A 60-degree Perspective on Digitalization: HHL Leipzig Students Developed Analysis Tools for Public Utilities Togeer with Arvato Systems

Arvato Systems supported students from the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management with its practical knowledge of the energy sector

The students developed analysis tools to assess the degree to which public utilities are digitalized

(Arvato Systems) G tersloh, Germany -- Public utilities are currently addressing the energy revolution as well as the rapid digital transformation of the energy sector. This involves approaching topics such as Industry 4.0, the Internet of Things, smartification, and big data - all of which pose challenges that, when correctly addressed, can be decisive in letting energy service providers gain a competitive edge.

In order to help these companies take advantage of these opportunities, three Management master's students from the HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management spent April to July 2016 compiling a comprehensive analysis of the status quo in public utilities digitalization. This practical project, which the students undertook together with the IT specialist Arvato Systems, involved researching current models for measuring the digitalization of energy service providers. In-depth discussions with industry experts from this sector allowed the students to design what they dubbed a digitalization maturity model.' This provides 360-degree analysis that helps public utilities identify areas for potential improvement.

The team of HHL students consists of Christian Hoffman, Kristina Koch, and Nicholas Minkner. They jointly summarized the project as follows: We were very happy to be able to apply our commercial expertise to this cutting-edge, innovative project. We hope that, in doing so, we've been able to contribute towards the digitalization of public utilities, which will be crucial to ensuring the success of these companies. The project allowed us to gain valuable experience in the energy sector and learn how certain strategic concepts can be applied in practice.

Dr. Andreas Pinkwart, the Dean of HHL Leipzig, adds: Digitalization has become one of the key topics in modern business administration, and is also extremely important to HHL Leipzig. Because of that, we're happy that we could work together with strong, Leipzig-based partners in the fields of energy supply and energy services to address this issue.

Daniel Elsner, Senior Manager Business Development at Arvato Systems, has the following to say about the practical project: Working together with HHL Leipzig involved taking a consulting approach to addressing the use of digital innovations. Consulting energy service providers on the IT implementation of technical innovations is part of daily business for the Bertelsmann subsidiary. Elsner adds: The goal of the Arvato Systems consulting approach is to make our customers able to successfully pursue their own path towards digital transformation and help shape the digitalization of the energy market as a whole. This is only possible when we strategically take new technological possibilities into account and ensure that we can realize relevant potential.

The HHL Leipzig students undertook the practical project with Arvato Systems alongside their studies. The project was firmly rooted in their curriculum. Over the course of the project, the students met with Arvato Systems representatives regularly to exchange expertise. A presentation was held midway through the project to discuss initial results, and the concluding presentation was held on 8 July 2016.

About Arvato Systems

As global next generation IT systems integrator Arvato Systems focuses on "Digital Transformation Solutions". We use the technology talent and expertise of over 3,000 people at more than 25 sites throughout the world. Being a part of the Arvato network and belonging to Bertelsmann, we have the unique capability to create entire value chains. Our team creates integrated, future-proof business infrastructures that help make our customers more agile and competitive, and enable them to deliver new standards of service to their customers. We create streamlined digital processes that support innovative business models. Moreover we provide operation and support services. Arvato Systems offers an exceptional combination of international IT engineering excellence, the open mindset of a global player, and the dedication of employees. We also ensure that all our customer relationships are as personally rewarding and long-lasting as they are successful. www.it.Arvato.com

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management

HHL Leipzig Graduate School of Management is one of the leading international business schools. This university, which is the oldest commercial higher education institution in the German-speaking world, aims to develop its students into high-performing, responsible, and entrepreneurial future leaders of industry. HHL is distinguished by its excellent teaching quality, clearly defined research focuses, and practical transfer of knowledge, as well as for its excellent services for students. According to the Financial Times, HHL is the best institution in Germany and numbers among the top five institutions in the world in terms of incorporating entrepreneurship into M.Sc. and EMBA programs. HHL is accredited by AACSB International. http://www.hhl.de/en/home/

LINK:	https://it.arvato.com/en/about/press-releases/2016/A%20360-degree%20Pe...
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