- stadtenergie digitizes debt collection with collectAI
- Smooth integration of the software platform via the powerApp Store
- On 25 June, stadtenergie, powercloud and collectAI will participate in a webinar to share their insights into the collaboration
(Hamburg, Dortmund, Offenburg, 21/06/2021) – Energy utility stadtenergie relies on AI-based debt collection from collectAI. As part of this move, the software platform of the Hamburg-based fintech company automates the entire payment reminder process of the Dortmund-based energy utility. This means that stadtenergie, a digital subsidiary of the Dortmund energy and water supplier (DEW21 GmbH), takes another step towards full digitization of its processes and benefits from real-time data exchange. As a pioneer in the energy market, stadtenergie relies on the powercloud energy utility platform.
Using the intelligent payment platform from collectAI, stadtenergie reminds its customers about outstanding payments, e.g. via email and text message, and plans to establish further communication channels in future. Artificial intelligence (AI) determines the best-possible time for communication. Customers are directed to the interactive payment site on the stadtenergie brand presence, where they can settle the remaining amount quickly and easily using digital payment methods. Alongside transfer options and direct debit, the company also relies upon innovative payment methods via PayPal. This highlights the customer-oriented service offered by stadtenergie.
Smooth integration of collectAI via powercloud
The collectAI software is seamlessly integrated into the stadtenergie infrastructure using the powercloud energy utility platform. powercloud and collectAI are linked via an API connection. The powercloud platform provides energy utilities with the option of depicting all CRM and billing processes. When it comes to debt collection, powercloud relies exclusively on the expertise of collectAI.
Interactive invoices and smart payment reminders from collectAI are ideal additions to the powercloud platform’s app portfolio, which already includes 80 different apps. In the fields of market communication, accounting, invoicing, CRM services and AI-based claims management, the collaboration between both companies takes advantage of synergies along the entire customer journey.
Increased customer-orientation through AI-based digitization with collectAI
“We stand for digitization and, with it, systematic customer orientation. In this context, it goes without saying that our approach covers a holistic customer journey, including aftersales processes,” explains Dominik Gertenbach, Managing Director at stadtenergie. Co-Managing Director Thomas Schönhoff continues: “Through the use of collectAI via powercloud, we reach our customers with an omnichannel approach – which includes email and text messaging – at exactly the right time, thanks to artificial intelligence.”
Managing Director of collectAI, Thomas von Hake is excited about the collaboration: “The integration of stadtenergie into our solution via the powercloud platform is really great news for us. This proof of concept shows: Effective immediately, utilities that work with powercloud can digitize their debt collection quickly and easily with collectAI.”
About stadtenergie
stadtenergie has been active on the German energy market as a digital utility since 2020. The company is particularly concerned with the environment and society. With this self-image as a starting point, the company exclusively offers green electricity and green gas products. A subsidiary of the Dortmund energy and water supplier (DEW21 GmbH), stadtenergie nonetheless acts as an autonomous company. The company combines the #BestOfBothWorlds with a local strength and a Germany-wide pledge for a sustainable future. Digitization along the entire value-added chain is part of the stadtenergie DNA. Harnessing a tailor-made platform and cloud solution, stadtenergie taps into exponential innovative power for a sustainable customer-orientation and, in doing so, creates a unique customer experience throughout the duration of the customer journey. The company’s pioneer spirit can be seen reflected in its innovative customer approach and products, which make for a unique brand experience. What makes stadtenergie stand out from its competitors is not only its digital orientation, but its diverse team. The team dovetails expertise from a range of industries to generate a genuine unique selling point from the customer perspective. Security, lightheartedness and enjoyment are among the company’s key values.
About collectAI
collectAI is an intelligent payment platform. The Hamburg-based fintech company offers a software platform for interactive invoices and smart payment reminders. Modular or comprehensive digital communication channels are combined with a variety of payment methods, based on artificial intelligence. The smart technology has been shown to improve collection of open claims at a low cost.
In addition, collectAI optimizes the customer journeys of banks, energy utilities, insurers, telecommunications companies, e-commerce and mobility companies and others with industry-specific, innovative features.
Founded in 2016, collectAI is part of the world’s largest trade and service groups, the Otto Group.
