Governance, Risk & Compliance
Elektrizitätswerk der Stadt Zürich (ewz) carried out a major organizational transformation with an integrated management system built on BOC Group’s modular platform solutions. By replacing more than 700 tools, unifying processes, and setting up a central automated control system, ewz reduced complexity and improved efficiency, transparency, and collaboration.
Learn how ewz turned its integrated management system into a driver of success and what other organizations can take away from the project.
The Starting Point: Growing Structures, Increasing Complexity
ewz is one of the largest energy providers in Switzerland. It produces 100% green electricity from hydro, wind, and solar power, proving electricity supply in Zurich and parts of Graubünden. In addition, ewz operates a citywide fiber optic network in Zurich, several district heating networks, and supports sustainable energy projects throughout Switzerland.
With growth came a few structural challenges:
“We had over 700 tools that no one could keep track of anymore,” recalls Regula Ramseier, Quality Management and ICS Specialist.
Over the years, various departments had independently developed processes, tools, and documentation – without centralized governance or systemic interconnection.
The result: high redundancy, inconsistent process execution, and inefficient workflows.
“We wanted to move away from manually compiling facts in Excel – towards real, traceable workflows,” says Regula Ramseier.
© ewz, Fabrice Göldi
The rollout of a citywide ICS in Zurich revealed these weaknesses and highlighted the need for a system that combined process orientation, compliance, and modern, future-ready technology.
The Solution: An Integrated Management System with ADONIS, ADOIT & ADOGRC
In 2011, ewz found a partner in BOC Group, whose modular platforms could be tailored precisely to its complex requirements. The integrated management system was implemented step by step, with ongoing training, expert consulting, and the close involvement of all business units.
Key measures at a glance:
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Structured Process Management with ADONIS
A core team established binding standards. Processes were streamlined, documented to a maximum of three levels, and outdated instructions were eliminated. -
Comprehensive System Overview with ADOIT
With a clear view of the entire system landscape, redundant tools could be identified, reducing the number of applications from over 700 to around 150. -
Integrated ICS with ADOGRC
Roles, risks, and controls were mapped in central workflows. Once a control is assigned, the system automatically requests evidence, ensuring transparency and audit readiness.
“Suddenly we realized we had three contacts for our customers, and each was working in a completely different way,” recalls Daniela Maag-Biri, Head of Process Management.
Results & Successes: More Efficiency, Stronger Compliance
The transformation was much more than a technical implementation – it was a cultural shift. What did it take?
“Patience, patience, patience – and a lot of listening,” says Regula Ramseier, summing up the key to success.
The platform rollout delivered tangible results:
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Standardized Processes & Dissolved Silos:
More than 500 fragmented workflows were reduced to around 300 clearly defined processes – aligned across departments. - Streamlined System Landscape:
By using ADOIT, the number of applications was drastically reduced and the IT infrastructure consolidated. -
More Efficient Collaboration & Increased Traceability:
Automated workflows within the ICS ensure that control obligations are met and responsibilities clearly assigned. -
Trust and Acceptance:
The central platform creates transparency and strengthens collaboration between business units, IT, and compliance.
Rather than aiming for perfection from the outset, it is more important to start pragmatically and move forward step by step with all stakeholders, especially those from IT and compliance.
Daniela Maag-Biri,
Head of Process Management at ewz
Outlook: Continuous Development as a Strategy
At ewz, the integrated management system is viewed not as a finished project but as a dynamic, evolving framework. Interfaces will continue to be enhanced, processes further streamlined, and the use of data-driven KPIs will play an even greater role in the future.
“This allows us to work even more effectively with quality management to achieve ewz’s strategic goals,” says Regula Ramseier.
The goal is to unlock new potential through greater automation and deeper process integration, driving higher impact, stronger security, and greater agility.
Summary
By implementing an integrated management system built on ADONIS, ADOIT, and ADOGRC, ewz simplified processes, broke down silos, and strengthened compliance. What began as a response to complexity evolved into a driver of transparency, efficiency, and collaboration. With structured implementation, clear roles, and a culture that embraces change, the platform became a unifying element across all business units.
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