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Mobile Meter Reading for WSPs
Rop KILAGAT,
[email protected] 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
