Solution Procurement

Five Point Partners is the leading provider of Solution Procurement services to the utility industry. We combine broad, utility business process expertise with working knowledge of the leading software providers and integrators to help our clients develop and procure solutions that precisely meet their needs. We extend our Solution Procurement services to virtually all critical utility IT systems including CIS, AMI/AMR, MDM, Asset Management, Work Management, Mobile Workforce, ERP, and Business Intelligence.

A Flexible, Proven Approach

Our typical Solution Procurement project follows a seven-step methodology that guides our clients through all necessary activities to secure an executable contract and a comprehensive statement of work. The modular flow of our methodology means that it can be tailored to our client’s needs and timeline. Clients choose us for the following reasons:

Uniquely Qualified – We have assisted over 200 utilities with their Solution Procurement needs. With experience dating back to 1992, we offer a proven approach that has been refined and continually updated to reflect current market conditions. We have evaluated dozens of commercial-off-the-shelf and custom software packages and systems integrators for utilities of all sizes and types, from single service municipalities to North America’s largest multi-service IOUs. This breadth of experience provides our clients with a unique perspective on the options available to meet their business needs.

Independent – We operate independently from software vendors and systems integrators and require our consultants to adhere to written ethics guidelines. Our neutrality ensures that our advice is unbiased. In fact, we do not “select” software and systems integrators for our utility clients; we facilitate the process. Our goal is to thoroughly arm our clients with the information they need to choose the solution best suited for their situation.

Hands-on Expertise – Many of our clients utilize our Client-Side Delivery Support℠ (CSDS) services during the implementation. We have assisted over 65 implementations. Through our CSDS services we operate as an extension of the client team, providing constant client advocacy while overseeing and managing the diverse set of providers participating in a typical engagement. We view our delivery services as a strategic advantage. By providing independent “client-side” services throughout the lifecycle of an engagement, we maintain responsibility for ensuring that the advice we provided on the front-end is properly followed and executed on the back-end. Additionally, by maintaining a continuous hands-on presence, we gain unique insights into product and vendor strengths and weaknesses, which in turn, improve the quality of our Solution Procurement services.

STAR™ - Selection Tool for Assessment and Requirements

We possess a robust set of functional requirements and business processes for electric, natural gas, water, wastewater, solid waste and drainage utilities (both regulated and competitive markets) that serves as the foundation for any Solution Procurement exercise. These requirements and business processes are housed within STAR™, our proprietary software application. STAR™ is an automated, secure system for enhancing dialogue and discovery among utilities, software vendors and systems integrators. STAR™ streamlines and optimizes the Solution Procurement process for both clients and vendors, allowing all parties to focus on the issues that matter most.

Benefits of Five Point's Solution Procurement

If you’re considering a new system, our rigorous Solution Procurement approach will provide your company the following benefits:

Benefits Focused – Our Solution Procurement methodology isn’t merely a features and functions product evaluation. We evaluate the new system in a holistic fashion, examining the impact on call centers, back office, performance management/business intelligence, technological vision, and client readiness. Selecting the right system is important; integrating a successful solution is critical.

Risk Mitigation – Each step in our methodology, from the design blueprint and advanced financial modeling to the contract review, is designed to mitigate risk – both for the utility and the vendors by setting appropriate expectations and ensuring adequate attention to the key issues.

Cost Savings – Our extensive knowledge of recent transactions for utilities of all types and sizes with virtually all leading software vendors and integrators means you won’t be overcharged.

Confidence That You’re Making the Right Decision – Five Point helps you eliminate guess work and craft a solution that is optimal for your utility. We’ve helped hundreds of utilities. How can we help you?