We manage turnkey utility technology upgrades and meter system implementation.
Ferguson Waterworks is a trusted advisor for our utility metering customers. Not only do we supply industry-leading AMI and AMR metering systems, but we also step up to the plate to manage the implementation process. This means we support customers from project inception and installation through ongoing maintenance and training. Leveraging our experience we reduce your burden, predict roadblocks, and ensure customer service remains uninterrupted. When it comes to upgrading water meters and utility systems, our team is here for you.
To request assistance with Smart Meter Integration, contact Ferguson.
Who's on our roster?
Our AMI specialists, experienced project managers, Customer Success Team, and municipal sales groups work together to offer you a professional, proficient, and intentionally curated crew to support the project’s unique conditions.
When a utility partners with Ferguson Waterworks to supervise their water meter system implementation, they receive a dedicated project manager. This project manager is responsible for maintaining healthy relationships and workflows. In order to accomplish that, they schedule regular status meetings and circulate internal/external reference documents outlining important action items and team roles/responsibilities.
We've said it before, and we'll say it again: Ferguson Waterworks is dedicated to quality products, quality people, and quality service.
As a company, we have a passion for quality service and reliable accuracy. That’s why we start our project management support by identifying key goals. For example, decreasing water loss, lowering labor costs, and ensuring uninterrupted service for your customers. Once we fully understand all initiatives, we begin road mapping the smart meter installation. Along with key benchmarks for monitoring the deployment progress, we include details such as system training, inventory control, and quality assurance measures.
How does Ferguson Waterworks help municipalities upgrade to smart water meters?
- Firstly, we identify key objectives.
- Then, depending on the outlined goals and utility location, we recommend and supply a smart meter system. This includes specific water meter endpoints, communications networks, hardware, software, and more.
- After that, we provide experienced project management for your utility’s smart meter implementation, ensuring a seamless network transition as well as training municipality users on the system.
- To top it off, we continue to support our customers long-term, whether upgrading software, supporting training, or enhancing the system.
What is the process for upgrading city-wide water meters?
Project timeline and scope of work
Please note, that timelines and support depend on individual project parameters; however, here is a general breakdown illustrating our approach to managing a water meter installation project.
Pre-construction Activity
This phase is approximately 2-3 months, during which we work directly with key stakeholders. We schedule workshops, review contracts, define communication channels, and outline the scope of work to clearly communicate roles and responsibilities. Then, following our well-refined best practices, we lay the groundwork for a successful deployment. Next, we schedule weekly or bi-weekly meetings to review important updates and deadlines. Because we have a dedicated integration and hardware support team, we quickly resolve issues involving AMI and AMR integration, hardware activation, and field obstacles.
System Data Collection and Integration
We collect all relevant meter and account information from the municipality’s utility billing software to build the installation and scheduling database. Then, we scrub the data thoroughly to ensure an accurate baseline dataset, consequently establishing accurate data for the installation work order management system, scheduling database, and data quality control mechanisms.
Billing System Compatibility
We validate the data transfer files provided by the municipality’s utility billing software vendor. Because our implementation team is fully competent in understanding and navigating all meter processes, we’re able to support the municipality throughout the implementation and over the system’s life.
Community Engagement Program
Ferguson Waterworks has assisted utility partners across the country with omnichannel customer communication support. This approach leverages both the municipality’s website and in-person communication platforms. As a result, we work with the municipality to craft detailed Q&A documents explaining the process, technology, and meter system benefits. Ultimately, we are at your disposal when it comes to informing residents about the system changes.
Project Logistics Defined
From product staging and waste disposal to production scheduling that aligns with billing cycles, lean on us for seamless and strategic project logistics.
Material Delivered
Because Ferguson Waterworks supports both meter installation and product distribution, customers receive accurate and timely hardware deliveries. In addition, we coordinate staging and product organization. Lastly, we provide thorough product data files for quality control.
Pre-construction Final Walkthrough
This occurs the week before installation. During this walkthrough, we thoroughly review the module installation/activation and all safety protocols.
Production Phase
Following our collaboration and thorough planning, the smart water meter installation begins. Your Ferguson Waterworks team actively communicates with the project team and regularly meets to discuss their progress, challenges, needs, and timelines.
Route Sign-Off
As we complete a route or cycle, we coordinate with the utility to identify non-responsive accounts or those where meter replacement was not possible. Once the team fulfills all communication requirements and approval is obtained, we proceed to the next route/cycle.
Final Close Out
As the deployment phase begins to close, we conduct a final contract review. In addition, training is scheduled so that municipality associates fully understand the new metering system.
Sign-Off
A final systems acceptance and sign-off occurs after both reviewing and confirming system performance. At this point, the project is completed, but the ongoing support from our Customer Success Specialists continues through the life cycle of the meter system.
Ongoing Support
From go-live support to customer service, system training, RMAs, inventory management, and more, Ferguson Waterworks provides ongoing, comprehensive support through our team of customer success specialists.
Educate To Operate
Our Meter and Automation Group conducts training throughout the entire project. In addition to general training, this includes operating the vendor-specific software. After the project, we provide final training covering the system’s operation, maintenance, hardware, and software. Knowing how to navigate and operate a system gives the receiver a deeper understanding of the data and inner workings. As a result, their knowledge extends beyond which button to press, and they truly understand why and how the system operates.
Reporting and Ongoing Support
Once the new metering system is installed and launched, our support continues. From regular reporting on system health and key performance indicators to network mitigation that ensures all endpoints report as expected, we remain your trusted utility supply partner.
Connect with your local Ferguson Waterworks expert today to discuss updating your utility meter system with AMI and AMR technology.
