Embracing digital transformation in the water industry: a new era of efficiency and safety
The water industry is at a crossroads. As the demand for water, wastewater, related water utilities increases and infrastructures age, leaders in the sector are looking for innovative solutions to address these challenges. Enter the era of digital transformation, where technology is not just an add-on – but a necessity – for safe, efficient, and sustainable operations.
Unlocking Success: Real-World Case Studies at the Forefront
Morrison Water Services, Southern Water and Trinity have embarked on a transformative journey with FYLD, the cutting-edge AI-driven fieldwork execution platform. These industry giants are at the forefront of the digital revolution, harnessing the power of FYLD to revolutionise their operations.
However, beyond the success stories lies a broader narrative. These pioneering companies are not merely adopting technology; they are redefining what efficiency means in an industry that is fundamental to the well-being of communities.
The Shift to data-driven operations
In the not-so-distant past, field operations were entangled in manual processes and paper-based documentation. Today, the industry is undergoing a seismic shift toward data-driven operations. Real-time data collection and analysis have become the new norm, empowering leaders to make informed decisions and respond swiftly to challenges.
Empowering fieldworkers
Digital transformation is not a top-down process; it permeates through every level of operation. FYLD goes beyond managerial enhancements, empowering field workers with advanced communication tools, coaching resources, and simplified reporting mechanisms. This empowerment isn’t just a technological upgrade; it’s a recognition of the pivotal role these workers play in the industry’s success.
Case-in-point: Southern Water
Southern Water, an early-adopter of FYLD, deployed the platform to 1,000 users, resulting in over 44,000 AI-powered site assessments and 60,000 remote interventions. This not only boosted field worker efficiency but also elevated safety measures across sites.
“FYLD is vital in our mission to elevate standards in pollution management at Southern Water. The real-time risk assessments, fortified by AI-powered insights, and seamless communication, have driven a marked shift in how we perceive and tackle pollution incidents. The transparency and efficiency with which we now report to regulators has been improved significantly. ” – Alex Saunders, Head of Wastewater Networks
The impact on safety and productivity
Typical spans of control in the water industry are upwards of one remote manager to six crews in the field. These managers struggle to determine which crew and which issues need their attention, and figuring out what to prioritise is near impossible with traditional systems due to the lack of real time site visibility.
FYLD’s AI solves this challenge through transmitting site data (videos, voice, pictures and messages) to command centres in real time, which builds up a rich picture of the day’s operations, overlaid with AI-powered recommendations on where and what managers should prioritise.
FYLD’s unique state of the art Command Centre enables a laser focus for managers to see in real time opportunities to make job site interventions before problems emerge – reducing aborted jobs.
The impact of FYLD extends beyond operational efficiency—it significantly influences safety and productivity. Trinity was able to facilitate real-time, proactive engagement for remote supervisors after rolling out FYLD to their workforce. With the average risk assessment now taking only three minutes, they were able to save more than 1300 fieldworker hours in the span of six months.
“FYLD is a game changer for the way field teams work. I can intervene quickly if site conditions need to be addressed and provide advice to support productivity, as well as health and safety matters.” – Carl Harris, Trinity
SGN’s success story, saving over 10,400 fieldworker hours, exemplifies how digital transformation isn’t just a buzzword but a catalyst for tangible, bottom-line results. The reductions in risk assessment process time and mileage underscore the real-world implications of embracing technological solutions in the water industry.
The future is here
The sheer volume of operational activity that takes place in water utilities in any given month is tremendous. The activity is also often unpredictable and highly reactive.
This also means it can be extremely complex and time consuming to produce operational summaries at month end that are (1) timely, (2) cost effective to produce, and (3) truly insightful and actionable.
The water industry is on the brink of a major transformation. With the advent of AI technology and automation, the era of Industry 4.0 is here. Looking forward, the future will focus on optimising resource allocation, improving operational efficiency, and equipping organisations to thrive in the fourth industrial revolution.
Leaders in the water industry have a unique opportunity to leverage this digital transformation to their advantage – by embracing the shift to data-driven operations and empowering fieldworkers, they can drive profits, reduce costs, and ensure higher levels of safety and productivity in their operations.
The journey towards digital transformation may seem daunting, but with FYLD bridging the gap, it’s a tangible reality. Discover how FYLD can propel your organisation from the status quo to a rapidly evolving technological future—unlock your organisation’s full potential now!
