Interview: Old vs. new – why BelVis⁺ PFM has the edge

The new KISTERS portfolio management system BelVis⁺ PFM is the completely redesigned successor to our three existing systems BelVis 3 PFM, eRisk and IRM. How is BelVis⁺ PFM better than BelVis 3 and why is it worth switching? Christian Kratzsch, Senior Software Architect, and Daniel Winkelmann, Consulting Expert, explain in an interview what makes BelVis⁺ PFM so impressive.

BelVis 3 PFM has been around for many years. Why develop a new system?

Christian Kratzsch (CK): The world has changed – and so have the requirements for software. BelVis 3 PFM dates back to a time when 32-bit architecture was standard. Back then, that was perfectly adequate, but today it’s a real hindrance. Memory and performance are severely limited, and the amount of data in the energy market is growing rapidly. BelVis 3 PFM simply cannot keep up with these limitations. BelVis⁺ PFM, on the other hand, is a completely new development. It is free of legacy issues, highly scalable and ready for the challenges of today and tomorrow.

What makes BelVis⁺ PFM technologically superior?

CK: BelVis⁺ PFM relies on modern software architecture and offers everything you would expect today. IT security has been consistently implemented from the outset, updates are released in short cycles, and the cloud connection ensures maximum flexibility and enables us to offer SaaS efficiently. The system is scalable and high-performing, regardless of whether it handles small amounts of data or big data. In addition, it has a modern web interface that not only looks good but is also intuitive to use. The system also has a modular structure – each customer only uses and pays for the functions they really need. And best of all, all modules are based on a uniform infrastructure for user and rights management and work seamlessly together via a shared dashboard.

What about databases and interfaces?

CK: BelVis 3 PFM was limited to Oracle. BelVis⁺ PFM is significantly more flexible and also supports Microsoft SQL Server and PostgreSQL. There is also a big difference in terms of interfaces: BelVis⁺ PFM relies on modern REST APIs for all important functions – from data retrieval and process control to integration into complex customer environments.

Daniel Winkelmann (DW): BelVis⁺‘s modern REST API enables efficient and automated data migration as well as integration with third-party systems such as CRM, ERP or data lake solutions. In addition, the API can be used for further analysis, for example to enrich data models or to perform complex evaluations in external analysis platforms.

And what about user-friendliness?

CK: To be honest, the BelVis 3 PFM interface is no longer up to date. BelVis⁺ PFM offers a modern web UI that not only looks good, but also makes day-to-day work easier. Processes such as schedule management or day-ahead trading can often be configured in a single day. Once configured, the processes either run fully automatically or can be completed with just a few clicks in day-to-day business. This saves time and significantly reduces complexity.

Are there any functional differences?

CK: Yes, and they are significant. Schedule management in BelVis⁺ PFM is more flexible and comprehensive. The connection to the market price database enables the management of huge amounts of data for portfolio valuation – far more than BelVis 3 PFM can handle. There are also new modules such as trading partner settlement and trade confirmation, which do not exist in BelVis 3 PFM. BelVis⁺ PFM manages all commodities together instead of strictly separating them as before. This enables a holistic portfolio view and the integration of additional product types without restrictions.

How does BelVis⁺ PFM support data analysis in day-to-day business?

DW: Thanks to its modular structure and centralised data storage, BelVis⁺ PFM enables fast, context-related analysis directly in the system. Users can combine, filter and aggregate data from different modules – without external tools. This makes day-to-day work much easier and creates transparency about connections that previously could only be seen with a lot of effort.

And data processing?

CK: Calculations are performed ad hoc, i.e. without pre-calculated time series that have to be laboriously maintained. BelVis⁺ PFM is fast enough that pre-calculation is not necessary. Whether it’s book totals, balance sheet totals or trading partner balances: everything can be aggregated and grouped in a matter of seconds. To this end, the transaction data is outsourced to optimised modules: position management takes care of energy quantities and offers complex filter functions, while the market price database manages all financial valuation data.

What about automation options?

DW: A significant improvement in BelVis⁺ compared to BelVis 3 is its support for event-based automation. Processes can be triggered not only by time, but also by defined events – such as the receipt of new schedule data, changes in the portfolio or market price movements. This enables faster response times and reduces manual intervention, which is particularly advantageous in volatile market environments.

How do strategic roles such as senior management benefit from BelVis⁺?

DW: BelVis⁺ has an integrated dashboard component that is designed for all users and enables cross-module visualisation of data. Senior management benefits in particular from preconfigured dashboards that are specifically geared towards strategically relevant content and offer fast, targeted access to information relevant to decision-making. In addition, the architecture allows external visualisation tools such as Power BI or Tableau to be connected for individual reporting requirements.

Why is it worth switching to BelVis⁺ PFM?

CK: BelVis⁺ PFM is not only more modern, but also future-proof. It meets the requirements of a dynamic energy market and offers the flexibility that companies need today. If you want to process large amounts of data efficiently, automate processes and use an intuitive interface, BelVis⁺ PFM is the obvious choice.