SAP data transformation for leading utilities company in the Middle East

Project overview

The client embarked on a large-scale restructuring initiative, partnering with PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in the Middle East to streamline and unify their business operations across multiple regions in Saudi Arabia. A critical aspect of this transformation was the Data Unification project for huge amounts of master, transaction and historical data, which aimed to standardise and harmonise master data from diverse regional systems into a single, consistent structure.

Recognising the complexity and scale of the SAP data transformation required, PwC Middle East sought the expertise of EPI-USE Labs. EPI-USE Labs used their PRISM transformation solution, which combines specialist services and proprietary software, including the Data Sync Manager Landscape Transformation (LT) Suite, supported by EPI-USE Labs' global delivery model. This approach helped PwC Middle East complete the SAP data transformation efficiently and effectively. PwC Middle East contributed significantly by providing SAP functional expertise and business knowledge, ensuring the project was a success.

The challenge: Fragmented operational data

Following the implementation of Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), the client’s operational data over the years was fragmented across different regional divisions, each with unique data definitions, structures and naming conventions. The client decided to implement a common unification policy to their equipment and assets across the region. The lack of standardisation made it difficult for them to gain a unified view of their operations, impacting reporting, decision-making, and operational efficiency.

The master, transaction and historical Data Unification project required:

• High-volume data transformations: Millions of data fields needed to be mapped and transformed accurately.
• Complex data harmonisation: Aligning data definitions across all regions while maintaining data integrity.
• Risk mitigation: Manual data transformation was not only time-consuming but also posed a high risk of errors.

To address these challenges, PwC Middle East needed a solution that would automate the transformation process, reduce risks, and enhance efficiency.

Specialist data transformation at scale

EPI-USE Labs was engaged by PwC Middle East as a specialist data transformation partner, bringing in the EPI-USE Labs' PRISM solution along with specialist software and consultants to handle the data transformation needs, as one team working with PwC Middle East and the client.

Components of the solution

Components included:

• Data identification to preview and validate data in scope.
• Automation at scale: The PRISM solution automated complex data mappings and executed transformations with precision. This significantly reduced the need for manual intervention, accelerating the project timeline.
• Advanced transformation capabilities: The engine not only automated standard transformations but also handled complex scenarios, ensuring seamless data unification across the client’s regions.
• Data consistency and accuracy: Applying predefined mapping rules provided by PwC Middle East and the client ensured that the final transformed data output was both consistent and reliable.
• Effective validation reports: EPI-USE Labs assisted PwC Middle East in developing automated validation reports to ensure accuracy and integrity throughout the transformation process.

Collaboration and global delivery model

EPI-USE Labs assembled a skilled team from across the globe, including experts from the UK and Europe, to support the project. The team worked closely with PwC Middle East’s project managers and technical and functional leads through daily interactions, fostering strong collaboration and effective problem-solving.

This global techno-functional delivery model enabled PwC Middle East and EPI-USE Labs to provide a precise and reliable software-powered solution, ensuring that not only the data transformation requirements were met, but also that the broader functional needs of the client’s project were addressed.

The outcome: A hugely successful project

The successful completion of EPI-USE Labs' scope of the project contributed to the broader objectives of the client’s data unification initiative.

The results included:

• Enhanced efficiency: PRISM transformed millions of data fields quickly and accurately, saving PwC Middle East and the client both time and resources.
• Reduced risk: By automating the process, EPI-USE Labs minimised the potential for human error and ensured data consistency across the board in the data transformation.
• Operational continuity: The unified master data model enabled the client to streamline reporting and business processes, laying a strong foundation for continued operational optimisation.
• Compliance: The unified master, transaction, and historical data improved compliance by enabling better regulatory oversight and mitigating risks.

Strategic partnership and future opportunities

This project not only met the technical needs, but also strengthened the partnership between PwC Middle East and EPI-USE Labs, by aligning closely with PwC Middle East’s project objectives and demonstrating the effectiveness of EPI-USE Labs' PRISM approach. This project demonstrated that together, PwC Middle East and EPI-USE Labs can effectively tackle big SAP System Landscape Optimisation (SLO)/Data Migration and Landscape Transformation (DMLT) and migration/transformation projects in challenging environments.

About the client

The client is a leading power and utilities company in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, responsible for generating, transmitting, and distributing electricity to millions of residential, commercial, and industrial customers across the region. As a key player in supporting the nation’s economic growth and development, the client continuously invests in modernising its organisation’s infrastructure and optimising operational efficiency to meet the growing demand for reliable and sustainable energy.