In our last blog we looked at how suppliers struggling to innovate at pace didn’t need to take the drastic step of replacing their billing systems to deliver technological change.
We’ve also examined at length the challenges that the ‘layering’ of systems can cause when creating too many versions of the data truth.
So how do you resolve those challenges without a single system that ‘does it all’?
Here at Astral Tech we’d argue that having one system that does it all is in itself a risk – tying you to one technology choice, one vendor and the limitations that those risks brings. Flexibility here is a challenge – development time is often a competitive process against other users – and putting all your eggs in one basket when it comes to vendors can present its own challenges.
Being able to select multiple, specialist software providers to deliver specific tasks enables you to build an ecosystem that is made up a team of experts. Leaving your billing system to focus on just billing means you are not creating multiple interactions, tailored modifications and other complexities that present risk – especially when it comes to upgrades. Allowing your expert pricing engine to just focus on delivering the tailored quoting services you need means you get the right outputs. And plugging in an specialist customer facing CRM and portal means you can deliver the right customer experience at the right time.
By putting all your software tools ‘back in their boxes’ allows them to focus on doing the one thing they do well – delivering the best outcomes for you and your customers, and reduces risk to your business.
So far so good – but that doesn’t solve the challenge of how you get to the one version of the data truth that is needed to ensure accurate data irrespective of who is looking at it, through whichever tool. Delivering the right customer service at the right time
The answer is to place a data layer, via a technology platform that ingests data from ALL sources, over the top of all your software tools, that can deliver the right data, in the right way, to the right people.
Using this one version of the truth means that energy suppliers can be confident that the data they use for billing, for settlement, for customer service and for all market interactions, is accurate and aligned. And aligned data creates efficiencies, reduces risk, and enables you to deliver the service and innovative products that your customers expect.
Astral Tech’s data technology allows you to seamlessly integrate all your data together from as many sources as you have, creating ‘one version of the data truth’ – unlocking the true value of the data you hold.
Get in touch to find out how we can help you to solve your data challenges.