A Lasting Impact
by Kevin Monte de Ramos
Since entering the industry 1989, I have always avoided the quick fix and looked instead for a lasting resolve. People were investing in my employee. And I felt obliged to generate a return on their investment. This philosophy is carried forth, providing a solid foundation for KMDR Research.
The publication of my book, Poverty and the Public Utility, ensures a personal legacy. Still, there are many examples throughout my career which demonstrate my philosophy, leave a lasting impact. Here are just a few examples for your consideration.
Will our recent innovations have such a lasting impact? I am certain of it, but only time will tell!
Columbia Gas Systems, now NiSource, had difficulty meeting the evaluation and reporting guidelines established for their low-income assistance programs, both in Pennsylvania and Ohio. The problem was that utility billing and consumption data was difficult to access and service providers lacked a tracking system. Over the next three years, I led the development of ESINS, the Energy Services Information System. Their investment in one of the early data warehousing projects paid off, the heart of the system remains in place today. The return on this investment exceeded all expectations. Commissioners recognized and rewarded Columbia Gas for their vision and pioneering work during the early days of utility customer assistance programs.
DocuCorp International was backed by Safeguard Scientific with intentions to take the company public. The problem, DocuCorp had a large professional services group. Additionally, the accounting systems of FormMaker and DocuCorp had yet to be merged. They needed a resource tracking system that bridged the gap between the two systems. Without such a system, DocuCorp would have trouble producing the quarterly financial statements required by the SEC. Looking for a quick fix, they asked me to develop an Access database to bridge the gap. With just 4 weeks effort, a system was put in place in 1998. Now listed on the NASDAQ, this company still uses the system without any significant modification. It is known internally as "Who does what". Who would have predicted the my Resource Allocation and Revenue Estimation System (RARES) would remain in use eight years later?
Liner Factory had a similar story. This small manufacturer needed an order entry system to track and bill for its wholesale and retail product lines. With an initial investment of just $1,500, I put an order entry system in place in 1996. Today, I am still called for advice on its maintenance. Where else could a small business owner go to get a customized order entry system that cost less than $3,500 over its 10-year life.
