--- title: Utilities date: 2025-09-08T15:21:00+02:00 author: Administrator canonical_url: "https://www.xploregroup.be/en/industries/utilities" section: Industries --- # Utilities Utilities The dynamics within the utilities industry have changed dramatically in recent years. Companies face the challenge of optimising their processes and adapting to the demands of the digital age. Xplore Group understands the unique challenges and opportunities involved. Our expertise in digitalisation and technology enables us to help utilities improve their services and increase operational efficiency, while adapting to the rapidly changing market. ![UT1 scaled](https://cdn.craft.cloud/5fa59528-9049-4864-a4f2-a0667591b3bd/assets/img/UT1-scaled.jpg) ## Why digitalisation is important for the utility industry In a world where technology is increasingly the norm, digitalisation is essential for utilities. It offers benefits to both the company and the customer and contributes to a more sustainable future. ### Improved efficiency By automating and optimising processes, utilities can **reduce operational costs** and **increase productivity.** ### Sustainability Technologies such as **smart grids** and **energy management solutions** help reduce energy consumption and integrate renewable energy sources. ### Data management and analysis Digital tools allow utilities to effectively **collect, analyse and leverage large amounts of data** for better decision-making. ### Scalability and flexibility [**Cloud solutions**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/cloud-operations/) and other digital platforms allow utilities to respond quickly to changes in demand and regulation. ### Security and compliance Advanced[** cybersecurity**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/services/cybersecurity/) measures and **compliance tools** ensure the protection of sensitive data and meet legal requirements. ## Challenges In our projects within the utility sector, we notice recurring challenges such as **outdated systems**, **budget constraints**, **huge amounts of data** and **concerns about data security and privacy**. At Xplore Group, we have the expertise to address these challenges and help your organisation achieve all kinds of digital ambitions. ![](https://cdn.craft.cloud/5fa59528-9049-4864-a4f2-a0667591b3bd/assets/img/UT2.png) ## Our solutions We offer tailor-made solutions designed to meet the specific needs of the utilities industry. Some interesting services for the sector include: - [**Technology Strategy**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/services/strategy-technology-architecture): We will guide your company through the digital transformation and implementation of innovative solutions. - [**Data:**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/services/data-science) Our data analysts turn large amounts of data into actionable insights. - [**Artificial intelligence:**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/services/artificial-intelligence/) We can use artificial intelligence to optimise operational processes and predict future energy consumption. - [**Cybersecurity**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/services/cybersecurity/): We ensure your digital infrastructure is secure and protected against cyber threats. - [**Digital touchpoints**](https://www.xploregroup.be/en/technology-platforms/): Enhance the customer experience with user-friendly and reliable digital channels, such as websites, portals and mobile applications. ## Contact us Contact us today and discover how we can help transform your organisation with the power of technology. ## Gerelateerde cases ### How Fluvius brought innovation to their workflow with Odoo #### ERP #### Technologie & Platformen #### Fluvius 2025 #### Gumbys [www.gumbys.be](https://www.gumbys.be) Hoe Fluvius innovatie bracht in hun workflow met Odoo ![UT1 scaled](https://cdn.craft.cloud/5fa59528-9049-4864-a4f2-a0667591b3bd/assets/img/UT1-scaled.jpg) In 2021, Fluvius, the Belgian network operator of electricity and natural gas in all municipalities of the Flemish Region, embarked on a transformative journey by renewing their electricity distribution cabins, allowing them to be operated remotely for the first time. This strategic decision focused on optimising investments and preparing their networks for future energy concepts such as flexible charging of electric vehicles and dynamic tariff control. They worked together with competence center Gumbys to develop a suitable solution. #### The challenge The implementation of these advanced cabins entailed a complex web of interactions between various stakeholders, including customers, cabin suppliers, installers and Fluvius itself. The data needed to manage their files was spread across three different systems, leading to labor-intensive and inefficient follow-up processes. #### Solution: Gumbys and Odoo To streamline and partially automate the internal follow-up of files, Fluvius implemented a solution in Odoo in collaboration with competence center Gumbys. This platform was also opened up to customers and suppliers, so that they could follow the progress of their file themselves. ### FTP Server Integration Given the spread of data across three systems, an FTP server was used to consolidate CSV files from each system into a single file in Odoo. This integrated approach ensured that all relevant information from different systems was brought together in one clear file. ### Project management via the Project App Each matter is included as a 'task' in Odoo's project module, with automated workflows that automatically guided files through different phases based on updated data. In this way, customers and installers receive automatic status updates and requests for information, improving transparency and collaboration. ### Customer and installer portal To offer added value to external stakeholders such as installers and customers, Fluvius launched a portal in which installers could log in to manage all the files assigned to them. Customers were given access to a detailed overview of their file via a personal link, including the possibility to add comments and make appointments. #### Result After an intensive four-month process, including workshops and user testing, Fluvius now manages their projects efficiently via the 'telemanagement tool' in Odoo. The time required for case management has been reduced by 50%, which has contributed to improved collaboration and satisfaction among all parties involved. This case shows how digital innovations not only optimize internal processes, but also promote external collaboration and customer satisfaction. ### **Xploration** Fluvius' challenge was to manage a complex process around the implementation of remote-controlled electricity cabins. The required data was spread over three systems, making the follow-up of files time-consuming and inefficient. ### **Our solution** Competence center Gumbys set up an integrated system in Odoo to bring data from three systems together via an FTP server. Project management was streamlined with automated workflows and a project module, while an easy-to-use portal gave customers and installers direct access to their files. ### **Result** Fluvius can now manage files 50% faster, which significantly increases efficiency. This has not only optimized internal processes, but also improved collaboration and satisfaction among customers and suppliers. 23320 Hoe Fluvius innovatie bracht in hun workflow met Odoo In 2021 begon Fluvius, de Belgische netbeheerder van elektriciteit en aardgas in alle gemeenten van het Vlaams Gewest, aan een transformatieve reis door hun elektriciteitsdistributiecabines te vernieuwen, waardoor die voor het eerst op afstand bediend konden worden. Deze strategische beslissing richtte zich op het optimaliseren van investeringen en het voorbereiden van hun netwerken op toekomstige energieconcepten zoals flexibel laden van elektrische voertuigen en dynamische tariefsturing. Ze werkten samen met competence center [Gumbys](https://www.gumbys.be/) om een gepaste oplossing te ontwikkelen. #### **De uitdaging** De implementatie van deze geavanceerde cabines bracht een complex web van interacties met zich mee tussen verschillende stakeholders, waaronder klanten, cabineleveranciers, installateurs en Fluvius zelf. De data die nodig waren voor het beheren van hun dossiers waren verspreid over drie verschillende systemen, wat leidde tot arbeidsintensieve en inefficiënte opvolgprocessen. #### **Oplossing: Gumbys en Odoo** Om de interne opvolging van dossiers te stroomlijnen en gedeeltelijk te automatiseren, implementeerde Fluvius in samenwerking met competence center Gumbys een oplossing in Odoo. Dit platform werd ook opengesteld voor klanten en leveranciers, zodat zij zelf de voortgang van hun dossier konden volgen. ***Integratie via FTP-server*** Gezien de verspreiding van data over drie systemen, werd een FTP-server gebruikt om CSV-bestanden van elk systeem te consolideren tot één bestand in Odoo. Die geïntegreerde aanpak zorgde ervoor dat alle relevante informatie vanuit verschillende systemen werd samengebracht in één overzichtelijk dossier. ***Projectbeheer via de Project App*** Elk dossier wordt als een ‘taak’ opgenomen in de projectmodule van Odoo, met geautomatiseerde workflows die dossiers automatisch door verschillende fases leidden op basis van geüpdate data. Op die manier ontvangen klanten en installateurs automatische statusupdates en verzoeken om informatie, wat de transparantie en samenwerking verbetert. ***Klanten- en installateursportaal*** Om externe stakeholders zoals installateurs en klanten meerwaarde te bieden, lanceerde Fluvius een portaal waarin installateurs konden inloggen om alle aan hen toegewezen dossiers te beheren. Klanten kregen via een persoonlijke link toegang tot een gedetailleerd overzicht van hun dossier, inclusief de mogelijkheid om opmerkingen toe te voegen en afspraken te maken. #### **Resultaat** Na een intensief proces van vier maanden, inclusief workshops en gebruikerstesten, beheert Fluvius nu hun projecten efficiënt via het 'telebeheertool' in Odoo. De tijd die nodig is voor dossierbeheer is met 50% verminderd, wat heeft bijgedragen aan een verbeterde samenwerking en tevredenheid bij alle betrokken partijen. Deze case toont aan hoe digitale innovaties niet alleen interne processen optimaliseren, maar ook externe samenwerking en klanttevredenheid bevorderen. #### **Xploration** De uitdaging van Fluvius lag in het beheren van een complex proces rond de implementatie van op afstand bedienbare elektriciteitscabines. De benodigde data was verspreid over drie systemen, waardoor het opvolgen van dossiers tijdrovend en inefficiënt was. #### **Onze oplossing** Competence center Gumbys zette een geïntegreerd systeem op in Odoo om data uit drie systemen samen te brengen via een FTP-server. Projectbeheer werd gestroomlijnd met geautomatiseerde workflows en een projectmodule, terwijl een gebruiksvriendelijk portaal klanten en installateurs directe toegang gaf tot hun dossiers. #### **Resultaat** Fluvius kan dossiers nu 50% sneller beheren, wat de efficiëntie aanzienlijk verhoogt. Dit heeft niet alleen de interne processen geoptimaliseerd, maar ook de samenwerking en tevredenheid bij klanten en leveranciers verbeterd. ### Innovation in water management with advanced platform engineering #### Cloud Operations #### DevOps #### Aquafin 2024 #### Gluo [gluo.be](https://gluo.be/) Innovation in water management with advanced platform engineering ![Aquafin 1](https://cdn.craft.cloud/5fa59528-9049-4864-a4f2-a0667591b3bd/assets/img/Aquafin-1.png) 19813 Innovation in water management with advanced platform engineering Aquafin, a leading Belgian company specialising in the financing, development and operation of advanced water treatment infrastructure within the Flemish Region, has embarked on a major cloud transformation (\*). With more than 30 years of experience in on-premise IT systems, Aquafin has recently embraced cloud capabilities to improve operational efficiency and scalability. In collaboration with competence centre [Gluo](https://gluo.be/), Aquafin has established an Internal Developer Platform (IDP), aimed at enabling software development teams to securely and consistently build applications in the cloud. This initiative underlines Aquafin's commitment to strong security practices, crucial given the strict IT security regulations and the strategic importance of the utility sector. Our team functions as a platform engineering team within the Solutions Team. Primarily focused on supporting development teams, they ensure smooth cloud operations managed by Aquafin. Aquafin has chosen Azure DevOps as its CI/CD infrastructure, replacing their in-house Jenkins solution to streamline software delivery processes. At the same time, they designed a Kubernetes cluster using Microsoft's Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS), in line with their cloud strategy. Twelve months after starting this initiative, our team has successfully supported four teams and brought multiple applications into production. This progress highlights Aquafin's commitment to leverage technology for a sustainable future in water management, and solidifies their role as an innovator in the utility sector. (\*) This transformation and cloud strategy is partly funded through Flemish Resilience and the European Union NextGenerationEU. #### **Xploration** After more than 30 years of experience in on-premise IT systems, Aquafin decided it was time to move their applications to the cloud. #### **Our solution** Together with Gluo, Aquafin has established an Internal Developer Platform (IDP), aimed at enabling software development teams to build applications securely and consistently in the cloud. #### **Integration** - Azure DevOps - Microsofts Azure Kubernetes Service (AKS) #### **Result** Twelve months after launching this initiative, our team has successfully supported four teams and brought several applications into production. ### Managed self-service reporting via Power BI #### Business Intelligence #### Data & AI #### De Vlaamse Waterweg 2024 #### Cloubis [cloubis.be](https://cloubis.be/) Managed self-service reporting via Power BI ![De Vlaamse Waterweg](https://cdn.craft.cloud/5fa59528-9049-4864-a4f2-a0667591b3bd/assets/img/De-Vlaamse-Waterweg.png) 17650 Managed self-service reporting via Power BI *Vlaamse Waterweg*, an agency of the Flemish Government, manages the waterways in Flanders, including traffic management, bridge and lock management, permit allocation for waterfront events, and water capacity applications. They asked competence centre Cloubis to help them optimise their data reporting. Although *Vlaamse Waterweg* was already using Power BI for both operational and strategic reporting, the current approach was not manageable or scalable. Employees installed Power BI themselves, accessed source data and created reports directly on the source system, without applying best practices. This led to performance problems and security and management issues, resulting in many end-user queries about incorrect data or unclear reports. To address these challenges, an information management team was established within *Vlaamse Waterweg*, focusing on managing strategic data solutions. In collaboration with Cloubis, they worked on a modern cloud data architecture via Azure Synapse Analytics and the implementation of a scalable self-service reporting solution in Power BI. #### **Xploration** *Vlaamse Waterweg* needed support in optimising their data reporting in a clear and well-organised way. #### **Our solution** - An end-to-end Azure Synapse Analytics data platform where data processing is organised following the 3-layer Medallion architecture. - A managed self-service reporting framework in Power BI. #### **Integration** - Azure Synapse Analytics (Synapse Pipelines, Spark notebooks, Data Lake, Serverless SQL Pools). - Power BI. - Azure DevOps for code versions and setting up release and deployment pipelines. #### **Result** After implementing the Azure data platform, *Vlaamse Waterweg* was able to centralise key data and process it into valuable strategic information. Those insights are shared via centrally managed Power BI Workspaces. The established reporting framework also supports self-service BI, allowing authorised Power BI users to develop, customise and share reports themselves.