Unleashing the potential of remote field data

Author: Schneider Electric

Access to safe drinking water is critical to public health and economic prosperity. On average, the US uses around 82 gallons of water per person, per day. There are more than 148,000 active drinking water systems in the nation. Just 9% of all community water systems serve over 257 million people, while the bulk of community water systems serve communities with populations under 10,000 people.

The US drinking water infrastructure is comprised of 2.2 million miles of pipe, most of which is underground. Unfortunately, this often means that water infrastructure is out of sight and thus out of mind.

The significance of data in revolutionizing sectors cannot be understated as global trends shift toward digitalization. A myriad of remote field sites underpin the water and energy infrastructure sectors, from wind farms to vast water networks.

These sites are often laden with untapped potential that could provide the missing link in the digital transformation journey of these sectors: data.

Visualize a scenario where a sudden, unanticipated drop in water pressure occurs in a remote water plant. Without real-time data from remote sites, the utility manager is faced with a classic needle-in-a-haystack situation of locating the issue. But when data is seamlessly integrated into the operational workflow,  managers can locate the problem and predict potential future anomalies.

These capabilities greatly enhance operational efficiency and reduce unexpected downtimes, propelling the water and energy sectors forward. 

Drive efficiency with remote field data

Remote field data sites provide granular, site-specific insights that can pave the way for more informed decision-making processes. This invaluable resource can be the key to resolving pressing industry challenges and catalyzing significant improvements. 

Three core areas of digital transformation leveraging remote field data are: 

• Predictive maintenance: The integration of real-time data from remote sites into predictive algorithms can enable early detection of potential equipment failures, significantly reducing unplanned downtimes.

• Optimized energy management: Accurate and timely energy consumption data can form the bedrock of effective energy management strategies, ultimately boosting efficiency and contributing to carbon footprint reduction.

• Water resource management: In the water industry, leveraging real-time data can result in reduced leakages and optimized water usage, making significant strides in water conservation efforts.

In keeping with Schneider Electric’s commitment to spearhead digital transformation, we have unveiled the Datalogger 4G and the DataHub, designed to streamline the collection and integration of remote field data. 

Transforming data management with Datalogger 4G

The Datalogger 4G, a robust and reliable data collection system, is designed to capture and transmit real-time accurate data from the most remote field sites. Coupled with Schneider’s industry-leading expertise, it forms a formidable toolset for driving operational transformation in the water and energy sectors. 

Designed to withstand even the harshest of environments, the Datalogger 4G helps ensure the uninterrupted flow of critical data. This real-time data is then integrated into the DataHub, a comprehensive data management platform with intuitive interfaces and user-friendly dashboards. This integration allows utility managers to effortlessly access insights, identify trends, and predict potential issues. 

The Datalogger 4G and DataHub systems provide the advantage of remote monitoring and management capabilities. These tools empower operators to keep their finger on the pulse of their operations, no matter where they are. This ability to remotely manage operations is more valuable than ever before. 

Connecting remote field sites to see the bigger picture

Between 2004 and 2017, various sources estimate there were between 10 to 37 leaks and breaks per 100 miles of pipe. Drinking water systems currently lose at least 6 billion gallons of water, every day. This equates to 2.1 trillion gallons of non-revenue water loss per year. The US lost an estimated $7.6 billion of treated water in 2019 due to leaks.

Utilities should implement asset management programs, tools, and techniques to evaluate asset condition and risk. The development of asset management programs with utilities improves operations and maintenance, and shores up resilience and affordability. This also shifts decision-making from reactive to proactive. 

Utilization of the Datalogger solution is a proactive means to support leak detection and operational efficiency.

The value of the Datalogger 4G and DataHub goes beyond mere data collection and analysis. By bridging the gap between remote field sites and centralized decision-making processes, these tools create a cohesive and interconnected network. This powerful connection enables the integration of critical field data into overarching strategies. In turn, it helps facilitate a more holistic approach to management and planning. 

When it comes to long-term sustainability and resilience, these tools play an essential role. They support the shift towards proactive management strategies, enable efficient resource utilization, and provide the data backbone needed for sustainability initiatives. 

Discover how the Datalogger 4G and DataHub can enhance your operational efficiency and drive digital transformation.

Tags: remote operations