Axpo Solutions AG - Optimised electricity trading

„iRIX enabled an increase in efficiency and quality with Expro. This allows us to better focus on our core competencies and take advantage of short-term power trading.“

Roman von Siebenthal, Head Spot & Forward Trading Axpo Solutions AG

Initial situation: Manual spot trading
Axpo conducted its spot transactions on the electricity exchange using Excel sheets. Each subsidiary made additions to these sheets independently, and the sheets were not merged. To calculate the exchange bid, data was obtained manually from various sources. This process was unstable and slow.

Goals of the new solution

Uniform solution for all branches
Efficiency in the procurement of bid data and quality improvement through automation of data sources
Central record keeping of exchange bids and surcharges
Possibility of expansion to new exchanges

Solution
iRIX was commissioned to develop an application that is available to traders as an Excel plug-in. In the underlying database, the data from the individual Excel sheets, as well as all master data for the configuration of the exchanges, is stored centrally. The server establishes the communication between the data sources, such as e-mails from customers and the position management system on the one hand, and the Excel plug-in on the other hand, and handles all calculations. In Excel, the data can be updated at the push of a button.

The preparation of the exchange bid is done on the server. The aggregated data is presented in Excel and submitted to the exchange. The exchange surcharge is also read in centrally via Excel and passed on to the position management system. In addition, the stored data is used as a reference and is available for audits.

In case of an update, an automated installation routine ensures that all traders always use the latest version. Additional exchanges can be easily integrated.

Added value for the client

Risk minimisation
Development and support are outsourced to iRIX, which can adapt the application to new requirements at any time and ensure smooth operation.

Know-how
The know-how, which is distributed over several local Excel solutions, is combined centrally in one application and thus secured.

Increased efficiency and quality
Media discontinuities and dependencies were eliminated through stable, automatic interfaces between the applications. The application is designed for multiple exchanges. This allows the customer to expand its field of activity and ensures efficient electricity trading.