The Internet of Things and intelligent systems have become increasingly popular due to their ability to modernize and improve a range of manual processes. In the field of public utilities, remote systems have very wide application possibilities, as significant resources are spent by manually collecting and entering data into accounting software. Additionally, a remote meter reading system helps to save energy resources. As part of the case study, we will look at the main challenges faced by SIA Saldus Komunālserviss and the solutions implemented by SIA MonaTek for the modernization of the meter reading process.
About Saldus Komunālservis
Saldus Komunālserviss provides various types of services to the residents of the Saldus region. One of the most important directions of the company's activity is building management, including the collection and processing of meter data.
Cooperation with MonaTek was started in 2021 and currently, part of the customers are already integrated into the MonaTek system, which performs remote water meter readings, heat meter readings, and pressure measurements in water supply pipes.
Challenge
The main problem that Saldus Komunālserviss wanted to solve was the replacement of the manual meter reading system and digitalization.
The manual system for collecting meter readings is outdated and requires significant human and time resources to process a large number of meters.
Likewise, the manual system significantly complicates data processing and there is a greater probability of making mistakes that can lead to conflict situations.
In the case of Saldus Komunālservisa, long-term development plans were also an important aspect. Saldus plans to further modernize its system with the possibility of measuring the pressure in water pipes.
Solution
MonaTek developed a complex solution tailored to the needs of Saldus Komunālserviss.
The goal was to implement a remote meter reading system that would allow the company's employees to monitor water and heat consumption in real-time, as well as improve the data processing and invoicing process.
As part of the cooperation, the following transmitters were installed:
154 Water meters
10 Heat meters (equipped buildings)
18 Pressure meters
1 base station
MonaTek in cooperation with Saldus Komunālsserviss prepared a solution that meets the needs of Saldus City.
To implement a remote meter reading system, MonaTek created a city-level IoT overlay that provides the reception of signals from all transmitters. Considering the fact that the MonaTek system works with wireless transmitters, this solution allows Saldus Komunālservis to modernize its utility services and easily connect new customers to the IoT network.
Saldus' transition to a remote meter reading system is being implemented gradually. The company's specialists were trained in the installation of the system, which allows the meter transmitters to be installed independently, thus further facilitating the planning and implementation process.
The result
As a result of the cooperation, Saldus Komanālserviss has been able to modernize the existing system and significantly speed up meter processing, report preparation, as well as other related processes. The main benefits of Saldus Komunālsservis:
1. Cost savings for the company:
The remote meter reading system eliminated the need for manual meter reading, which was costly and time-consuming. By using remote meter reading Saldus Komunālserviss was able to improve efficiency and therefore significantly save money on labor costs. Calculations show that with the help of the system, employees can save more than a month in a year, which can be devoted to work with higher added value.
2. Accurate report preparation:
A remote meter reading system significantly improves the report preparation process as it eliminates human errors that may occur during manual meter reading. This helped to avoid billing disputes and ensured that the clients are charged according to their consumption.
3. Real-time data:
A remote meter reading system provides real-time data on the consumption of energy resources, allowing Saldus Komunālservis to monitor usage habits and identify problem situations in time.
4. Saved resources:
A significant benefit of the remote meter reading system was the saved water resources. Thanks to continuous monitoring of consumption, employees managed to detect and prevent water loss, which would have been almost impossible within the old system.
5. Timely prevention of losses and accidents:
The system allows you to set alerts, which is a special functionality that allows you to automatically identify unplanned or atypical resource consumption. This feature allows you to identify a potential accident at its beginning or prevent it from escalating, thereby significantly reducing or even preventing potential losses.
6. Independence:
Installation of the transmitters and system is quick and can be done by the customer. After a short training, Saldus Komunālserviss employees were able to install the necessary transmitters themselves. As a result, the company can independently modernize the existing meters and connect them to the system at their own pace.