"The implementation of SAP has increased the efficiency and accuracy of our financial group by replacing a variety of redundant practices in favor of a single best business practices model that is shared across the organization. BrightStar was instrumental in our success by leveraging its relationship with SAP to provide the customized solution we were looking for."
Scott Buhrer
Chief Financial Officer, Santa Clara V.T.A.

Client
Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority (V.T.A.) is an independent special district responsible for providing transportation, planning and transit services to the heart of the Silicon Valley. V.T.A. is responsible for bus and light rail operations, congestion management, specific highway improvements, and countywide transportation planning. In an effort to enhance the quality of life, V.T.A. strives to continue providing Santa Clara County with a safe and dependable transportation system.

Challenge
V.T.A. was relying on multiple disparate systems that were unable to meet the organization's growing requirements. Each business unit, finance, HR, maintenance and payroll, had different ways of doing business that were not communicated throughout the organization. Specifically, reconciling funds across functional areas became a challenge for the organization and led to inefficient reporting processes. Overall, the agency had become reactionary in its efforts to administer and maintain a complex transportation system. With 460 busses serving a 350 square mile area and light rail cars that logged 1.9 million miles a year, V.T.A. needed a fast and effective solution.

Solution
BrightStar was selected to implement SAP, an enterprise resource planning solution that unites financials, materials management, plant maintenance, human resources and capital projects. BrightStar customized the application to meet V.T.A.'s unique business requirements. This solution manages maintenance work, including both the processes and financials, by V.T.A.'s internal staff and contracted vendors. Through BrightStar's expertise in SAP and the Accelerated SAP methodology, V.T.A. was able to recognize a rapid return on their investment.

Results
BrightStar's solution unified V.T.A.'a functional areas creating a flexible, evolving and responsive business environment. Employees are now able to access up-to-date reports, empowering them to make informed business decisions. In addition, V.T.A. has eliminated the redundant data entry and improved inventory management. With the help of BrightStar, Santa Clara County is served by one of the most effective and reliable transit organizations in the nation.