Simplifying Complex Systems in Utilities & Telecoms

Utilities and telecoms operate in increasingly complex environments where multi-domain systems, regulatory requirements, and rapidly evolving technologies intersect. Maintaining reliability, safety, and operational efficiency while innovating is a constant challenge. 

IBM® Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM) helps organisations meet this challenge by connecting teams, streamlining processes, and providing full lifecycle visibility across software, hardware, and systems engineering.

With end-to-end traceability, impact analysis, and automated compliance reporting, ELM enables faster innovation, reduced risk, and more reliable operations. From modernising infrastructure and networks to integrating emerging technologies, IBM® ELM empowers utilities and telecoms to deliver smarter, safer, and more efficient systems, driving both organisational performance and customer confidence.

Discover how IBM® ELM is helping leading utilities and telecom organisations streamline development, improve collaboration, and reduce risk across the entire engineering lifecycle.  

In this live session, our experts will explore how ELM enables:

• Seamless collaboration across software, hardware, and systems teams;
• End-to-end traceability for compliance and audit readiness;
• Smarter change management and impact analysis; 
• Faster innovation through connected, model-based engineering.

ELM helps telecom organisations streamline the design, development, and delivery of complex network and software systems. It ensures end-to-end traceability, compliance, and quality across multi-vendor, multi-technology environments, driving faster innovation while reducing operational risk.

Use Cases in Telecom:

• Managing 5G and edge network design, testing, and deployment;
• Streamlining OSS/BSS software integration and lifecycle management;
• Ensuring regulatory and security compliance across systems and regions;
• Coordinating hardware, firmware, and software teams with model-based systems engineering (MBSE);
• Tracking requirements and test results for faster, more reliable service rollouts.

ELM empowers utility companies to design, develop, and maintain complex infrastructure and smart grid systems with greater efficiency and control. It connects teams, data, and processes across the lifecycle to enhance reliability, safety, and regulatory compliance, driving digital transformation across energy, water, and gas operations.

Use Cases in Utilities:

• Managing smart grid, meter, and substation automation project;
• Tracking requirements and testing for safety-critical system;
• Ensuring compliance with energy and environmental regulations;
• Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams for asset modernisation;
• Integrating IT/OT systems for real-time performance and resilience.

A major telecoms and utilities company modernised its engineering and project delivery through IBM® Engineering Lifecycle Management (ELM). The platform connected requirements, design, testing, and change management, creating a unified environment for cross-team collaboration and full lifecycle traceability.

By centralising data, the organisation gained real-time visibility, faster decision-making, and stronger compliance. Automated reporting and dashboards improved efficiency and quality, shortening delivery cycles and reducing rework.

Now a core part of its digital engineering ecosystem, IBM ELM enables the company to adapt quickly to emerging technologies like 5G, smart grids, and IoT driving greater reliability, agility, and customer satisfaction. 

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