This document discusses mobile meter reading options for water service providers (WSPs) in Kenya. It outlines Computing Development Strategies' portfolio of work with several Kenyan WSPs since 2011. The document compares data loggers and mobile phone-based options for meter reading and collecting usage data. It proposes an Android-based mobile meter reading system that uses smartphones to record meter readings, GPS coordinates, and photos and transmit the data cost-effectively via SMS or web services. The system offers advantages over traditional data loggers in terms of cost, upgradability, and additional functionality. Challenges of adopting new technology like this include staff resistance to change and ensuring technical support for meter readers during implementation.

1. Mobile Meter Reading for WSPs
Rop KILAGAT,
ropkiplagat@gmail.com 0722468817
Computing Development Strategies
Water Service Provider
9th October 2014

2. About US
•Established since 2006
•ICT solutions in water sector
•Relations with WASPA
•Online services – websites & applications
•SMS Billing
•GIS
•M-Pesa Integration
•ICT Training
•Billing

3. Portfolio
•KIWASCO 2011
•ELDOWAS 2011
•NAWASCO 2012
•GAWASCO 2012
•NAWASSCO 2013
•KITWASCO 2013
•TAVEVO 2013
•KIMAWASCO 2013
•NAWASCO
…

4. Agenda
•What is the problem in WSPs today?
•Meter Reading Options Todays
•Data Loggers Vs Mobile Based Phones
•Challenges and constraints
•Key lessons learned

5. Existing Situation WSPs

6. If it aint broken don’t fix!

7. Meter Reading Options Today

8. Meter Reading Options Today

9. Meter Reading Options Today

10. 7
What Solution are WSPs Looking for?
Time
Cost
Deliverables
Benefits

11. 11
Total Cost Ownership
55231471Mobile Meter Project Cost AllocationsData ConvHardwareSoftwareSupport & MaintinanceServices

12. 7
Meter Reading Success Factors
IT Infrastructure
People
Business Process
Spatial Data

13. Expectations
IT Infrastructure
People
Business Process
Spatial Data
Most of the failures caused by those three factors. Only BP will be tackled
It is been proved that IT
are not an issues any more.

14. Advanced Functionalities
Mobile Meter Reading Value Chain
Definition of WSP needs
Identification of purchasing sources / policy
Purchase negotiation and execution
Cross check with on-site measurements
Correction
 data monitoring
Fault localization
Maintenance resources allocation
Workforce Management: dispatch and routing
Logistics coordination
Preventive maintenance
readings
billings
Sensitivity analysis
Signal strength readings for network optimization
Customer complaint management
Service coverage inquiry
Marketing campaign definition
Customer segmentation
Engineering and Maintenance
Infrastructure
Preparation
Modeling and simulation
Infrastructure design
Network installation management
Resources allocation
Inventory management
Overlay of existing l related data.
existing related data
Field surveys
Update processes to ensure related data are up-to- date
Caller-ID localization for dispatch
Location based services
Data
Acquisition
Operation
(
Advanced
M R
Analytics
Advanced
M R
Analytics &
Integrations
Other Data
uploads
Data upload
Basic
Meter reading
Functions
Initiation
Planning
Execution
Closure
Usually Meter Reading Value Chain Accomplish through PM Life Cycle

15. Why Mobile Reader for MEWASS
-Analogue technology in a digital world
-Limited functionality – data entry only
-Software not upgradable
-Replacing/servicing not easy
-Cost is exhorbitant >1000 USD
-Digital data logger is way costly >2000 USD

16. So what do we do?

17. Android based mobile reader

18. Mobile Meter Reader Architecture 1
Using Camera
Scan the bar code and get meter details eg
AC 12345 Kent Owner Kajuju P

19. Features of Mobile
-Intituitive -Software upgradable -Additional functionalities – photos, communicate -Cost is low < KS 5000 smart phone -Takes GPS coordinates of water meters
-Allows readings sent directly to billing system
-Data sent by SMS or web services
-Easy to use
-Repair easy and parts found in any shop localy
-Smart phones run android open source

20. Features
-Supports GPS validation of meters -supports sequence walks when taking reading -Routes/Zones selections
-Accounts to be read preloaded by cable
-Can also be downloaded/uploaded by web
-Reasons for not reading supported
-Reports of readings with details or summary
-Supports any android based phone

21. Functionalities
1.Basic Function – meter reading no GPS
- web interface
- all features of data logger
2. Light – meter reading , GPS, web portal, google maps
3. Advanced – GPS, google maps, prints a bill, authenticates, previous readings

22. Advanced – Reporting tool
Reporting tool – photo
Produce instant bills to clients
Verify with database for any info
Supports variance data entry
New customer application- takes GPS coordinates

24. Benefits

25. Benefits to management
-Management can view readings real time sent from field
-You can easily verify readings/reports
-Reports available for management

26. Challenges and Constraints
•staff not looking at the big picture
•Create larger team within the utility
•Subcontract the works
•Engage management for stronger support
•WSP consultation
•Communication Strategy Workshop
•Outreach: memos
•Development of awareness campaign
•Reduce TCO
•Develop POC mechanism
•Set performance targets in the contract
•Develop access to support
Poor technical quality of the meter readers
Slow pace for new technology adoption

27. Project Design
Customers
•Anticipate need for different levels of service and consumption
•Minimize risk at all levels by encouraging feedback
Meter Readers
•WSPs have to clearly identify the operating team
•Support MR through technical & business capacity building
WSP
•Broaden partnerships with other actors
•Consider lengthening duration of contracts to increase confidence
Lessons learned

28. Communication
•WSP has to create and implement a communication strategy in early stages
•Marketing strategy is crucial to build confidence in the new system
Segment target groups
Use opinion leaders
•Utility has to set service agreements with MOs
Frequency of communication
Response time
Lessons learned

29. Management
•Engage front-line staff (i.e. meter readers)
•Provide extra technical support (esp. in early stages)
•Clarify policy for meter reading
•Ensure transparent & fair MR selection
•Formalize a MR performance evaluation
Lessons learned

30. End
•Contact
Rop Kiplagat
Computing Development Strategies
0722468817 ropkiplagat@gmail.com