Client: Central Tablelands Water
An independent regional water authority providing a quality water supply – reliably and sustainably.
Testimonal
“The Metrix mobile application has been a game changer for our Network Operators. They have embraced the idea of no more multi paper forms to be filled and sent to main office. Given time restraints for report deadlines, a week or two can go by without the completed forms being received.
As such, real time data capture of asset locations, condition and recording of works undertaken happens immediately and is uploaded to our databases. Add to that the flexibility to use whatever device is needed in the field, be it a laptop, phone or tablet. There is no end to the adaptability, cost efficiency and time saving this application has achieved.”
Executive Summary
Central Tablelands Water (CTW) has effectively utilised Metrix Assets software to enhance asset management processes, focusing particularly on improving operational efficiency and field practices. With the integration of the Metrix Mobile App, CTW has streamlined various functions including hydrant operation checks, safety sheet recording, and GPS logging of assets. These improvements have resulted in better data integrity, enhanced safety reporting, and more efficient asset management.
Introduction
Background of Central Tablelands Water:
Central Tablelands Water is a vital provider of water services in New South Wales, Australia. CTW manages three local government areas, including, Blayney, Cabonne, and Weddin Shires. The Council now has approximately 6,000 water connections and provides potable water to around 15,000 consumers in 14 towns and villages including Blayney, Cudal, Mandurama, Canowindra, Eugowra, Millthorpe, Carcoar, Grenfell, Manildra, Cargo, Lyndhurst, Quandialla, Woodstock, Gooloogong and Cowra Shire Council rural’s and rural properties on Council Trunk Mains.
The organisation manages a diverse range of assets across a large region, which presents significant challenges for ensuring efficient and effective operations.
Mission:
Central Tablelands Water will develop a commercial focus as it operates in partnership with the communities it serves, fostering their development and growth, while maintaining both its level of service and its prices at an acceptable level.
Aim of the Case Study
This case study explores how CTW has utilised Metrix Assets software, especially its mobile capabilities, to overcome asset management challenges and achieve significant operational improvements.
Challenges Faced
- Complex Asset Portfolio:
Managing a broad array of assets, each with varying maintenance needs, posed significant challenges with previous systems.
- Data Integration and Reporting Issues:
Ensuring accurate financial reporting and integrating data from various sources was cumbersome and inefficient.
- Manual Field Operations:
Reliance on paper-based processes in the field led to inefficiencies, potential errors, and challenges in capturing real-time data.
- Limited Data Accessibility:
Field staff often worked in areas with poor mobile reception, impacting their ability to access and report data effectively.
Solution: Metrix Assets Software
Overview of Metrix Assets:
Metrix Assets is a comprehensive asset management software designed to provide utilities with advanced tools for tracking, analysing, and optimising their assets. It features real-time data monitoring, predictive maintenance, and integrated reporting capabilities. A key component of Metrix Assets is its mobile application, which extends these functionalities into the field, offering significant advantages in operational efficiency and data management.
Implementation at CTW:
CTW has leveraged Metrix Assets for several years for asset register management and financial reporting. Recently, the focus shifted to improving field operations through the Metrix Mobile App. This app has been pivotal in addressing various operational challenges and improving overall efficiency.
Strategies and Implementation
- Asset Register and Financial Reporting:
Metrix Assets supports CTW in maintaining a detailed asset register and ensuring compliance with accounting standards, simplifying end-of-year capitalisation processes.
- Mobile Field Operations:
The Metrix Mobile App, available for Android and iOS, has been deployed to address inefficiencies in paper-based processes. Key areas of improvement include:
- Hydrant Operation Checks:
Field staff use the app to perform and record hydrant operation checks, ensuring that all hydrants are functioning correctly, and maintenance needs are promptly addressed.
- Safety Sheet Recording and Site Observations:
Safety sheets and site observations are recorded directly through the app, enhancing safety reporting and ensuring that observations are accurately documented.
- GPS Logging of Assets:
The app enables GPS logging of existing and missing assets, improving the accuracy and quality of the asset register. This functionality helps in tracking asset locations and identifying gaps in the asset inventory.
- Request and Defect Logging:
Requests and defects can be logged efficiently through the app, streamlining the process of reporting issues and ensuring timely resolution.
- Water Meter Changes and Recording:
Field staff use the app to record water meter changes and updates, ensuring accurate and up-to-date information in the system.
- Photo Recording and Automated Management Notifications:
The app allows for photo recording of field observations, which are automatically integrated into the system. Automated processes inform management of observations and issues, facilitating quicker responses and better oversight.
- Online/Offline Capabilities:
The app’s ability to function offline ensures that field staff can continue working in areas with limited mobile reception. Data is synced efficiently when connectivity is restored, providing near real-time updates to management.
Results and Achievements
- Enhanced Operational Efficiency:
The Metrix Mobile App has significantly improved field operators’ efficiency. The transition from paper-based processes to digital tools has streamlined operations, reducing manual data entry and administrative overhead.
- Improved Response Times:
The implementation of the app has led to faster resolution of issues. Field operators can now log requests and defects in real-time, leading to quicker response and resolution times.
- Better Safety Reporting:
Ensuring the correct safety measures are in place has become more effective with the app. Field staff are more diligent about safety practices and recording observations, enhancing overall safety and compliance.
- Accurate Asset Register:
GPS logging and photo recording have improved the quality of the asset register, ensuring precise tracking of asset locations and conditions.
- Real-Time Data Access:
Operations dashboards allow management teams to monitor progress and access real-time field information. This enhanced visibility supports better decision-making and operational planning.
- Cost and Time Savings:
Efficient logging of requests, defects, and water meter changes has led to cost and time savings by streamlining processes and reducing administrative overhead.
Lessons Learned
- Importance of Mobile Integration:
Integrating Metrix mobile technology into field operations has proven highly beneficial for operational efficiency and data accuracy, particularly in remote or challenging environments.
- Value of Real-Time Data:
Real-time data access is crucial for timely decision-making and effective asset management. The ability to sync data offline with Metrix ensures continuity and accuracy.
- Benefits of Comprehensive Field Tools:
Providing field staff, a comprehensive tool for recording and reporting with Metrix, has led to significant improvements in operational practices and overall data integrity.
Conclusion
Central Tablelands Water’s adoption of Metrix Assets software, particularly the Metrix Mobile App, has transformed its asset management practices. The integration of mobile capabilities has enhanced efficiency, safety reporting, and data accuracy, showcasing the benefits of leveraging advanced technology in asset management.
Future Outlook
CTW plans to further enhance its use of Metrix Assets by exploring additional features and continuously adapting its strategies to leverage emerging technologies. Ongoing improvements will focus on further optimising asset management processes and expanding on the benefits realised from the Metrix Assets solution.