There is a consistent narrative across industries: you have the data, you have the key to transformation. And heavy industries like utilities today have access to an ocean of data. But truth be told, having that data in the arsenal is only half the job done.
Why? Because the real challenge lies in orchestrating that data across systems and workflows, and delivering real-world business outcomes. In utility projects, nowhere this complexity becomes apparent than smart metering rollouts.
Your organization has laid out the project blueprint, technology investment is already made, and your field workers are ready to carry out the rollout process. However, ensuring these projects run smoothly, without any hiccups, is a completely different story.
At Grid, we have collaborated with a handful of leading utilities across the globe and witnessed a pattern repeating itself.
What did we notice? Ambitious organizations often find themselves within a maze of fragmented workflows, inconsistent visibility to inventory, petty cash loss, loss of equipment and what not.
This is exactly why Grid was designed. To solve problems like these, no matter the size and gravity of it.
Hidden Challenges in Smart Metering Rollouts: A Maze of Spreadsheets, Stakeholders, and Blind Spots
Utilities need to understand that smart metering projects are not isolated technical rollouts, but integrated business operations. These projects at their core are all about coordination, between various stakeholders and systems. All elements must move in sync. IT operations, field crews, third-party contractors, customer support, meter vendors, etc, to name a few.
Another key area to focus on is asset management. It can quickly translate into a logistical nightmare as a result of inefficient planning and approach. Think about it, there are a large number of assets that are moving around during the entire project lifecycle (both variable and non-variable). You have your fixed assets, which include metering devices, routers, reconnect switches, etc. On the other hand, you have your variable assets whose quantity is not determined. Their numbers fluctuate as per requirement. These can be metering components like wiring and connectors, consumable supplies like batteries or installation tools/equipment. It becomes imperative to ensure that every item is under the scanner, available as and when required, and keeping track of their use at every corner.
So, what’s the bigger picture here?
Ensuring every step of the project is completed on time. And all that while maintaining efficient resource allocation, curbing potential losses.
Enterprise grade organizations still rely on legacy systems, Excel sheets or even e-mail updates to manage installations. This results in the creation of many critical gaps:
- Disconnected stakeholders, with each of them working with different tools and even varying datasets.
- No unified view of project progress, with managers forced to rely on static or periodic updates.
- In case of consumer data mismatch or installation failures, resolution could take days.
- Fragmented data across departments. As a result, validation of installations, asset tracking or auditing vendor performance become lengthy processes.
With Grid, utilities do not have access to just another ‘data or operational management’ solution. They are provided with a comprehensive ‘Workforce Management’ platform. One that addresses all the issues above with a no-code approach.
To explain how Grid can be used for meter installation projects, we will take an example of one of our use cases. One of our clients, a smart metering solutioning company that undertakes turn-key power projects, along with providing a range of electricity meters. Here’s how Grid enabled them to build a consolidated project workflow, and optimize the efficiency of their projects.
How Grid Digitally Orchestrates Smart Metering Projects and Workflow Integration
Grid is not just another ‘point’ solution. Here, it becomes an added operational intelligence layer that integrates with existing utility systems. As data is continuously pulled from CIS, MDM, GIS, etc, stakeholders are able to gain a unified view of entire field operations.
Be it planning, execution or validation, Grid acts as a mission control center.
Indexing & Surveys
Even before a single meter is installed, Grid ensures that the project is grounded on accurate, up-to-date data. This involves a complete survey of the existing metering infrastructure. Grid comes with pre-built templates, which users can use for building custom forms and capturing data about the old meters.
Our Frontline App also acts as a digital checklist for data entry. Every single input is validated against predefined parameters. This allows them to avoid instances of crew dispatching with incomplete or incorrect information. Custom forms can also be built with drop-down menus with multi select options, allowing users to minimize typing errors and save time.
The real game changer here is how Grid transforms this data into action. Utilities do not have to rely on static dashboards. Real-time dashboarding and reporting modules can be set up to reflect progress as they occur. The platform’s ‘media capture’ feature also adds another layer of accountability with embedded evidence via photos and videos. Something that static spreadsheets never did.
Inventory Management
Despite meticulous planning, smart metering projects are prone to failures if the right equipment or part isn’t available at the right time. But all that changes with Grid. Teams can now design inventory workflows which are tailored to their specific requirements. These workflows can be set up to distinguish between serialized and non-serialized assets, along with details like asset location, usage statistics and condition.
Now, every component, whether it is battery, switch or SIM cards, can be tracked, tagged and checked in real-time. Any instance of potential damage during installation gets reflected in the worksheet. What does this mean? The procurement strategy can be adjusted as needed, ensuring there are no shortages of required assets.
There is another challenge that utilities have to deal with, perhaps one of the most critical. The safety and functionality of smart meters that are stored in warehouses and then transported to field locations. Grid allows users to create ‘stock-in’ forms that record meter details and the total number of meters stored at a given warehouse. Teams can also create a worksheet for ‘damaged meters.’ During such instances, third party installers can use Grid’s Frontline App to upload images of damaged assets as proof or evidence.
Grid also enables live monitoring of multiple assets during installation projects. Users can view metrics like total number of meters issued, stocked, installed, pending for installation, etc. The result? No stock-outs, and operations continue to run without interruptions.
Meter installation tracking
As your crew heads into field operations, Grid becomes the digital command center to track every activity. Installers need to have immediate access to all the information they need on the field. For that, Grid’s Frontline App comes with a mobile-first interface, providing details right from their devices. This includes details like asset specifications, consumer notes, site instructions or validated work orders.
Meanwhile, managers and the operation team back at the HQ gain real-time visibility into every installation event details.
- Meters installed, with serial numbers and timestamp
- Photo-based evidence of completed work
- Digital signature and confirmation by customer
- GPS-verification of the installed meter location
How is this achieved?
A ‘Meter Installation Tracking Sheet’ is created on Grid, with details like name of the installers and number of meters assigned per installer. Upon entering the name of the installer, relevant details are auto-populated as per their User ID. This can include data such as zone, district, ward number, total number of meters issued to the installers, etc.
Grid’s mobile app also captures latitude and longitude coordinates for precise mapping of the meter location. But what really makes Grid stand out in this scenario are its offline capabilities. Field installers can capture accurate location coordinates, even in areas of low or no connectivity.
The benefits extend beyond documentation, as old meter readings are seamlessly adjusted into new monthly consumption once the installation is done.
As a workforce management tool, Grid facilitates a two-way communication channel between field installers and the operation HQ. Any issues, be it mismatched meters, potential hazards, data access issues, etc, can be reported and resolved on the spot.
Beyond Meter Installations: Setting the Stage for Long Term AMI Success
Meter installations are only one part of the AMI journey. However, that sets the tone for everything that is to come afterwards. Incidents of poor execution or compromise in data could potentially impact performance of the infrastructure once the installation is done. Outage management, customer support, billing, audit trail, etc., just to name a few.
With Grid, utilities can lay a solid foundation that helps them realize the true ROI of their metering projects. From chaos of installation to clarity in operations, Grid is more than just tracking tasks. It is about orchestrating outcomes.
Scale up your metering infrastructure with confidence and improve your bottom line. Get in touch with our team and make it a reality today.
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