IT Data Mapping for Electrical Cooperative
Case Study
Client
South Central Power Company is a member-owned electric cooperative serving more than 125,000 residential, commercial, and industrial customers in 24 Ohio counties. They offer tips to their members to conserve energy, reuse & recycle, eat local & organic, and use water wisely.
Business Goals
South Central Power Company identified a need to gain a clearer understanding of its software ecosystem. The organization sought to map all the software documentation across the organization into different tiers, identify where those software systems were connected, and determine what data was being exchanged between them.
The primary goal was to create a solution that would offer both clarity and scalability of their software system—enabling internal teams to manage and update the system over time.
Business Challenge
The project involved visualizing a system that had never been fully documented or mapped, requiring a comprehensive understanding of where the systems were in the enterprise, what data was used in each system, where the data originated, and where it is sent. To capture the full scope, input from subject matter experts throughout the organization was essential. The team also aimed to identify a solution that utilized existing tools while minimizing added complexity, licensing costs, or infrastructure adjustments.
Discovery was needed to find all of the systems within the enterprise, determine what data was used in each system, where the data originated, and where it was being sent.
“We didn’t consider this a single engagement; we wanted to build a partnership and develop a good product. Ultimately, we wanted someone we could have a long-term relationship with. SOLTECH created that trust with us to do some future projects. This was one of the smoothest technology-related projects we’ve done recently.”
– Justin Lape, Director of IT, South Central Power
Solutions
To address South Central Power’s need for greater visibility into their software ecosystem, SOLTECH developed a comprehensive integration map using Lucidchart, a tool already licensed by South Central Power. The goal was to give the organization a clear understanding of which systems serve as the system of record for each key data element.
The solution included several interrelated components, each designed to support ongoing clarity and maintainability. An overview document was created as a centralized hub outlining key systems and integrations. This included a quick reference list of core applications, additional applications with defined integrations, key integration technologies, external integrations, data flows, systems of record, and PII data. It also provides a guide for maintaining the integration map over time.
The integration map itself is a detailed visual diagram built in Lucidchart, showing the relationships and data exchanges between South Central Power’s internal and external systems. Additionally, individual system reference documents were created and stored in SharePoint. These documents are linked directly from the integration map and provide a high-level overview of each system, including system data, integrations, and relevant links.
This structured and visual approach enables South Central Power to maintain transparency across departments, support strategic planning, and lay a strong foundation for future data analytics initiatives. SOLTECH led the project from start to finish, managing everything from discovery and on-site meetings to delivery and refinement of the final product.
Project Highlights
- Developed an overview document with data reference links, a fully interactive integration map diagram in Lucidchart, and an individual system reference document linked to the integration map for easy usability.
- Delivered the project ahead of schedule and 10–15% under budget
- Leveraged existing software licensing to minimize costs
- Provided a clear, maintainable solution aligned with long-term data strategy
Impact
The completed integration map provided South Central Power with a clear, centralized view of its software environment, highlighting how systems interact and where data flows across departments. This clarity has strengthened strategic decision-making and set the stage for future data analytics initiatives.
Internally, the map has improved IT cross-functional understanding and communication, allowing teams to more easily identify inefficiencies and opportunities for improvement. The project also fostered a strong partnership between South Central Power and SOLTECH, positioning the firm as a reliable technology partner for future initiatives.
