An open data approach can help water utilities drive efficiencies across their entire operations, says Matthew Hawkridge, chief technology officer, Ovarro
Advances in digital technology mean that siloed data from legacy IT systems within water utilities can now be more easily shared across many platforms. Utilities and municipalities have much to gain from opening up their data and a roundtable discussion at the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit on 23 February is an exciting opportunity to explore the potential an open data approach offers.
Asset data, usually held in an asset management system, can be blended with data from many other sources to generate deeper insights into infrastructure, operations, investment and even customers and human resources. Along with operational data from SCADA systems, data from GIS, leak detection, weather stations and business information systems can be combined to provide true situational awareness in real time.
This richer databank can identify not only cause and effect in many areas of business and operations, but also determine what is likely to happen in the future. Such insights can drive efficiency on many fronts, for example, in scheduling predictive maintenance. Accessing alarm data on water networks has certainly helped advance Ovarro’s thinking and innovation in this area.
Of course creating a more comprehensive and effective databank also makes it more valuable. The water sector is custodian of critical infrastructure and resources, so it is essential that while data is made available, that is done securely so that sensitive information does not fall into the wrong hands.
Most water utilities that I have dealt with are happy to open up their data to trusted parties to help add value to their own business operations and I look forward to hearing plenty of examples and a sharing of expertise at the World Water-Tech Innovation Summit.
The virtual World Water-Tech Innovation Summit takes place on 23-24 February 2021. Matthew Hawkridge is leading a roundtable discussion on ‘Open Data: Democratising Innovation' at 12.55 on 23 February. He is also participating in a panel discussion on non-revenue water loss. Check out the full agenda and register here: Agenda: World Water-Tech Innovation Summit.
www.ovarro.com
About us
Ovarro is the new name for Servelec Technologies and Primayer.
At Ovarro, we connect big data to make a big difference.
Some 40 years ago; our business was started through its people collectively working together, sharing knowledge and ideas to create products that would deliver benefits to our customers through engineering ingenuity, helping us to grow into the business we are today.
A business spanning four continents, providing critical technology that’s working 24/7 behind the scenes, ensuring people and businesses can get on with their daily lives.
Through innovation and collaboration, we help support business critical assets and national infrastructure around the globe with industry-leading, data-driven solutions that enable organisations to work smarter and more effectively.
Secure, proven, trusted engineering. Integrating seamlessly with our assets. Collecting and communicating data from remote locations in the most demanding of environments.
Ovarro works with customers and our global partner network across Water, Oil & Gas, Broadcast and Transportation to manage their assets efficiently, intelligently and collaboratively.
Where we supply to
UK Ireland, Europe, Africa, Asia, Australia, South America, North America
Industries we supply to
Automation, Chemicals, Energy and Power, Food and Beverage, Glass Ceramics Cement, Metals and Minerals, Recycling, Water and Wastewater
