The Hindu : Discom set to join enterprise resource planning regime

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Sunday, Feb 22, 2004

Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Tirupati

Discom set to join enterprise resource planning regime

By Our Staff Reporter

TIRUPATI, FEB. 21. From the stage of trying to persuade its change-resistant employees to accept computerisation a couple of years back, the Andhra Pradesh Southern Power Distribution Company Limited (APSPDCL) has come a long way.

It is now all set to march towards the Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) regime, an advanced state of finance and strategy management.

The Southern Discom has forged a tie-up with the Eastern Discom, Visakhapatnam and Central Discom, Hyderabad, in this venture to cut cost on consultancy and minimise license-related hassles. The Northern Discom is not part of the conglomerate. ERP is not just another level in computerisation. It streamlines the system and ensures adherence to the best business practices. While any other application software does the job of recording transactions, file updation and database management, the ERP aids in monitoring the fund flow by keeping track of each and every transaction, helps in maintenance of cash estimates and even aids the management in funds forecasting. Also, the ERP supports management of vendor chain and customer relations that gives it an edge.

The Rs. 2,300 crores turnover company, perhaps, has realised now that ERP is not only a matter of convenience, but a necessity. The major areas that are likely to be taken up for automation are general ledger management, asset management, budgeting and costing, treasury and cost management, bank reconciliation, Management Information Systems (MIS), auditing, work order management and Accounts payable and receivable. Already, the company has an automated and well-networked system.

The levels in the company involving finance and accounts are the Tirupati headquarters, the six circles, the scores of divisions and the numerous sections, besides the 63 Electricity Revenue Offices (EROs) spread over the districts of Chittoor, Cuddapah, Nellore, Prakasam, Guntur and Krishna.

In such a case, keeping track of every rupee earned is next to impossible in manual system and is a daunting task in a computerised environment. But the same is easily manageable under ERP, as things will be set right first and constantly monitored.

Tenders have already been called for and the company has technically shortlisted six vendors, including the who's who of the software market. The final decision is expected to be taken at the pre-bid meet to be held at Hyderabad on Monday. The letter of intent is likely to be given on March 15.

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Discom set to join enterprise resource planning regime