The DyFlex Planning and Analytics team partnered with Powerco, New Zealand’s largest dual energy distributor, to modernise financial planning, budgeting, and forecasting using SAP Analytics Cloud. The program replaced spreadsheet based processes with a centralised, secure, and scalable SAP cloud planning platform.

Supporting a complex energy network

Powerco connects more than 900,000 people across the North Island through an extensive electricity and gas network. Financial planning relied heavily on Excel spreadsheets and email based workflows, involving approximately 60 managers across the organisation.

These processes were time consuming and difficult to manage. Manual modelling increased the risk of errors, version control was challenging, and planning cycles were slow. Personally Identifiable Information, including payroll data, was stored in spreadsheets, creating security and compliance risks. Knowledge was concentrated with a small number of individuals, increasing key personnel dependency and limiting time for analysis.

Moving to SAP Analytics Cloud

Powerco’s Finance and Technology teams worked with the DyFlex Planning and Analytics team to complete a Solution Planning Study, defining a clear set of initiatives and a multi year roadmap. This was followed by a DyFlex led implementation of SAP Analytics Cloud for financial planning.

SAP Analytics Cloud was integrated with existing systems, including SAP S 4HANA and Payglobal, enabling faster delivery of budgets and forecasts. Core planning was implemented across the income statement, balance sheet, and cashflow, supported by network maintenance planning, workforce planning, and core finance planning.

The solution introduced structured workflows, controlled approvals, restricted access, and strong version control. Real time dashboards and task tracking improved visibility across the planning cycle, while training and documentation supported broader adoption.

Tangible outcomes in planning and delivery

The implementation delivered immediate improvements in planning efficiency and data quality. Budget and forecast cycles were accelerated through real time scenario modelling. More than 60 spreadsheets were removed, reducing complexity and risk.

Standardised input forms and reports improved usability and consistency. Self service access reduced reliance on key individuals, while automated data feeds from payroll and SAP S 4HANA improved accuracy and eliminated manual reconciliation.

Phase 1 was delivered on time and on budget, resolving all identified current state pain points. Cycle times were reduced, revisions completed faster, and Finance effort reduced by approximately 120 hours per cycle.

It is very pleasing to see a digital program delivered as planned and achieving the outcomes targeted. Phase 1 of SAP Analytics Cloud Planning has delivered measurable improvements in efficiency, agility, resilience, and accuracy across our financial planning processes. It has also established a strong platform to extend planning to the balance sheet and statement of cashflows in Phase 2.

We valued the expertise of the DyFlex Planning and Analytics team in helping us define the roadmap and then scope, design, build, and migrate to the initial solution. The team demonstrated strong SAP knowledge, professionalism, flexibility, and a clear focus on our needs. We now move into Phase 2 with confidence and momentum.

Rudy Gesterkamp
Manager of Process, Systems, and Continuous Improvement for Finance

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Looking ahead

Powerco’s SAP Analytics Cloud implementation has established a strong, scalable foundation for financial planning. With Phase 1 delivered on time and on budget, the business has improved planning efficiency, data quality, and visibility across finance. The DyFlex Planning and Analytics team continues to work with Powerco as the program progresses into Phase 2, extending planning coverage and supporting ongoing operational improvement.

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