What has proven effective for our projects is using a framework approach. This allows you and your team to evaluate each new technology in a structured way. You may be only a single step away from bringing everything together but because of the status quo you are not looking in the right places.

Haven’t we all done something similar with a framework approach in our personal lives? If we are trying to make 2024 the year we get into great physical condition we know that takes a framework approach of what we eat, how we workout, and what does our lifestyle look like. We are only fooling ourselves if we focus everything on just one area and expecting maximum results.

You need a utility technology framework in place.

 The framework includes multiple components (Equipment, Software, and Services) and the utility’s existing system (People, Processes, Infrastructure). Each component works together to enable the utility to achieve their goals to monitor and operate their systems using today’s information, not yesterdays. 

Components - The core of any Smart Utility Program are the technology components needed for a fully functional program. There is the equipment such as the sensors, hardware, communication equipment needed to collect data. To utilize all the data from the equipment then we deploy software for collecting, processing, and making the information easy to understand and use. Finally, services such as field installations, data analysis, and staff training will help make full use of the equipment and software for the utility.

Utility System - It's not enough to just have all the components of the Smart Utility Program but those must relate to the existing utility systems. This includes the people such as operators, engineers, management, and contractors in use by the utility to make the system work on a daily basis. The utility also has existing processes for their standard operating procedures, formal and informal, on how to respond to events and resolve problems within the utility. Finally, the utility has the most costly and permanent aspect, their infrastructure such as treatment equipment, manholes, pipes, and everything else already owned by the utility that must be leveraged for a successful program.

Integrations –To be successful there are major and minor integrations. The purpose of this is to connect the new technology with the existing utility ecosystem. This includes engineering services such as District Meter Area (DMA) design, sewer Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) investigations, and capital project planning. This also includes technology services such as data governance, software deployments, and technology contract up times.

Your team can fall short of the goal by not using every component effectively. If you have a state-of-the-art water leak detection sensor system but don’t have any software to analyze the leaks then you cannot react quickly. If you have the sensors and the software but no services to actually go and fix the leaks then you are still not achieving your goals.

Even if you have the best equipment, software, and services but they are not focused and integrated with the utilities ecosystem you will have other issues. The focus may be in the wrong area of town, or leaks are fixed in pipeline due to be replaced in months with a capital project, or there is no process so the utility staff and contractors are left pointing the finger at who was responsible for what.

Give your team the framework so they can succeed. Use the Components of Equipment, Software, Services and the Utility Ecosystem of People, Processes, and Infrastructure. Then connect it all together with Integrations.

Make sense to connect?

Are you working to help your utility or technology company take the next step forward? I really enjoy connecting with others who share the same goals and passion of using technology to solve water utility challenges. If you want to talk through a challenge or share something interesting your team did please shoot me a note at [email protected] or schedule a 15 minute call here.