The Key Features of Cloud-Based Software Solutions For Energy Companies

Cloud computing icons connected over a cityscape, representing digital data and technology networks.

The Growing Importance of Cloud-Based Software Solutions in the Energy Industry

The energy and utility industries are undergoing rapid transformation, driven by regulatory changes, technological advancements, and evolving customer expectations. To stay ahead in this dynamic landscape, companies need to adapt and leverage the power of cutting-edge software solutions for energy companies. Cloud-based technologies have emerged as a game-changer in this space, offering a range of benefits that can help businesses improve efficiency, reduce costs, and streamline operations. In this article, we’ll explore the key features of cloud-based software solutions for energy and utility companies, focusing on software from Infor, Infor SunSystems, HxGN EAM, and Infor d/EPM, and the services of TouchstoneEnergy, a global business systems and IT consultancy dedicated to the Energy sector.

The Shift to Digitalisation

The energy and utility sectors have traditionally been slow to adopt new technologies, but the benefits of digitalisation are becoming increasingly apparent. The rise of the Internet of Things (IoT), artificial intelligence (AI), and advanced analytics are driving companies to reconsider their approach to software solutions for energy companies. Cloud-based systems offer a flexible, scalable, and cost-effective way to stay at the forefront of these trends and keep pace with the changing environment.

The Benefits of Cloud-Based Solutions

The decision to move to cloud-based software solutions for energy companies is driven by a variety of factors, including:

  • Cost savings: Cloud-based platforms typically require less upfront investment compared to on-premise solutions, as well as lower ongoing maintenance and infrastructure costs.
  • Scalability: Cloud-based systems can easily be scaled up or down to accommodate fluctuations in demand, making them ideal for the energy and utility sectors, which often experience seasonal or cyclical variations in usage.
  • Flexibility: The ability to access cloud-based software solutions from anywhere, at any time, enables companies to respond more quickly to changing market conditions and customer needs.
  • Enhanced security: Cloud providers often have more robust security measures in place compared to what many organisations can implement in-house, ensuring your data is protected from cyber threats.
  • Improved collaboration: Cloud-based solutions facilitate better collaboration between teams and departments, promoting more efficient workflows and faster decision-making.

Leading Cloud-Based Software Solutions for Energy Companies

Infor SunSystems: Financial Management for the Energy Sector

One of the leading cloud-based software solutions for energy companies is Infor SunSystems. Infor SunSystems is a comprehensive financial management solution designed specifically for the energy and utility industries. Its key features include:

  • Multi-currency and multi-language support: Infor SunSystems can handle transactions in multiple currencies and languages, making it ideal for global energy companies.
  • Flexible reporting and analysis: With its powerful reporting and analysis tools, Infor SunSystems enables companies to gain valuable insights into their financial performance and make data-driven decisions.
  • Integration with other systems: Infor SunSystems can be easily integrated with other enterprise software solutions, such as Infor d/EPM and HxGN EAM, for seamless data sharing and improved business processes.

HxGN EAM: Asset Management for the Energy Sector

HxGN EAM is an enterprise asset management solution designed to help energy and utility companies optimise the performance and life cycle of their assets. Its key features include:

  • Asset hierarchy management: HxGN EAM enables companies to create a detailed asset hierarchy, which can be used to track and manage the performance of individual assets, as well as entire asset classes.
  • Predictive maintenance: By leveraging advanced analytics and AI, HxGN EAM can help companies predict potential asset failures and schedule maintenance accordingly, reducing downtime and increasing operational efficiency.
  • Mobile capabilities: With its mobile app, HxGN EAM allows field technicians to access asset information, log work orders, and update asset data on the go, improving productivity and data accuracy.

Infor EPM: Performance Management for the Energy Sector

Infor EPM is a performance management solution designed to help energy and utility companies plan, monitor, and analyse their operations more effectively. Its key features include:

  • Budgeting and forecasting: Infor EPM’s powerful budgeting and forecasting tools enable companies to create accurate financial projections and plan for future growth.
  • Performance dashboards: With its customisable performance dashboards, Infor EPM allows users to monitor key performance indicators (KPIs) in real-time, helping them identify areas for improvement and drive operational efficiency.
  • Scenario planning: Infor EPM’s scenario planning capabilities enable companies to model different business scenarios and assess the potential impact of various decisions, ensuring they make informed choices that align with their strategic objectives.

Purchasing and Spend Management for the Energy Sector

We offer a suite of cloud-based procurement and spend management solutions tailored to the needs of energy and utility companies, including Expense Management, Supplier Management and Purchasing. These solutions provide:

  • Streamlined procurement processes: these solutions help companies automate and standardise their procurement processes, reducing manual effort and ensuring consistency across the organisation.
  • Enhanced visibility and control: Energy and utility companies can gain greater visibility into their spending, enabling them to identify cost-saving opportunities and improve budget management.
  • Supplier management: the supplier management tools help companies build and maintain strong relationships with their suppliers, ensuring they receive the best possible value from their procurement activities.

TouchstoneEnergy: A Partner for Success in the Energy Sector

TouchstoneEnergy is a global business systems and IT consultancy dedicated to the energy sector, with our team of experts who understand the unique challenges faced by energy and utility companies. By partnering with TouchstoneEnergy, organisations can leverage their expertise and experience to successfully implement and optimise their cloud-based software solutions for energy companies. The TouchstoneEnergy team offers:

  • Implementation support: TouchstoneEnergy can help companies successfully deploy Infor SunSystems, HxGN EAM, Infor d/EPM, and Proactis solutions, ensuring they are configured to meet the specific needs of the energy and utility sectors.
  • Training and knowledge transfer: The TouchstoneEnergy team can provide training and support to help companies maximise the value of their software solutions, ensuring their teams are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to drive success.
  • Ongoing support and maintenance: By partnering with TouchstoneEnergy, companies can receive ongoing support and maintenance for their software solutions, ensuring they continue to operate at peak performance and deliver the desired business outcomes.

Conclusion

The energy and utility industries are undergoing rapid transformation, and companies need to adapt to keep pace with the changing landscape. Cloud-based software solutions for energy companies offer a range of benefits to energy companies, including cost savings, scalability, flexibility, enhanced security, and improved collaboration. Infor SunSystems, HxGN EAM, Infor d/EPM, and TouchstoneEnergy are all leading providers of cloud-based solutions tailored to the needs of the energy and utility sectors. By leveraging these solutions and partnering with TouchstoneEnergy, companies can gain a competitive edge and drive success in this dynamic industry. Reach out to us now to learn more about how we can help.

Share on: X LinkedIn

Read Next

Touchstone and Octave at Maintec: Powering Asset Performance Through Smarter Maintenance Management

For the second consecutive year, Touchstone is proud to be exhibiting at Maintec — the UK's longest-standing exhibition for predictive maintenance, reliability, and asset management.  Taking place on the 3rd and 4th June, the show brings together experts, leaders, and innovators shaping the future of asset-intensive operations. This year, we're returning with more to show, including the latest developments in Octave Attune (formerly HxGN EAM and HxGN APM), our cloud-based enterprise asset management solution built to help organisations extend asset life, improve maintenance efficiency, and reduce unplanned downtime.

Sustainable Finance: Why the Energy Sector Must Look Beyond Reporting—and How Octave Attune EAM, Formerly HxGN EAM, Supports the Shift

Sustainable finance has evolved from a peripheral concern to a core driver of strategic decision-making in the global energy sector. Investors, regulators, and communities now demand more than sustainability commitments—they require operational evidence. This shift represents a fundamental change in how energy organisations must operate: sustainability is no longer about narrative control.

Touchstone and Proactis Reignite Strategic Partnership to deliver integrated P2P for Infor SunSystems Clients

Touchstone, a leading provider of financial management software solutions specialising in Infor SunSystems, is proud to announce the renewed strategic partnership with Proactis, a global leader in spend management and procurement automation.

Please fill in your details below to gain access.

Training

Whether it is refresher training, teaching new member of staff or learning new software, TouchstoneEnergy clients can take advantage of our training services, delivered in bitesize chunks.

Whether your training needs are delivered on site at your office or in our training centre, you can be assured that training and tuition will be delivered by industry experts, experienced in dealing with new and existing users of our systems.

Training Icon

Support

Our UK-based support Helpdesk team are technical and application experts in all our solutions. They provide our clients with peace of mind that if you experience any issues with your software, when you partner with TouchstoneEnergy there's no need to worry - help is there when you need it. With the choice between an Essential or Premium Support Plan, we give our clients a comprehensive service - whether you want to report a fault or have a question regarding the use of your software.

We work to a published SLA giving our clients the benefit and peace of mind that we do what we say.

Support Icon

Cloud Hosting & Managed Services   

With over 250 years combined experience of deploying business systems to the Energy sector, our team has the necessary skills and industry knowledge to configure and align your solution with your business processes. With high quality data management solutions and post-deployment support, it's never been easier to manage your business' reporting requirements and strategic management capabilities while reducing spending in the long term.

Cloud Hosting Icon

System Optimisation

At TouchstoneEnergy, we understand that even the best ERP and EAM systems need regular review and refinement to stay aligned with evolving business goals. That’s where our System Optimisation service comes in.

We work closely with you to analyse how your current system is performing and identify areas for improvement — whether it’s simplifying processes, improving data flow, enhancing reporting, or unlocking underused functionality.

Our proven optimisation frameworks help energy and natural resources companies maximise return on investment, reduce operational friction, and support better decision-making.

System Optimisation Icon

Business System Integrations

We provide Energy companies with an integrated Infor Enterprise solution which comprises of Financial Accounting, Budgets & Forecasts and EAM technology. We provide technical support which helps your business to achieve its goals, and/or with regulatory compliance where necessary.
We have a hands-on approach, working with your team to configure and develop the solution to suit your business needs as well as providing end user training – helping you to streamline your business processes and improve operational efficiency.

Following our initial audit, our specialists will select the right platform to meet your organisation's goals, adopting the best tech solution for your needs.

Business System Integrations Icon

System Review

If your finance or business system is no longer meeting your organisation’s requirements, chances are that the system itself is not the issue, but instead it requires updates to ensure it aligns with the changes being made within your business.
Drawing on our extensive experience in the Energy sector, we can review your system and revive it, with optimised and integrated processes, to provide a firm foundation for expansion and ensure that it meets your business needs.

Regulation of all of the systems within your organisation - governance and business processes, time management, money management (including accounting and tax obligations) - is key to a successful project, and to a professional environment generally. Our team can identify where potential issues lie, and use the data we collect to implement new, more effective strategies.

System Review Icon

Implementation and Upgrades

Whether you are considering an ERP project or have already purchased an Infor Solution, implementing a new system will significantly impact the way your organisation operates, so it's important that you select the right implementation partner.

We take the time to listen, learn and understand the requirements of your business, completing a full audit of your business' needs in the first instance. We pride ourselves on being a focused team that truly values what our clients require from their investment, and ensure we achieve success.

Our ERP solutions enable you to leverage industry best practices, run mission-critical operations effectively, and gain insight into each role within your organisation, so that you can adapt to changes.

Our cloud ERP tool is designed for every business, and uses analytics to help with decision making in your organisation.

Implementation & Upgrades Icon