News & Insights | Veracity Consulting

Beyond the Blueprint: Why Utilities Need a Client-Side Advocate for Transformation Success

Written by TC O'Hara | Sep 29, 2025 8:25:02 PM

After more than 20 years overseeing major Oracle Utilities implementations across CIS, MDM, NMS, CX, and Energy Management Systems, I've seen a consistent truth: Systems Integrators (SIs) are essential for deploying technology, but their scope-focused approach often leaves utilities unprepared for the massive internal lift. Too often, the critical tasks fall into a "missing middle," leading to the familiar refrain: “We thought the integrator was going to do that.”.

This is precisely where Veracity steps in, acting as your indispensable execution engine, bridging this gap to deliver Transformation Without the Turbulence. We manage the mayhem, so you don't have to. 

Bridging the Gap: Before, During, and After Transformation 

Before the Transformation: Laying a Future-Ready Foundation Successful transformations start with foresight. Veracity provides early roadmap and planning support, helping clients define strategic goals and requirements. We excel at anticipating the "Unseen Layer of Risk"—uncaptured scope, missing testing, and misaligned vendors that often surface too late. We align business processes, people, and partners long before go-live, ensuring a clear understanding of what’s truly in scope. 

 

 

During the Transformation: Precision Execution and Unwavering Oversight

Once a project is underway, Veracity's strength is meticulous execution and continuous oversight, preventing costly delays and disruptions. 

  • PMO & Program Management: We establish strong governance, proactively manage schedules, and mitigate risks across complex initiatives. 
  • IT Program & Environment Leadership: From environment builds to disaster recovery planning and security management, we ensure a resilient technical foundation. 
  • Comprehensive Testing: We provide independent, end-to-end testing services, including System Integration Testing (SIT) and User Acceptance Testing (UAT), along with rigorous defect management, ensuring a fully validated system. This covers critical business processes and integrations often outside an SI's direct contractual obligations. 
  • Third-Party Integration & Vendor Coordination: We align internal and external vendors, managing complex integrations and resolving gaps. 

  • Cutover Management as a Service: The transition to a new platform requires unmatched cutover precision, including detailed schedules, mock cutovers, and 24x7 support during go-live, minimizing business disruption. 

After the Transformation: Sustaining Success and Driving Continuous Value Going live is just the beginning. Veracity ensures long-term system stability and performance optimization. We manage comprehensive warranty support frameworks and facilitate effective change management and training to ensure seamless user adoption and continuous process improvement. 

 

 

Why Veracity? A Partner You Can Trust. 

My experience has shown that even the best technology and SIs need a client-side champion. Veracity is that champion. 

  • Deep Utility Expertise: We understand the technology, the regulatory landscape, and the operational complexities unique to utilities, with over 18 years of industry experience. 
  • Proven Execution Methodologies: We leverage structured, client-focused execution, tailoring our services to your specific culture and priorities. 
  • Values-Driven Partnership: Our core values of curiosity, transparency, and flexibility define how we engage, ensuring we uncover real problems and communicate openly. 

The most common feedback we hear from clients is, “We wish we had brought Veracity in sooner.”. Don’t wait for go-live stress to reveal the gaps. 

Ready to ensure your next utility transformation not only launches but truly succeeds? Let’s connect.