How do you bring all the links in a complex energy chain together in one place? For Vattenfall, the task was clear but challenging. They wanted to create a solution that fully supports energy partners, installers, and customers. The focus was on ease of use, transparency, and flexibility – without compromising speed or quality.
Positive energy
Vattenfall: Energy for a Fossil-Free Future
Vattenfall, a European energy company with 19,000 employees, has been working for over 100 years to provide reliable energy to households and industries across Europe. Today, the ambitious goal is clear: to achieve fossil-free energy within one generation. Collaboration, innovation, and a vision of sustainability are at the heart of everything they do. With this mission, Vattenfall is developing solutions that truly make a difference – such as the advanced VLINK platform.
The Challenge
With the VLINK platform, Vattenfall needed to not only streamline existing processes but also accommodate all possible energy services. This includes solar panel installations, heating solutions, energy certificates, and much more. It was essential that the system be flexible enough to respond to specific customer needs and grow alongside Vattenfall’s ambitious sustainability goals.
“We strongly believe in a sustainable and long-term partnership to provide our customers with excellent solutions. And that process is not only effective, but also very enjoyable!”
Georg Auffarth - Senior Product Manager and Product Owner of VLINK.com
The solution
With VLINK, Vattenfall brought all parties in the chain together on one digital platform. The system was built around three core components:
Thanks to a REST API, VLINK also offers seamless integration with systems such as CRM software or billing programs. This technological core is hosted in a Kubernetes cluster within the Open Telekom Cloud. This guarantees stability and scalability, now and in the future.
The Results
The realization of VLINK has led to clear progress in sustainability and customer focus. Here are the key benefits summarized:
All energy services in one place
Vattenfall has succeeded in centralizing all energy services and involved parties with VLINK. This not only saves time but also makes the entire process more transparent for everyone.
Flexibility that adapts
Every part of the platform – from processes to products – is fully customizable. This allows Vattenfall to quickly respond to new developments or customer requests without compromising speed or functionality.
Improved customer experience
Customers can easily access all steps of their energy service through the VLINK Home portal. This not only increases transparency but also ensures higher customer satisfaction.
Efficient connections
With the REST API, the platform can easily be linked to existing software such as CRM or billing systems. This saves time and improves operational efficiency.
Strong partnerships
Collaboration with installers and suppliers is smoother than ever. Thanks to better communication and streamlined processes, partner companies can respond faster to requests.
Stable scalability
With hosting in the Kubernetes cluster within the Open Telekom Cloud, Vattenfall has an infrastructure ready for growth. This provides security and room for expanding energy services.
Working Together for a Fossil-Free Future
The VLINK platform demonstrates how modern technology and collaboration can go hand in hand. Vattenfall proves that complex challenges can be turned into opportunities – as long as you're willing to innovate. With VLINK, Vattenfall is not only contributing to better service but also to a fossil-free future. And that's a win for everyone.