The utility industry is undergoing a profound change thanks to new “smart” technologies and push for smart cities – this evolution will usher in greater efficiencies and operational control, while assuring communities can grow and reach full potential.
These smart devices will require higher levels of interoperability and many communication networks will need device agnostic capabilities.
Because unlike older enclosed operational systems, new automation and control systems enable water and waste-water utilities to optimize their operations and gain more efficiencies. Water system analytics allow cities to quickly find and repair leaks underground and monitor the entire system to find leaks before they burst saving time, money and water as well as improving quality of service to consumers.
•Smart appliances and other technologies will give consumers more control over their usage, fundamentally transforming how utilities interact with their customer base.
•The investment in communication networks for water utilities is (in my opinion) the smartest investment a city can make for its future growth.
•Smart Water infrastructure requires real-time communications and smart cities require smart water.
The true enabler of a smart city is the communications network that provides connection to multiple devices and interfaces, while maintaining real-time two-way capabilities for critical infrastructure and scalable, reliable communications for moving data between devices, utility and consumers. Interoperability is crucial for utilities to add devices and applications demanded by community leaders, regulators, and consumers.