Powering the Future: Smart Energy Management with we+

Transforming Energy Management in the EV Industry In the fast-evolving world of electric vehicle (EV) charging, efficiently balancing energy consumption is critical. Patrick Durant, domain lead in project delivery at we+, played a key role in a mission for a leading player in the energy sector, contributing to the development of an innovative energy management platform. In this interview, Patrick shares insights into the project, the challenges faced, and how we+ leveraged its expertise to drive success.

From Concept to Reality: How Did This Mission Begin?

The mission started with a project aimed at optimizing household electricity consumption, particularly for EV charging. The goal was to develop a smart module capable of distributing energy efficiently, preventing overloads while balancing grid demand.
As the project evolved, the client shifted its focus to developing a next-generation smart charger, integrating energy-balancing intelligence directly into its system. This solution was designed to enhance the efficiency of EV charging at home while supporting overall grid stability.

Shaping the Future: What Was we+’s Role?

we+ played a pivotal role in multiple areas:

• Project Delivery & Coordination – we+ structured the project, ensuring clear priorities and seamless alignment across multiple teams spread across different locations.
  
  
• Technical Expertise – Our experts brought deep knowledge in software development, product ownership, and agile methodologies to streamline development.
  
  
• Process Optimization – We reorganized teams, transitioning from a single large group to three specialized teams focusing on firmware development, asset management, and companion applications.Thanks to the teams’ expertise, the project remained on track despite strategic shifts and market fluctuations.

Overcoming Roadblocks: What Were the Biggest Challenges?

Like any groundbreaking project, this mission came with major challenges:

• Developing firmware without finalized hardware – The firmware team had to work with prototype hardware, requiring constant adaptation and collaboration with hardware teams across multiple locations.
  
  
• Navigating market and strategy shifts – The client had to pivot its focus due to changing industry dynamics, requiring we+ to ensure a seamless transfer of knowledge and resources.
  
  
•  Managing a multinational team – With contributors across different time zones, cultures, and languages, strong coordination and leadership were essential.

Agility in Action: How Did we+ Help Navigate These Challenges?

At we+, adaptability is key. Our team tackled these challenges through:

• Prioritization & Clarity – As Product Owner, I ensured well-defined, structured, and prioritized requirements.
  
  
• Global Collaboration – we+ established efficient workflows to sync teams across multiple locations, ensuring smooth knowledge transfer.
  
  
• Process Improvements – We introduced a more structured team setup and integrated agile frameworks like SAFe and Scrum to boost efficiency.

Our ability to bring focus, structure, and strategic direction was instrumental in driving the project forward.

Key Achievements: What Were the Concrete Results?

Despite shifts in market focus, we+ laid the groundwork for the client’s transition towards more advanced EV charging solutions. By the end of the mission, we+ had:

• Developed a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for the energy management platform.
  
  
• Designed and implemented key asset management features.
  
  
• Established a structured development process that continues to benefit the client’s ongoing projects.

While we+ did not take part in the actual firmware development, my role as Product Owner ensured a smooth transition to the client’s new business strategy while preserving valuable insights from the initial project.
What’s Next for You and we+? Following the evolution of the project, the client decided to focus entirely on next-generation EV charging solutions. As part of this transition, I served as the Product Owner for the Asset and Energy Management Portal, ensuring that these cutting-edge solutions met the highest standards of efficiency and reliability.
At we+, we continue to leverage our expertise in software development, product ownership, and process optimization to help clients navigate complex technological challenges. Whether in smart energy, mobility, or digital transformation, our mission remains the same: delivering impactful, value-driven solutions.

Final Thoughts: A Mission That Redefined Industry Standards

This mission perfectly illustrates how we+ combines technical expertise with strategic vision to tackle complex challenges in rapidly evolving industries. As the energy and mobility sectors continue to transform, we+ remains at the forefront, empowering clients to build innovative and sustainable solutions for the future.

A client case by Patrick Durant