Itron Inc. has expanded its partnership with SAP AG, giving utilities the ability to better analyze their smart grid ecosystem and make more effective, data-driven decisions. As an SAP BusinessObjects OEM partner, Itron will help utilities streamline operations, improve energy efficiency, reduce costs and enhance customer service. The integrated solutions will help consumers use energy in a more proactive, intentional and cost-effective manner.

With this extended partnership, Itron will now embed and sell SAP BusinessObjects business intelligence (BI) solutions in its Active Smart Grid Analytics (ASA) architecture. The SAP BusinessObjects BI solutions will provide Itron a foundation on which to build a new class of analytics that will help utilities realize the true value of the wealth of data coming from their new infrastructures.

“Utilities are going through a difficult transition as they assimilate their massive investments in new smart grid devices,” said Jill Feblowitz, practice director, IDC Energy Insights. “To meet the demands of regulators, shareholders and customers, utilities must develop new tools to improve operations and enable new programs. Business analytics married with grid data will be key to successful delivery of business benefits.”

SAP BusinessObjects solutions provide comprehensive business intelligence and advanced analytics functionality that empower users to make effective, informed decisions based on realtime data and analysis. All users, from the high-end analyst to the front-line business user, have access to the information they need, when they need it, in a format they can understand. The solutions enable enterprise reporting; query, reporting and analysis; dashboards and visualization; advanced analytics; search and navigation; and information infrastructure management.