Summary

Accessing real-time data in the field is increasingly important among service providers of all kinds.

Working with Northern Ireland Electricity (NIE), Cranmore delivered a full-service enterprise app configured to their needs, solving myriad issues posed by legacy systems.

Challenge brief

NIE had issues with its metering election teams. Outdated manual processes and a lack of centralised data access were causing inefficiencies, delays, and inconsistent metering operations.

Preparation

The NIE project was to develop a mobile app and web management portal.

It would need to handle the complex needs of the metering election teams. The app would also need to provide field personnel with real-time access to data. This would enable the capture of readings, the updating of meter statuses, and the submission of reports directly from the field.

The web management portal, meanwhile, would need to centralise all metering data to support reporting and analysis.

Execution

Cranmore has established a firm reputation for its robust ASSURED Agile methodology. This was followed throughout, with detailed timelines and checkpoints observed.

The tools using the Agile process created a range of benefits for NIE.

These included:

Improved efficiency and speed: Field personnel can now efficiently capture and submit metering readings using their hand-held device. This eliminates the need for manual data entry and reduces turnaround times.

Enhanced data accuracy and consistency: With real-time data access and centralised data management, metering data is accurate, consistent, and available for deep analysis.

Cost-saving insights: Newly realised data analytics provide NIE with a range of insights into metering trends and patterns. This enables better decision-making when it comes to resource allocation and optimisation.

Increased productivity: The automation of repetitive tasks frees field personnel from data entry to target more critical tasks, improving the organisation’s productivity.

Faster issue resolution: With NIE staff able to monitor the status of meters and field activities remotely, proactive interventions and issue resolution can be taken faster and more effectively.

Result

The mobile app and web management portal transformed NIE’s metering operations. Significant improvements were found in efficiency, accuracy, and data-driven decision-making.

Streamlined processes, enhanced data control, and remote monitoring mean NIE has not only transformed its metering activities but achieve significant operational improvements.