How Fluvius brought innovation to their workflow with Odoo

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 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.

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.

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.