At a glance
How BDO leveraged industry experience and cloud-based technology to modernize operations for a growing Ontario-based utility company.
The challenge
Following a merger, Entegrus faced growing operational hurdles that threatened both efficiency and long-term growth. Its legacy enterprise resource planning (ERP) and HR systems were outdated and complex, and they could no longer keep pace with the demands of a modern utility provider. These needs translated into several key operational and technological challenges that required a comprehensive, tailored solution.
Recognizing these obstacles, Entegrus knew incremental fixes would not be enough. They needed a business partner that could implement a comprehensive, cloud-based solution with an implementation plan that would unify finance, operations, and workforce management. Entegrus’ goal was to eliminate silos, streamline reporting, and empower employees to focus on higher-value work.
The solution
Entegrus chose Microsoft Business Central and Dayforce as their software of choice to integrate and centralize its entire business ecosystem, which BDO configured specifically for their utility sector needs. Microsoft Business Central emerged as the ideal platform for Entegrus’ ERP transformation to modernize financial and operational processes, while Dayforce was selected to manage the employee life cycle from onboarding and scheduling to payroll, benefits, and performance.
Microsoft Business Central
The cloud-based business management solution addressed long-standing challenges in financial reporting, asset capitalization, and inventory management, which had struggled to keep pace with Entegrus’ business growth.
A key differentiator in our approach was an automated solution that streamlines asset capitalization and supports compliance with evolving asset coding requirements. Our team deployed a customized tool purpose-built for the utilities sector and Entegrus’ operations that is seamlessly embedded into Microsoft Business Central. Our deep understanding of utility asset management pain points—from fragmented data to uneven coding practices—allowed us to design a solution that solves real operational gaps, enhances reporting accuracy, and supports long-term scalability.
Is asset capitalization slowing down your operations?
Let us walk you through a smarter, automated approach built for utilities and aligned with industry regulations. Connect with our team to discuss what’s possible for your organization.
Through the implementation, internal HR processes were consolidated into a single, cloud-based platform. The human capital management system centralized the client’s entire workforce into a single payroll system, creating a single source of truth.
Through an advisory-led approach, we partnered closely with Entegrus to centralize operations and transform processes from the inside out. By conducting discovery sessions, facilitating workshops, developing a detailed configuration road map, and customizing the ERP system to their specific needs, we helped ensure they could quickly operate independently, supported by BDO’s Hypercare post-launch assistance.
The outcome and benefits
In the year following implementation, Entegrus has realized significant value from BDO’s customized implementation services across operations, workforce management, and reporting achieved through the tailored solutions approach.
Following BDO’s implementation services, the utility company has already seen:
Improved efficiency
- Our tailored asset classification tool modernized Entegrus’ entire classification process, making it faster, more accurate, and significantly more efficient.
- Time-consuming data retrieval processes were eliminated, allowing staff to focus on higher-impact projects.
- Financial reporting is now fast and seamless, eliminating the need to build reports from scratch.
Increased employee engagement
- A greater user experience with a centralized platform, giving employees the ability to find the information they need quickly and independently.
- User adoption has been consistent and positive throughout various departments.
- Field staff are now integrated into the same system as office employees, allowing for easier management of time off, benefits, and compensation.
Inventory management
- With Microsoft, the purchasing team now uses barcoding, making inventory management faster, more accurate, and less labour-intensive.
- Additional processes that once limited growth are now scalable and efficient.
Enhanced audit readiness and compliance
- With our customized asset capitalization tool, Entegrus eliminated manual sorting, reduced inconsistencies, and improved auditability, ultimately putting them in a stronger position to meet regulatory requirements.
- Microsoft’s platform supports greater transparency by providing real-time access to processes and data.
- Entegrus’ finance team can now share their screen with auditors to review controls, logs, and workflows in real time, eliminating reliance on screenshots or switching between multiple tabs.
- Built-in controls and activity logs that enable compliance and accountability.
Book a demo
With deep, hands-on experience in the utilities sector, we combine 15 years of technical knowledge with a thorough understanding of industry-specific requirements and policy. Our advisory approach is rooted in collaboration—working alongside clients to develop solutions tailored to the unique needs of utility companies.
Ready to see our solutions in action? Book a demo to explore how we can support your organization.
Our team:
- Darcy Quast, Partner, Technology
- Nick Van Berkel, Senior Manager, Technology