Introduction
ETRM systems are enterprise-wide platforms that support the complete energy trading life cycle—from deal capture and scheduling through to risk analysis and settlements. These systems help power, gas, oil, and commodity trading companies simplify operations, improve compliance, manage portfolio risk, and make smarter decisions.
To be successful in energy markets today, a company needs two things:
- A powerful ETRM solution matching their business complexity
- Properly trained teams, especially for complex platforms like Endur
Most ETRM failures do not occur because of poor software, but because users do not know how to operate it. Poor training and incomplete adoption account for more than 70% of ETRM implementation issues.
What Makes an ETRM Solution the Best?
The best ETRM is not defined by price, but by how well it aligns with your business model. Key components of a powerful ETRM solution include:
Core Features to Look For:
- Deal Capture: Ability to capture complex physical and financial products.
- Risk Management: Real-time market risk, credit risk, VaR, and exposure management.
- Scheduling & Logistics: Support for nominations, transportation, and delivery.
- Settlements & Accounting: Automated invoicing, P&L reporting, ERP integration.
- Market Connectivity: Integration with exchanges, brokers, and pricing sources.
Why Scalability & Integration Matter
An ETRM must scale as the business grows. Without scalability, companies face excessive customizations and operational errors.
Integration is equally critical—without it, users resort to spreadsheets, causing inconsistent data and higher operational risks.
Important Integrations:
- ERP (SAP, Oracle)
- Market data feeds (ICE, Platts, Reuters)
- Risk analytics tools
- BI tools
Importance of Strong Risk Management
Energy markets are volatile. Companies must have real-time visibility into:
- Price exposure
- Risk limits
- Credit positions
- Intraday P&L
Top ETRM Solutions in the Market
a. Endur (Openlink / ION Group)
Endur is one of the most complete enterprise ETRM platforms supporting the entire trading lifecycle. Its advanced configuration, powerful risk engine, and multi-commodity support make it the preferred choice for major global utilities and trading companies.
b. Allegro
Allegro offers strong cloud capabilities, modular design, and faster implementation. Preferred by mid-size trading houses for its flexibility and usability.
c. Trayport / Energy One
Widely used in European power and gas markets for trading, price discovery, and execution. Energy One complements Trayport with ETRM and scheduling tools.
d. RightAngle
Popular among companies handling refined products, fuel distribution, and logistics. Strong for supply chain and compliance reporting.
e. Other Cloud-based ETRMs
Such as Entrade, Igloo, AspectCTRM, Previse, offering:
- Lower costs
- High scalability
- No infrastructure management
Why Endur Is Still the Top Enterprise ETRM
Multi-Commodity Support
Endur supports:
- Power
- Natural Gas
- LNG
- Renewables
- Oil & Refined Products
- Coal
- Metals
- Emissions
Powerful Risk Engine
- Real-time VaR
- Scenario analysis
- Stress testing
- Multi-curve modelling
- Custom risk metrics
Highly Customizable
- Scripting (JVS, AVS)
- Workflows
- Custom Reports
- Pricing Models
Why ETRM Training Is More Important Than Ever
Even the best ETRM software fails without trained users. In fact, 70% of ETRM failures occur due to poor user understanding of workflows, risk logic, and data structures.
What Endur Training Should Include
1. Deal Capture
Understanding deal types, templates, blotters, and validation rules.
2. Curve Management
Building forward curves, indices, volatilities, pricing structures.
3. Scheduling
- Power nominations
- Gas transportation
- Capacity management
4. Logistics
- Vessel nominations
- Terminals
- Storage
- Pipeline movements
5. Settlements
- Invoicing
- Confirmations
- Cash flows
- ERP accounting integration
6. Risk Reports
Understanding assumptions, exposure calculations, and P&L interpretation.
7. End-of-Day Processes
- Curve updates
- Valuation
- Reporting
- Limit checks
8. Basic Configuration
- Workflow logic
- Templates
- Reference data
- Key tables & architecture
How Endur Training Improves ROI
- Faster trade lifecycle
- Reduced operational errors
- Better data quality
- Stronger risk insights
- Reduced consulting dependance
Best ETRM Solution + Skilled Endur Users = Maximum Performance
Long-term success depends on integrating both software and training. The system provides automation and structure; users provide correct operation and governance.
Small Case Examples
Case Example 1 — Power Utility
After Endur training: 80% fewer reporting errors, 40% faster trade capture.
Case Example 2 — LNG Trading Firm
Internal Endur skills reduced consultant dependency by 60%.
Case Example 3 — Gas Marketing Company
Scheduling training reduced imbalance penalties by 35%.
Final Thoughts
Choosing the best ETRM solution is only half the journey. The real performance boost comes from investing equally in Endur training. The right platform gives you power; the right skills unlock that power. Treat ETRM selection and Endur training as a unified strategy to build a future-ready, optimized trading organization.
