The drivers for and benefits of next generation investment planning and management: Making informed decisions in a changing world

摘要

It is rather challenging to try and conclude what is a varied and interesting debate about how best to generate operational efficiencies in the utilities, and specifically water, sector. From the wide variety of work Deloitte does with water companies, we have identified a need for companies to develop a more forward-looking strategy that considers both the evolving regulatory environment and the cost pressures and risks it can generate, Layered onto this is the increasing focus on the customer, witnessed in most industries and countries today, the consequences of which this industry is only just trying to understand. At present, in England and Wales water utilities are also having to change their investment appraisal strategies to consider the whole life costs of a project, as opposed to just assessing their capital investments. This has placed even more emphasis on prioritizing investment decisions and understanding of how expenditure could be optimized through the use of a number of techniques, including operating models. The data and management information made available to guide and develop insight will be crucial to the success of any program of this nature. It goes without saying that this forward-looking approach will undoubtedly require a cultural change that encompasses people, process and technology to achieve the financial and operational goals that will have been set. However, this is not an insurmountable challenge, but one that should be grasped head on - the potential rewards are great.