Our part-time Chief Information officer was brought in to this leading organisation to spearhead the facilitating of smart metering systems integration.

Company Profile

Supporting the fast-paced smart metering industry, this company provides vital services to new and evolving businesses in the sector. The company’s role is critical in ensuring that new businesses have the systems and processes necessary to manage installations successfully. The company operates from north Lancashire to the Midlands, operating across 9 depots with 200 staff.

CEO’s Mission

With the market changing and numerous startups emerging to capitalise on the smart metering opportunity, the CEO aimed to position the company as the “Go To” business for these startups. The CEO planned to accomplish this by offering essential systems on a rental basis and training to manage processes. This strategy was to ensure new businesses would procure all necessary meters and consumables for installations from the company.

CIO’s Objectives

Identify changes required to adapt current applications from a consignment stock system to a supply chain application supporting smart metering systems integration.
Integrate with regulators, planning applications, mobile solutions for installers, and suppliers for meter delivery.
Identify potential off-the-shelf solutions for planning, scheduling, and mobile applications.
Determine necessary integrations with industry regulators.

What The CIO Did

Led Supplier Selection For Off-The-Shelf Solutions

As the new CIO, the Director identified and reviewed multiple potential suppliers for key applications necessary for smart metering systems integration. Then, they began selecting three key providers for a planning application, mobile app, and fulfilment partner. Each chosen solution was integral to the streamlined process of assigning and completing installation jobs.

Designed And Delivered The New Architecture

The Director redesigned the current architecture to incorporate the goals of the new business model. They ensured it aligned with the current application supporting stock holding, purchasing, and dispatching meters. The final process involved receiving jobs from the regulator, planning installations, contacting homeowners for scheduling, providing meters to installers, completing installations, and updating the regulator on completed jobs.

Day-To-Day Management Of The Completed Solution

The Director developed an internal team to manage and support the applications daily. This team was responsible for troubleshooting, training, and supporting installers in managing their jobs efficiently. The planning and scheduling application played a critical role in homeowner communication and installation coordination, with the mobile app providing real-time updates and communication with regulators and engineers.

The successful implementation of the smart metering systems integration has enabled the company to support hundreds of jobs each week, helping the industry move forward in its goal to meet current timescales and contribute significantly to the smart metering initiative.

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