CGDERP – City Gas Distribution ERP

Project Brief

City Gas Distribution (CGD) is a crucial component of urban infrastructure, focusing on the distribution of natural gas to various end-users, including households, commercial establishments, industrial consumers, and vehicles. Natural gas is an efficient, clean, and economical energy source that is gaining prominence due to its environmental benefits and cost-effectiveness. CGD networks deliver Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) for transportation and Piped Natural Gas (PNG) for residential, commercial, and industrial use.

As the CGD companies expanded, it faced challenges in efficiently managing operations, leading to the need for a comprehensive ERP solution to streamline business processes and improve service delivery.

Challenges

The client encountered several key challenges before implementing the ERP application:

  • Manual and Disconnected Processes:Most of the business processes, including inventory management, billing, customer service, and financial reporting, were being handled manually or through siloed systems. This led to inefficiencies, errors, and delays in operations.
  • Inaccurate Data and Lack of Real-Time Insights:Due to fragmented systems, the company struggled with data inconsistency, leading to inaccurate billing, inventory mismanagement, and inefficient customer service. There was also a lack of real-time visibility into operations, making it difficult to make informed decisions.
  • Inefficient Customer Service:The manual nature of complaint handling and billing processes resulted in delays in resolving customer issues. There was no integrated system for tracking customer queries, leading to poor customer satisfaction.
  • Complex Compliance and Regulatory Requirements:The gas distribution industry is subject to stringent government regulations regarding safety, environmental compliance, and customer billing. Meeting these requirements manually was becoming increasingly difficult as the client scaled up its operations.
  • Growth and Expansion:The client was expanding its gas distribution network to new regions, requiring a scalable solution that could integrate all areas of operation, including procurement, inventory management, and financial controls.

Solution

To address these challenges, a City Gas Distribution ERP Application was designed and implemented. This end-to-end ERP solution included modules for managing core operational and business processes. The key features of the ERP application were:

  • Integrated Billing and Customer Management System
    • On Spot billing for PNG customers, based on consumption data collected via Meter Reader Android App.
    • Prepaid Meters integration with ERP Application.
    • Customer self-service portal for self-billing, bill payments, consumption tracking, and complaint logging.
    • Real-time consumption monitoring.
    • CNG Station & Billing management
  • Inventory and Asset Management
    • Centralized inventory management to track pipelines, meters, and other equipment.
    • Real-time tracking of asset conditions, procurement requirements, ensuring optimal stock levels.
    • Streamlined supply chain processes, including vendor management and procurement planning.
  • Financial Management
    • Automated financial reporting with real-time data integration across departments.
    • Integration of accounts receivable and accounts payable modules, allowing for smooth processing of transactions and regulatory compliance.
    • Financial forecasting and budgeting capabilities, enabling the company to plan more effectively for future expansion.
  • Field Service Management
    • Mobile access for field staff to complete customer on-board steps, meter reading, debts recovery and KYC.
Technology Stack
  • Backend : Microsoft ASP.Net with MVC structure
  • Database : MSSQL
  • Mobile App Development :

    iOS: Swift,
    Android: Kotlin

Implementation

The ERP system was implemented in the following phases:

  • Assessment and Planning :A thorough analysis of existing processes was conducted to understand the specific needs of the gas distribution business. Stakeholders from various departments were involved to ensure all critical functions were addressed
    in the ERP design.
  • Customization and Integration :The ERP system was customized to include modules specifically designed for the gas distribution industry, such as Customer On-Board, Billing & Payment, Inventory Management, CNG Station & Billing Management, Debts Recovery,
    prepaid meter integration, various online bill payment integrations.
  • Testing and UAT :Rigorous testing was conducted to ensure the system functioned as expected. A User Acceptance Testing (UAT) phase was critical for identifying any gaps or customization needs before the final deployment.
  • Deployment :The system was deployed in phases, starting with the customer on-board & billing, customer service module, followed by inventory management, cng stations & billing, financials, and field service modules. This phased approach
    allowed for gradual adaptation and minimized operational risks.

Results

The implementation of the City Gas Distribution ERP Application led to significant improvements in business operations:

  • Increased Operational Efficiency:Automated processes reduced human errors, improved data accuracy, and enabled faster decision-making.
  • Enhanced Customer Satisfaction:The customer self-service portal, combined with self-billing and real-time consumption tracking, significantly reduced customer complaints and improved service delivery times.
  • Cost Reduction:Better inventory management and procurement led to reduced stock shortages and lowered operational costs.
  • Regulatory Compliance:The system’s built-in compliance features ensured timely and accurate reporting to regulatory bodies, reducing the risk of non-compliance penalties.
  • Real-Time Data and Reporting

Conclusion

The implementation of the ERP application for City Gas Distribution transformed the company’s operations, enabling them to manage their growing customer base more efficiently while maintaining regulatory compliance and enhancing service quality. The ERP system now serves as a backbone for the company’s ongoing growth and expansion, supporting its mission to deliver natural gas safely and efficiently to households and businesses.

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