Kenter is growing like crazy. This is no wonder, as their offerings are completely in tune with current events and consist of products, services and solutions that ensure the energy security and sustainable progress of corporate Holland.
One of the immediate challenges facing Kenter was the (seamless) integration of Ebatech’s systems and processes into Kenter’s existing operational infrastructure. Given the growth and workload among Kenter’s employees, it was decided to shape this with an external partner and thus musQueteer came to the table. Together we set the goal not only to increase efficiency but also to ensure data integrity and to increase the job satisfaction of the employees.
Navigating through growing pains
Siu Kin Lee, Co-founder and Consultant at musQueteer, says: “As with many startups and SMEs that experience tremendous growth, this is often accompanied by growing pains. The number of customers and the workload are increasing faster than the existing organization can keep up: from processes and work instructions to the IT systems to support the automation. To some extent this can still be managed, but there is no escaping the fact that, if not acted upon, eventually the machine begins to falter. There is a real risk that backlogs will accumulate and problems will grow. We want to prevent the once-smoothly running processes from being overwhelmed by downtime, which would lead to increasing pressure on employees…”
Registry equation as a solution
To cope with growing pains, a registry comparison was set up. This comparison integrates data from various systems, applying extensive business logic to verify that all necessary information is present. The data are then classified into predefined categories, with a clear roadmap for solutions ranging from IT changes to adjustments in work instructions. This allowed the impending administrative backlog to be cleared in a short period of time, and many cases were polished so that they could return to the regular process.
In parallel, systematically recurring issues were also identified. Some of these resulted from variations in work instructions, while others arose from discrepancies in IT systems/configurations, which then disrupted processes. These insights served as valuable learning opportunities for optimizing operational efficiency and promoting a seamless working environment.
Siu: “This project has been running for a little over a year now and is ongoing. After all, you don’t have to be sick to get better!”
Master Data Management delivers grip and insight
During a period of significant growth, you find out that, for example, the implementation of systems and processes had not yet been fully optimized. Thus, ad hoc solutions arose to enable registrations. Because synchronization between systems was not yet optimal, multiple “truths” arose, in other words, multiple versions of a file in different locations with no one knowing which was the correct version. In addition, different processes were set up for various value streams within the same system, resulting in duplicate implementations for functionally the same purposes.
The first goal of this project was to create one truth, a Single Source of Truth. This includes cleaning up duplicate data between systems. We also ensure that all projects in the different value streams use the same information. Siu: “The Power BI reports play a crucial role in this, as they help identify asynchrony. If this still occurs, we can act quickly.” Kenter: “It’s so nice to see that we keep getting a little better. This is how we prepare for the next growth spurt, because it is irrevocably coming.”
More job happiness for employees
In addition to a smoothly functioning system and smoothly running processes, our efforts have led to increased job happiness among Kenter’s employees. This is because they get more done, and because of automation, boring repetitive and manual work has been significantly reduced. Kenter: “Importantly, we are also now eliminating duplication as much as possible and confidence in available data has been restored.”
A characteristic of working with musQueteer is that the relationship goes beyond that of very dry “the client” and “the consultant. Siu: “We consider ourselves an integral part of Kenter’s team. Their success ís really our success as well.”
Who is Kenter?
As a leading energy company for corporate Netherlands, Kenter is known for its innovative business solutions in energy metering and energy management. Kenter provides integrated solutions, including charging facilities for electric vehicles and battery storage for locally generated energy.
Ask our specialists
Want to know more about data migration and process improvement? Then feel free to contact Siu Kin Lee, Founder and Consultant at musQueteer.
