Hitachi Energy, in collaboration with Microsoft, is accelerating the digital transformation of critical infrastructure—from power grids and transportation corridors to heavy industry—by changing how critical assets are managed and maintained.
Power grids, rail networks, manufacturing facilities, and other critical assets are often decades old and burdened by the pressure of growing demand, extreme weather conditions, and aging components. Failures of these systems can lead to a domino effect and serious consequences, including widespread power outages, safety incidents, environmental damage, or significant economic losses. By combining Hitachi Energy’s extensive experience in critical infrastructure management with Microsoft’s advanced artificial intelligence and data capabilities, operators can transition from reactive problem-solving to proactive, comprehensive, data-driven asset lifecycle management—responding to problems before they occur.
Utilizing Microsoft Dynamics 365, Microsoft Fabric, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Microsoft Foundry, Hitachi Energy is transforming its Ellipse Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) solution into a unified environment for data management, analytics, and business operations. This builds on the strategic alliance between Hitachi and Microsoft, announced in June 2024, which established plans to embed Microsoft technology into Hitachi’s Lumada solutions. Today’s announcement brings this collaboration to the energy sector and leverages Ellipse’s 40 years of EAM experience along with Microsoft’s advanced technologies and capabilities.
“Hitachi Energy has decades of experience in building and operating infrastructure that ensures the functioning of the modern world,” said Massimo Danieli, Executive Vice President and Managing Director of the Grid Automation Business Unit at Hitachi Energy. “Microsoft technology increases value and accelerates its generation for Ellipse customers. At the same time, it allows us to bring to market a solution that is unmatched in terms of IT and OT capabilities, offering critical service providers the ability to operate more thoughtfully and sustainably.”
“Critical infrastructure operators need actionable information. Together with Hitachi Energy, we’re combining artificial intelligence, cloud technologies, and enterprise systems to help organizations transition from reactive maintenance to predictive operations, improving the reliability, security, and long-term value of the infrastructure that society depends on,” said Dayan Rodriguez, Vice President of Manufacturing and Mobility at Microsoft.
The solution combines advanced digital technologies, including Microsoft Foundry, Fabric, Microsoft 365 Copilot, and Microsoft Dynamics 365, to integrate critical datasets supporting asset-related operations and provide unprecedented insight into resources across entire networks. It can recommend the optimal time for service work based on supply chain, human resources, and financial data, thus helping organizations increase operational efficiency and better plan investments. This means more reliable services, safer operations, and fewer unexpected repairs, which are often the most costly and disruptive.
The Value of Integration
Traditionally, EAM systems and supporting systems such as ERP and CRM operate independently, creating data silos. EAM data is primarily used for asset lifecycle management, but it can be enriched with supporting data, including financial, ordering, and workforce planning information, which is often available in ERP or CRM systems. When they are separated, this often leads to efficiency losses, data duplication, and limited transparency. By integrating these systems with Microsoft Agentic business applications, utilities gain:
- Comprehensive visibility: A single source of information about resources, finances, and operations enables better decision-making and ensures regulatory compliance
- Optimized resource management: Real-time data flow between EAM and ERP systems facilitates accurate budget planning, forecasting, and resource allocation
- Enhanced reliability and resilience: Predictive maintenance based on integrated data reduces downtime and extends asset lifespan
- Streamlined processes: Unified workflows eliminate redundancies, accelerate order fulfillment, and improve customer service
- Regulatory compliance and sustainability: Integrated reporting supports environmental, social, and corporate governance (ESG) goals and regulatory compliance
The Hitachi Energy solution will be delivered through the company’s ecosystem of integrators, including Hitachi Solutions, a global system integrator within the Hitachi Group, serving as the primary advisor and partner for implementation design. Hitachi Solutions’ recent recognition as Microsoft Dynamics 365 (Finance) Partner of the Year, combined with extensive experience in executing large-scale, global digital transformations, will help accelerate the implementation process and ensure consistent, high-quality results for end users.
“Hitachi Solutions is proud to support this strategic transformation and the tremendous impact it can have on increasing the efficiency of critical OT applications,” said Soichiro Ohara, President and CEO of Hitachi Solutions America. “Our task is to accelerate the implementation, integration, and achievement of business results, ensuring customers fully leverage the potential of this industry-leading AI-based solution.”
Supporting Digital Transformation
For customers, this integration can become the foundation and strategic enabler for achieving digital transformation priorities. It allows organizations to shift from reactive to proactive operations, leverage advanced analytics, and deliver value to customers while controlling costs. The solution transforms tools from passive repositories into dynamic, self-optimizing platforms that consolidate data, automate processes, and increase efficiency across the enterprise.
Ellipse is part of the Asset & Work Management solution suite, which supports the HMAX Energy digital services portfolio. Hitachi’s HMAX is a next-generation solution suite that harnesses the power of artificial intelligence in public infrastructure.
About Hitachi Energy
Hitachi Energy is a global technology leader in electrification, providing a sustainable energy future through innovative solutions for power grids based on digital technology. Over three billion people worldwide rely on our solutions every day. For over 100 years, our pioneering technologies of strategic importance, such as high-voltage products, transformers, automation, and power electronics, have enabled us to meet the most pressing energy challenge of our time—balancing growing demand for electricity while reducing carbon dioxide emissions in the power system. With an unmatched installed base in over 140 countries, we co-create and build long-term partnerships in the utility, industry, transportation, data center, and infrastructure sectors. Our headquarters is located in Switzerland, and we employ over 50,000 people in 60 countries, generating revenues of $16 billion USD.
https://www.hitachienergy.com
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About Hitachi Solutions
Hitachi Solutions supports sustainable business transformation through customized consulting, advisory services, and technology solutions for organizations worldwide. Our expertise encompasses transformation in finance, sales and services, low-code innovations, and strategic use of artificial intelligence and data to expand insights and increase efficiency.
As part of Hitachi Solutions’ global business strategy, we focus exclusively on the Microsoft ecosystem, leveraging its cloud platforms and AI innovations to achieve measurable business results for clients. Our global teams operate in North America, Europe, India, Asia, Australia, and New Zealand.
In everything we do, we work closely with our clients to support transformation, build lasting value, and honor the values that define Hitachi.
https://global.hitachi-solutions.com
About Hitachi
Through its Social Innovation Business (SIB) activities utilizing IT, OT (Operational Technology), and products, Hitachi supports social harmony in which the environment, well-being, and economic growth remain in balance. Hitachi operates globally in four sectors—Digital Systems and Services, Energy and Mobility, Connected Industry, and Strategic SIB Business Unit for emerging industries. With Lumada solutions at its foundation, Hitachi generates value from the integration of data, technology, and expertise in pursuit of solving customer needs and social challenges. Revenue for fiscal year 2024 (ended March 31, 2025) was 9,783.3 billion yen, with 618 consolidated subsidiaries and approximately 280,000 employees worldwide. More information at www.hitachi.com
