on a history of successful SAP S/4HANA implementations around the world.

The work that KPMG and IBM Consulting are doing together will cover a lot of different topics, such as implementing SAP technology, managing risks, making sure that regulations are followed, improving finances, and making sure that operations run more smoothly. By combining their complementary skill sets, the two organizations aim to enhance outcomes for their clients, fostering successful ERP transformations within the energy and utilities sectors The work that the collaboration and IBM Consulting are doing together will cover a lot of different topics, such as implementing SAP technology, managing risks, making sure that regulations are followed, improving finances, and making sure that operations run more smoothly.

Brad Stansberry, Energy & Chemical Industry Advisory Leader at KPMG, stressed the importance of upfront financial planning in ERP implementations. The knowledge that IBM Consulting brings will be essential in enabling joint clients to increase productivity and seize growth opportunities.

The partnership has already borne fruit with a comprehensive business transformation initiative at Liberty Utilities, a prominent utility services provider across North America. This four-year effort builds upon Liberty's "Customer First" project, revitalizing critical operational areas including customer, finance, asset management, field services, and supply chain operations.

Jody Allison, Vice President, Transformation at Liberty Utilities, lauded the ongoing collaboration with IBM Consulting, emphasizing the pivotal role they've played in their transformation journey. The addition of KPMG's financial and advisory expertise further solidifies the foundation for future growth and integration of acquired businesses.

By combining their extensive industry knowledge and technical prowess, the partnership aims to empower clients to navigate the complexities of ERP implementations with confidence and precision.