Background

On taking up post as the head of a French energy distribution company, the new CEO set digital transformation as a priority.

The company now finds itself at a crossroads between:

  • Its traditional activity, involving teams out in the field (working on network maintenance, electricity metering, connecting users, etc.); and
  • Increasingly digitalized operations following the roll out of smart meters, mobile field tools, and the implementation of connected networks.

Two years after the launch of this digital transformation initiative, the deputy CEO, responsible for the transformation wanted to present a progress update.

Challenges

The project consisted of both measuring the company’s overall progress compared with external benchmarks (comparable companies and best in class), and also specific progress, in terms of the company’s numerous business functions and activities.

Wavestone delivered the following:

  • A large-scale benchmarking exercise with an international dimension;
  • An initiative to connect the company with clients or comparable companies who could share experiences from their own transformations;
  • An analysis of the entirety of the company’s business and regional functions;
  • The integration of new ambitions (such as AI, predictive maintenance, data services, and robotization) into its digital-transformation roadmap.

Results and key success factors

The project resulted in:

  • Clarification of the roadmap, with an increased level of ambition;
  • The launch of an innovation lab initiative for the company’s regional operations;
  • Refocusing the executive committee around the company’s digital ambitions.