[미국] GE 워터앤프로세스 테크놀로지, 디지털 역량 확대

다양한 분야가 점차 연결·연계되어 가고 있는 현대 사회에서는 거의 모든 과정이 몇 가지 디지털 형식에 의존하고 있다고 해도 과언이 아니다. 물산업 역시 예외는 아니다. 물 배분 및 물관리 차원에서의 현안 과제들을 해결하기 위한 디지털 솔루션 마련하기 위해 GE 워터앤프로세스 테크놀로지(GE Water&Process Technologies)사가 물 분석 및 기술 선도 업체인 워터스마트 소프트웨어(WaterSmart Software)와 스마트어스테크놀로지(Smart Earth Technologies)와의 협력 체제를 구축하고자 나섰다. 

3사 간의 합의에 따라 워터앤프로세스 테크놀로지사는 물분야 유틸리티의 효율성을 향상하고 기존의 인사이트(InSight) 자산 성능 관리(APM) 플랫폼에 몇 가지 어플리케이션을 개발·발달시킴으로써 소비자 참여를 보다 유도하는 데 만전을 기할 방침이다.

현재 개발 중에 있는 합동 어플리케이션에는 청구서 정보를 전달하는 디지털 소비자 커뮤니케이션 및 참여 툴, 누설탐지기, 원격 밸브 컨트롤, 물사용량 정보기 등이 포함되어 있다. 이러한 정보는 소비자들로 하여금 그들의 물 소비 습관을 이해하도록 하고 물손실량을 줄여 경제적 낭비를 방지할 것으로 기대된다.

[원문보기]

GE's Water & Process Technologies expands digital capabilities

In an ever-increasingly connected world, almost all processes rely on some form of digital capability. The water industry is no exception. To further the creation of digital solutions that address pressing issues in water distribution and management, GE's Water & Process Technologies has entered into cooperation agreements with two leading water analytics and water technology providers, WaterSmart Software and Smart Earth Technologies (SET).

"Using data, remote control and analytics, we are working to transform the way water utilities operate, helping them run more efficiently while also improving the service and value they provide to consumers," said Ralph Exton, chief marketing officer, GE's Water & Process Technologies. "Working with WaterSmart and SET, we will bring together their deep domain expertise and analytics technologies in unique ways to address these needs and add new value streams for water utilities."

With these agreements, Water & Process Technologies will help improve water utility efficiencies and enhance consumer engagement for customers by developing and evolving applications on its existing InSight* asset performance management (APM) platform.

The joint applications being developed include digital consumer communication and engagement tools that deliver billing information, leak identification, remote valve control, resolution notifications and deep insights into water usage. This information will make it easier for consumers to understand their water consumption habits, save money and protect their property from costly water damage. For utilities, these customer self-service applications will reduce the cost to service consumer accounts by proactively addressing customer concerns, minimizing the need for on-site visits and improving payment performance.

"At WaterSmart, our proven customer engagement and analytics platform helps strengthen relationships between a utility and its customers by connecting them through proactive data insights and enabling the customer to take control of their water spend," said Robin Gilthorpe, chief executive officer, WaterSmart. "We also stimulate customer engagement and satisfaction by enabling them to choose the time and method to receive key information from the utility. These capabilities will further scale Water & Process Technologies' digital solutions to best serve its global water utility customers."

As it continues to build out its digital capabilities, Water & Process Technologies also is helping to shape the future of the water industry by creating a more connected and informed environment for municipalities and utilities.

"Having an in-depth understanding of how, when and where water is used can provide invaluable insights for both utilities and consumers," said David Duncan, chief executive officer, SET. "Working with Water & Process Technologies, we will be able to utilize digital capabilities and industry expertise to create an engaging and mutually beneficial solution for consumers and utilities to better manage and control water consumption."

The consumer application development initiative adds to Water & Process Technologies suite of software proof of concepts currently under development. Previously announced proof of concepts include a pipeline health solution with American Water and a storm and sewer overflows solution with MWH Global.

[출처 = Water World / 2016년 12월 16일]