A straightforward, stress-free solution for self-reporting of meter readings

Do you make use of self-reporting schemes to collect meter data, but find the process to be less straightforward than you’d like? A small change might be all that’s needed.
The practice of requesting meter readings from residents via “reading cards” is widespread: around 85% of all water companies, municipalities and water associations in Germany and Austria use this form of meter data collection. The advantages are clear:

 

  • self-reporting schemes are easy to implement – only a printer is required, and technical complexity is minimal;
  •  self-reporting schemes are relatively cheap; and
  •  self-reporting schemes are a pillar in the relationship between resident and place.

 

But are there disadvantages, too?

 

Yes. Unfortunately, conventional self-reporting schemes have a number of drawbacks, including:

 

  • the quality of data can leave much to be desired, with up to 20% of readings incorrect;
  • many residents simply do not respond, meaning that technicians must be dispatched to read the meters or consumption must be estimated; and
  • data must be laboriously entered into the billing system by hand.

 

What if there were a simpler way?

 

Imagine a service that

 

  •  delivers more and, above all, better-quality meter data;
  •  costs less than you’ve been paying so far; and
  •  reduces your workload by at least 90 %.

Sold? Then allow us to introduce WATERLOO PRONTO: the digitalised full service for self-reporting!

 

The best bit of all is that for you, everything stays the same!

Get your no-obligation quote today.

 

How does it work?

 

Simply:

  •  decide the start and end dates of your meter reading periods;
  •  upload your logo or municipal coat of arms;
  •  review the text on the reading card; and
  •  press START.

 

It’s that easy!

 

We’ll then…

  •  generate the reading cards;
  •  place them in envelopes, frank and send them
  •  provide 4 digital and 2 non-digital channels for reporting meter readings – because we want to meet residents where they feel most comfortable (more on that below);
  •  remind residents to send a reading;
  •  compile the data digitally;
  •  scan any reading cards that are submitted in person – in other words, customers can continue to use this option, but we’ll take the work out of it;
  •  check all data for plausibility;
  •  provide an import file that can be imported into your billing system in just a few seconds

 

PRONTO is available on an ALL-INCLUSIVE basis from 99 cents per metering point. Get a no-obligation quote today!

 

What’s the catch?

 

How can it be that a service for municipalities and water providers can be simultaneously so affordable and smart? Is it simply too good to be true? No. Here’s why:

  1.  PRONTO is underpinned by a best-in-class software product from Symvaro – one of which we can be rightly proud.
  2.  The Austrian Research Promotion Agency FFG has supported us in making this valuable service available to municipalities.
  3.  We see it as our duty to save water providers’ time and energy, leaving more time for what really matters!
  4.  Thanks to the high number of water providers who already use our solutions, we can innovate on a cost-efficient scale – and pass the savings on to you!

 

No catch.

No hidden risks.

No empty promises.

Simply, a fantastic service for water providers!

 

We’re proud to provide advantages for you

 

Here’s a quick round-up:

  1.  Up to 20% increase in response rate due to digital reporting channels 
  2.  Unparalleled data quality thanks to direct data recording
  3.  Up to 90% reduction in workload
  4.  End-to-end system including a confirmation of receipt for the resident
  5.  Flawless overview of readings received and pending
  6.  Considerable reduction in errors (and elimination of potential sources of errors)
  7.  Significant reduction in complaints and customer enquiries
  8.  Integration of residents through a broad range of digital facilities

 

Convinced? -> Go to the enquiry form!

 

Asking residents to self-report meter readings has many advantages over the traditional practice of dispatching technicians to houses. Despite this, water providers are usually still required to manually enter data from returned reading cards into the billing system – a huge administrative workload, with a large number of potential errors. With WATERLOO PRONTO, all data is recorded digitally and fed directly into your billing system. As a result, workload is reduced by up to 90% and data quality is hugely increased!

 

Get a no-obligation quote for self-reporting with PRONTO – you’ll be surprised how affordable it can be!

 

We’re excited to begin saving your time, money – and sanity!

 

Your WATERLOO Team

 

PS: Still have questions about PRONTO? Please get in touch – we’ll be happy to help.

PPS: With PRONTO, residents can report their readings via…

  •  a 24-hour telephone hotline, free for residents to use
  •  a web form, which can be integrated into the water company website
  •  a chat window, which can pop up on the company website as desired
  •  a smartphone app for iPhone and Android, free for residents to use
  •  a QR code that leads directly to a personalised webpage
  •  a scan service for customers who prefer to submit their readings in person

 

 

WATERLOO revolutionises self-monitoring by water suppliers

At the time of publishing this post, the concept of “self-monitoring” is already five years old. That’s the same amount of time for which Symvaro has been working on its own simple, slick and smart solution for self-monitoring by water suppliers. Read on to find out more!

 

What needs are we trying to meet?

If you work for a water company, manage a water association or are responsible for water supply within a municipality, you’ll be familiar with the challenges associated with continuous monitoring of supply infrastructure. A range of administrative decrees requires you to:

 

  • monitor your sources and spring discharge;
  • inspect your elevated tanks;
  • document values for your UV systems;
  • maintain hydrants;
  • monitor waterworks valves;
  • and much more.

 

In short: if you are in Austria, you must satisfy the requirements of ÖNORM B 2539 / W 59; if you are in Germany, you must satisfy the requirements of the EÜV (Eigenüberwachungsverordnung) [Self-Monitoring Ordinance]. An extensive range of checks and inspections are prescribed by administrative decree. In addition, compliance with these self-monitoring regulations is verified by a five-yearly external inspection in accordance with water resources law. This means you not only shoulder a high level of responsibility, but have a considerable organisational workload to go with it.

 

Sign up to the mailing list for our self-monitoring solution – free of charge and with no obligation!

 

 

How has the solution come about?

Five years ago, our meter exchange app enjoyed its first successes; shortly afterwards, we began to work on solutions for user-reported readings and readings by technicians. This work culminated in the launch of WATERLOO, a highly successful product that has been recognised with multiple national and international awards.

Over the past five years, customers have often asked us about the possibility of extending WATERLOO to cover their self-monitoring obligations; specifically, to help them meet these obligations in the flexible, simple and time-saving manner they’ve come to know and love. Working together with water providers, we’ve invested five years in the further development of WATERLOO. Now, the time is right to forge ahead in collaboration with our water sector customers and create a unique solution for their needs. Even better: it’s planned to be available by the end of 2020!

 

 

What will it actually do?

What can WATERLOO do for your self-monitoring programme that an Excel file can’t? The benefits include:

  • complete management and assignment of administrative notices and decrees;
  • continuous monitoring of your supply infrastructure;
  • simple master data entry for water suppliers;
  • the option to adapt checklists to your wishes;
  • a smart app for on-site inspections;
  • a range of reports available at-a-glance;
  • all data for external inspections;
  • and much more.

 

Have other ideas or suggestions?

 

 

We need you!

Some of these features were things we things we thought of ourselves. Some were suggested by our customers. Now, we want to hear from you:

  • Do you want to stay informed about the product?
  • Are you interested in participating in the pilot scheme?
  • Would you like to actively contribute your ideas and needs?
  • Are you searching for a software product that does exactly what you need it to?

If your answer to the above questions is“Yes!”, please click here to sign up to the list.

 

I’m interested in the self-monitoring solution!

 

 

2020 is a year is unlike any other. As the coronavirus crisis rages on, the enormously important role of water suppliers has once again been placed at the forefront. If water is our most important resource, we are the critical infrastructure that ensures a top-quality supply of it to every single household. This essential service requires protection and flawless maintenance. Our software can help.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Thank you for the work you do as a water supplier. We look forward to revolutionising your self-monitoring programme with you!

 

Your WATERLOO Team