WAPDA ERP Transformation: Enhancing Efficiency with PearlERP

Introduction to WAPDA The Pakistan Water and Power Development Authority (WAPDA) was established as a federal body through an Act of Parliament in 1958. Its organizational structure includes a Chairman and three core members responsible for Power, Water, and Finance. WAPDA’s mission is to develop water and hydropower resources in Pakistan, focusing on producing affordable, clean electricity to help reduce costs for consumers.

The Need for an ERP System As a prominent authority in Pakistan, WAPDA has managed hydel and thermal electricity generation, transmission, and distribution to a wide range of consumers—industrial, commercial, and residential—for over six decades. Previously, all records were maintained manually, leading to challenges in efficiency and data accessibility. Recognizing the need for a modern accounting and management control system, WAPDA sought a reliable technology partner to migrate from its manual processes to a secure and advanced ERP system. Pearl Solutions (Pvt) Ltd was chosen for this project, leveraging its established PearlERP software and experience to support WAPDA’s digital transformation.

ERP Requirements for WAPDA Key requirements for the ERP solution included:

• A customized solution for managing accounts across all WAPDA locations.

• Multi-level accounts consolidation for transparent reporting.

• Integration of accounts with other critical systems and cross-country office integration.

• A robust payroll management system for the Power Division.

• A flexible Chart of Accounts, adaptable to both legacy data and future needs.

• An efficient inventory management system with item grouping to streamline organization and tracking.

WAPDA’s Main Divisions The ERP solution was designed to accommodate WAPDA’s three primary divisions:

1. Power

2. Water

3. Services

Additionally, accounting and accounts consolidation were implemented across all relevant offices, including Funds, Pension, and Import.

Gap Analysis and System Customization To understand WAPDA’s existing processes and develop an effective plan, Pearl Solutions conducted a gap analysis. This involved:

• Presentations by WAPDA representatives on current procedures.

• Visits to key departments to assess procedures in action.

• Interviews with senior management, accountants, IT staff, and end-users.

A System Requirements Specification (SRS) document was developed to refine PearlERP according to WAPDA’s needs, with ongoing feedback sessions ensuring alignment with their expectations.

Implementation Key implementation steps included:

• Chart of Accounts (COA): Thorough consultation with staff ensured that the COA covered all necessary aspects and could support future needs.

• Accounts Consolidation: Designed to manage accounts across WAPDA’s hierarchy and numerous locations, ensuring accurate reporting from local to organizational levels.

• Inventory Grouping: An organized inventory structure to manage WAPDA’s vast item catalog and avoid duplication.

• Payroll System: Enhanced to handle the complex allowances and deductions required for WAPDA’s large workforce.

Outcomes Following a successful pilot phase, PearlERP was deployed in over 100 WAPDA locations across Pakistan. Pearl Solutions continues to provide ongoing support and maintenance, fostering a strong, collaborative relationship with WAPDA as they continue their journey in digital transformation.