This article contains paid for content produced in collaboration with Xylem.
The large-scale analogue-to-digital conversion within the water sector means there is no shortage of data, writes Ruth Clarke, head of digital, Xylem UK and Ireland.
The challenge is embedding digital technologies in everyday operations to unlock this data and improve outcomes – the process of digitalisation. While no two projects are the same, common challenges can be addressed:
Company digital strategy: Digital transformation of the sector will stretch far beyond the current asset management period. A company-wide digital strategy should set out a clear longer-term journey.
Current digital maturity: Is the appropriate data available in a useable format to those who need it? If a project is to move forward successfully, the answer must be yes.
End-user buy-in: Buy-in from the platform’s end-users is essential. The project team should understand needs of end-users before a new platform is embedded.
Solution flexibility: A new platform will run more efficiently if end-users can make certain adjustments themselves, rather than waiting for a supplier.
Recognising the need for flexibility, Xylem’s integrated software and analytics platform, Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua, was designed to be vendor-agnostic, and can capture water and wastewater data from any source. This provides a 360-degree view for all processes and infrastructure across the water cycle.
Digitalisation now spans every aspect of the water sector. Now is the time for companies to undertake an appraisal of where they are – operationally and digitally – and where they want to be. The process of unlocking data capability can then move forward at pace.
