top of page
BG_LRG-2_edited_edited.png

CASE STUDY

NAVIGATING THE WATERS OF DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

WELSH WATER

THE COMPANY

Welsh Water is a major water and wastewater utility serving Wales and parts of England. As the sixth-largest provider in the region, it supplies over 820 million litres of water daily to 1.4 million homes and businesses. With a dedicated team of 3,000 employees, Welsh Water manages extensive infrastructure, including 26,500km of water mains and 30,000km of sewer mains. This ensures a reliable and high-quality water supply for over 3 million people while also handling wastewater treatment and disposal.

INTRODUCTION

In today's digital landscape, water companies require robust digital infrastructure to optimise operations and deliver exceptional customer service, embracing digital transformation is no longer optional. Welsh Water embarked on a multi-phased journey to modernise their technology infrastructure and optimise internal processes. We were thrilled to support them, providing comprehensive training, internal communications, and business change management support throughout their digital transformation process.

CHALLENGES

Welsh Water faced several key challenges during their digital transformation:

  • Employee Enablement: Ensuring a smooth transition to new GIS and SAP systems required thorough training for employees at all levels, across a majority of the business.

  • Change Management: Mitigating resistance and fostering user adoption for the new technologies were crucial for successful implementation.

  • Communication Breakdown: Clear and consistent internal communication was essential to keep employees informed, engaged, and prepared for the upcoming changes.

OUR APPROACH

We quickly integrated ourselves into the Welsh Water team to tailor our services to their specific needs. Here's how we supported them in each phase of their digital transformation:

Phase 1 - GIS Upgrade

Welsh Water was a pioneer in the early 1990s, being one of the first water companies to digitise its asset records, setting a standard for the water industry. Since then, the company has undergone multiple GIS upgrades to maintain its technological edge. However, a recent upgrade was crucial to ensure continued platform support, as reliance on outdated applications hindered development and innovation. Throughout this process, we provided unwavering support to Welsh Water throughout the process.

  • Training Development and Delivery: We designed and delivered comprehensive training programs for employees across office and field departments, ensuring everyone could comfortably and confidently utilise the new GIS systems and field devices. Our training approach leveraged a variety of methods, including; Instructor-led training sessions, hands-on workshops, drop-in sessions, interactive e-learning system simulations, tip-sheets, reference guides, user manuals and a network of super users.

  • Internal Communications: We developed clear and concise communication materials that outlined the project goals, benefits for employees, and how their roles would be impacted. A variety of communication channels were utilised including corporate explainer videos, emails, newsletters, internal intranet website and page updates, town halls, and roadshows to ensure information reached all employees effectively.

Phase 2 - SAP S4/HANA Upgrade

To streamline operations and enhance efficiency, Welsh Water created a SAP Roadmap. As they set off their long SAP journey, we accompanied them all the way. The adventure entailed an upgrade their core systems, including Finance, HR, Procurement, Customer Interactions, Maintenance Scheduling. This modernisation allowed for the simplification of processes, fostering innovation and enabling the organisation to become more agile in its operations.

  • Training Development and Delivery: We customised training programs to equip employees with the necessary skills to navigate the upgraded SAP S/4HANA system. Our training approach leveraged a variety of methods, including; Instructor-led training sessions, hands-on workshops, drop-in sessions, interactive e-learning system simulations, tip-sheets, reference guides, user manuals and a network of super users.

Phase 3 - Geospatial Transformation

Due to a small number of constraints with the delivery of the GIS Upgrade project, a follow up transformation project was required to support delivery of the backlog of business requirements, ensuring continued supportability of applications, leveraging the use of technologies, and to deliver business driven enhancements in a flexible and timely manner.

  • Training Development and Delivery: We provided tailored training programs specific to the transformed GIS functionalities. Our training approach, utilised a variety of methods, including; instructor-led training sessions, hands-on workshops, interactive e-learning system simulations, tip-sheets and reference guides.

  • Internal Communications: We developed a multi-channel communication strategy to keep employees informed and engaged throughout the geospatial transformation. Utilising corporate explainer videos, emails, newsletters, internal intranet website and page updates, and roadshows to ensure information reached all employees effectively.

  • Business Change Management: We facilitated workshops and provided ongoing support to help employees adapt to the new workflows and processes.

Phase 4 - SAP Upgrade

Developer Services provides a range of services to customers who wish to connect to the Dŵr Cymru Welsh Water clean and waste networks, be that when they are building a new house or a development of houses. Developer Services had an ambition to improve customer performance and productivity.  With the combination of Sitecore Customer Portal, SAP C4C for Case Management and SAP CP for Workflow and Business Rules management, it enabled Developer Services to significantly reduce the volume of manual activity required, it enables the team to provide proactive updates to customers and event driven email updates.

  • Training Development and Delivery: We designed and delivered training programs to ensure employees could utilise the full potential of the SAP C4C system. Our training approach used a variety of methods, including; Instructor-led training sessions, hands-on workshops, drop-in sessions, interactive e-learning system simulations, tip-sheets, reference guides, user manuals and a network of super users.

  • Internal Communications: We crafted targeted communication materials to educate employees on the functionalities of SAP C4C and its impact on daily operations. A variety of communication channels were utilised including corporate explainer videos, emails, newsletters, internal intranet website and page updates, town halls, and roadshows to ensuring information reached all employees effectively.

  • Business Change Management: We implemented a change management plan to facilitate the adoption of new customer relationship management practices.

RESULTS

Our collaborative approach yielded significant results for Welsh Water:

  • Increased Employee Confidence: Employees felt prepared and confident using the new systems thanks to targeted training and ongoing support.

  • Improved User Adoption: Clear communication and effective change management strategies reduced resistance and facilitated a smooth transition.

  • Enhanced Operational Efficiency: The new technologies streamlined workflows and optimised internal processes, leading to improved efficiency for the organisation.

CONCLUSION

This case study demonstrates the power of comprehensive training, internal communication, and business change management in facilitating successful digital transformations. By partnering with us, Welsh Water achieved a seamless transition to new technologies, empowering their workforce and paving the way for a more efficient and future-proof operation.

TESTIMONIAL

Arctic Spire's support was invaluable to our digital transformation. Their tailored solutions ensured our employees were well-equipped to navigate the complexities of new systems and processes. We are  impressed with their ability to create engaging and effective training materials that fostered adoption, ensured a smooth transition, and a culture of continuous learning. Their dedication to our success played a crucial role in driving our organisation forward.

CHRIS JONES

WELSH WATER

READY TO MAKE A SPLASH? LET'S DISCUSS YOUR DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION

bottom of page