Sulgás Increases Productivity with Automation of Key Business Processes Using SoftExpert Technology

Estimates from the National Confederation of Industry (CNI) indicate that the oil and gas sector contributes over 10% of Brazil's industrial GDP, making it vital for economic growth and innovation in various areas.

In this context, Sulgás stands out as the company responsible for natural gas distribution in Rio Grande do Sul. With a forecast to close 2024 serving 100,000 customers in 38 municipalities, covering industrial, commercial, residential, and vehicular gas (CNG) sectors, the company manages complex projects such as network expansion and implementation, contractor coordination, and execution of engineering works.

The natural gas sector is undergoing a digital transformation, aiming to maximize efficiency and change how it interacts with customers and stakeholders. These innovations bring significant benefits to both consumers and companies in the sector. Sulgás exemplifies this evolution by offering digital service options, providing greater convenience and agility to customers.

Sulgás found in the SoftExpert platform the ideal solution for automating, integrating, and optimizing its business processes. Initially contracted for document management, the tool's usage expanded within the company and now serves as the foundation for process mapping and automation, asset management, and corporate services.

“Today, we have more than 20 automated processes within the SoftExpert Suite, bringing dynamism to business areas that previously relied heavily on email, Excel files, and network-based transactions,” highlights Sulgás' Customer and Technology Manager, Francis Scherer.

The tool manages customer prospecting and contracting processes, ensuring that the entire sales pipeline, from contracting to initial connection, occurs within the system.

It also oversees engineering works, whether for network expansion or branch connections, ensuring complete customer service. Additionally, it covers procurement requests and IT service management, offering an integrated and efficient solution.

Customer Connections and Engineering Works Control

Previously, the control of natural gas network expansion projects was managed outside the system, relying on manual control mechanisms.

Scherer explains that after contracting a customer, the next step involves constructing the gas network or branch, which includes extending the pipeline to the delivery point. This process involves contractor mobilization and engineering works execution, such as excavation and gas pipeline installation.

“With process mapping and automation, we have designed an efficient workflow. Currently, we have precise control over each stage of the works, from the workflow's initiation to the installation of the meter and reduction station. This allows us to track each customer’s progress more quickly,” he states.

System Integration

The SoftExpert solution is integrated with the company's ERP and the gas network georeferencing system. This integration has eliminated data entry duplication and reduced the time spent reconciling data across systems. These integrations optimize business processes and improve access to critical data for decision-making.

IT Service Management

IT service management is crucial in a dynamic environment like the natural gas sector. In this context, the solution has supported the company in digitizing this process with an integrated approach to managing incidents, changes, and service requests.

IT change management has also been structured within the platform, ensuring that new technologies and processes are implemented efficiently, minimizing risks, and preventing interruptions to the company’s essential services.

Looking ahead, Sulgás is in the study and planning phase to migrate the system to the cloud. This transition will focus on improving the overall infrastructure. Moving to a more scalable solution will allow product modernization and the integration of new features, further benefiting business areas.

Personalized Service

The participation of ITSX, a SoftExpert business partner, was crucial to the project's success, ensuring precise alignment with the sector's specific needs. Close collaboration between teams ensured that solutions were effectively implemented, promoting seamless integration and meeting the expectations of all involved areas.

About ITSX

With 22 years of experience, ITSX specializes in providing advanced IT solutions. Focused on software, consulting, process mapping, and specialized services, ITSX is committed to simplifying and automating corporate processes, emphasizing business excellence management.

ITSX's team consists of highly qualified professionals with strong theoretical and practical expertise in their product application areas. In collaboration with business partners, ITSX helps organizations comply with regulations and standards, manage information, and automate processes efficiently and effectively.

About SoftExpert

Operating in the enterprise management software market since 1995, SoftExpert currently has over 500 employees, 2,000 customers, 600,000 users across all continents in about 50 countries, and 300 partners worldwide, including strategic alliances with companies such as AWS, Baker Tilly, and Kodak Alaris. The company also has business units in nine countries.

SoftExpert provides solutions that cover everything from business management and corporate quality to environmental, project, and government management within a single contract, offering greater efficiency, agility, and cost savings for its clients.

Its global presence demonstrates SoftExpert's ability to adapt its services to different companies and locations. The platform offers a set of multilingual modules that integrate to automate processes and optimize various business areas. The company has achieved a 4.5 rating on Glassdoor, continuously working to enhance the experience of all those connected to the platform.