Android Based Water Meter Reader

Mobile Meter Reading for WSPs

Rop KILAGAT,

ropkiplagat@gmail.com 0722468817

Computing Development Strategies

Water Service Provider 9th October 2014

About US

• Established since 2006

• ICT solutions in water sector

• Relations with WASPA

• Online services – websites & applications

• SMS Billing

• GIS

• M-Pesa Integration

• ICT Training

• Billing

Portfolio

• KIWASCO 2011

• ELDOWAS 2011

• NAWASCO 2012

• GAWASCO 2012

• NAWASSCO 2013

• KITWASCO 2013

• TAVEVO 2013

• KIMAWASCO 2013

• NAWASCO

…

Agenda

• What is the problem in WSPs today?

• Meter Reading Options Todays

• Data Loggers Vs Mobile Based Phones

• Challenges and constraints

• Key lessons learned

Existing Situation WSPs

If it aint broken don’t fix!

Meter Reading Options Today

Meter Reading Options Today

Meter Reading Options Today

7

What Solution are WSPs Looking

for?

Time Cost

Deliverables Benefits

11

Total Cost Ownership

5523

147

1

Mobile Meter Project Cost Allocations

Data Conv

Hardware

Software

Support & Maintinance

Services

7

Meter Reading Success Factors

IT Infrastructure

People Business Process

Spatial Data

Expectations

IT Infrastructure

People Business Process

Spatial Data

Most of the

failures caused by

those three

factors. Only BP

will be tackled

It is been proved

that IT

are not an

issues any

more.

Advanced Functionalities

Mobile Meter Reading Value Chain

Definition of WSP

needs

Identification of

purchasing

sources / policy

Purchase

negotiation and

execution

Cross check with

on-site

measurements

Correction

data monitoring

Fault localization

Maintenance

resources

allocation

Workforce

Management:

dispatch and

routing

Logistics

coordination

Preventive

maintenance

readings

billings

Sensitivity

analysis

Signal

strength

readings for

network

optimization

Customer

complaint

management

Service

coverage

inquiry

Marketing

campaign

definition

Customer

segmentatio

n

Engineering and

Maintenance

Infrastructure

Preparation

Modeling and

simulation

Infrastructure

design

Network

installation

management

Resources

allocation

Inventory

management

Overlay of

existing l

related data.

existing

related data

Field surveys

Update

processes to

ensure related

data are up-to-

date Caller-ID

localization for

dispatch

Location

based services

Data

Acquisition

Operation

(

Advanced

M R

Analytics

Advanced

M R

Analytics &

Integrations

Other Data

uploads Data upload

Basic

Meter reading

Functions

Initiation

Planning

Execution

Closure

Usually Meter

Reading Value Chain

Accomplish through

PM Life Cycle

Why Mobile Reader for MEWASS

- Analogue technology in a digital world

- Limited functionality – data entry only

- Software not upgradable

- Replacing/servicing not easy

- Cost is exhorbitant >1000 USD

- Digital data logger is way costly >2000 USD

So what do we do?

Android based mobile reader

Mobile Meter Reader Architecture 1

Using Camera

Scan the bar code and get meter

details eg

AC 12345 Kent Owner Kajuju P

Features of Mobile

-Intituitive

-Software upgradable

-Additional functionalities – photos, communicate

-Cost is low < KS 5000 smart phone

-Takes GPS coordinates of water meters

- Allows readings sent directly to billing system

- Data sent by SMS or web services

- Easy to use

- Repair easy and parts found in any shop localy

- Smart phones run android open source

Features

-Supports GPS validation of meters

-supports sequence walks when taking reading

-Routes/Zones selections

- Accounts to be read preloaded by cable

- Can also be downloaded/uploaded by web

- Reasons for not reading supported

- Reports of readings with details or summary

- Supports any android based phone

Functionalities

1.Basic Function – meter reading no GPS

- web interface

- all features of data logger

2. Light – meter reading , GPS, web portal, google

maps

3. Advanced – GPS, google maps, prints a bill,

authenticates, previous readings

Advanced – Reporting tool

Reporting tool – photo

Produce instant bills to clients

Verify with database for any info

Supports variance data entry

New customer application- takes GPS

coordinates

Benefits

Benefits to management

- Management can view readings real time sent from field

- You can easily verify readings/reports

- Reports available for management

Challenges and Constraints

• staff not looking at the big picture

• Create larger team within the utility

• Subcontract the works

• Engage management for stronger support

• WSP consultation

• Communication Strategy Workshop

• Outreach: memos

• Development of awareness campaign

• Reduce TCO

• Develop POC mechanism

• Set performance targets in the contract

• Develop access to support

Poor technical quality of the

meter readers

Slow pace for new technology adoption

Project Design

Customers

• Anticipate need for different levels of service and consumption

• Minimize risk at all levels by encouraging feedback

Meter Readers

• WSPs have to clearly identify the operating team

• Support MR through technical & business capacity building

WSP

• Broaden partnerships with other actors

• Consider lengthening duration of contracts to increase confidence

Lessons learned

Communication • WSP has to create and implement a communication strategy in early stages

• Marketing strategy is crucial to build confidence in the new system

Segment target groups

Use opinion leaders

• Utility has to set service agreements with MOs

Frequency of communication

Response time

Lessons learned

Management

• Engage front-line staff (i.e. meter readers)

• Provide extra technical support (esp. in early stages)

• Clarify policy for meter reading

• Ensure transparent & fair MR selection

• Formalize a MR performance evaluation

Lessons learned

End

• Contact

Rop Kiplagat

Computing Development Strategies

0722468817 ropkiplagat@gmail.com