Supercharging onsite meter reading with GEMBA Note
This case study details how Fusion242 utilised MetaMoJi’s GEMBA Note application to improve efficiency of onsite meter reading collection through direct integration with their Fusion Gemini knowledge management platform.
UK based Fusion242 provide IT infrastructure and knowledge solutions, managing over 60,000 meters from over 20,000 locations 24x7 for their energy industry customers.
The Problem
Onsite meter readings need to be taken periodically to validate that AMR (automated meter reading capability where data is sent periodically over the internet) is providing accurate information, or where no AMR is present.
Fusion242 were asked by their customers to provide a digital solution allowing engineers across the supply chain to capture meter readings during site visits. The existing approach involved engineers being sent a form to complete and email back, or by them creating an email with the reading info which would be sent directly for manual input to take place.
These approaches both involve work from the engineers to complete the form with key data such as the asset ID, their names and then the readings themselves. Forms could be handwritten rather than digitally edited, increasing the chance of errors when re-keying and emails would not all follow the same layout, preventing automation.
Additionally capturing secondary information such as reports of any issues, photographs or video was inconsistent. Not all engineers are knowledgeable about the meters they are reading or even how to correctly read them.
The Solution
After evaluating the cost of developing an in-house solution to be considerable Fusion242 looked at the GEMBA Note application from MetaMoJi. GEMBA delivers an e-notebook style experience with an intuitive user interface that allows the user to capture any kind of information on a page. Additionally forms can be digitised and enhanced to capture information such as photos, videos and signatures to help guide completion by engineers.
Taking a reading on site manually can be made more difficult by environment and weather. GEMBA helps validate results.
Converting the existing meter reading form from a Word document to GEMBA took around 30 minutes and could then be distributed as a template, allowing users to create an instance of a form in seconds. GEMBA supports Windows, iOS and Android devices so can be used across the supply chain via the relevant app store using a free client. GEMBA provides a no-code approach to relating form fields to a data structure used by an IT system. Integration into Fusion Gemini took a further two days of effort.
Completing the GEMBA form would still require data entry of information such as asset serial numbers and engineer details, so a process was implemented in the Fusion Gemini platform to generate a request to complete a meter reading. This is emailed to the engineer prior to their planned site visit. The request can be opened with GEMBA, generating an instance of the meter reading form but with the key data fields completed to save time and ensure data accuracy.
Word form for capturing meter readings manually
When completed the GEMBA form can be submitted directly to the Fusion Gemini platform, where values are validated and stored. If any issues are detected with the form’s completion a notification can be sent to the engineer while they are still onsite with instructions on resolution. The submitted meter readings can be immediately seen within the Fusion Gemini platform and used in reports and calculations.
GEMBA Note form for capturing meter reads manually
The information from the form is sent to the Fusion Gemini platform where it is verified automatically and the new meter reading applied. Any further actions such as detecting meter drift and readjusting AMR reads based on the reading can now take place.
The Results
Digitising the process for collecting manual meter readings using GEMBA resulted in tangible benefits:
No need to build a bespoke mobile application and able to roll out the solution in days rather than weeks or months. Resulting in a large cost-saving for the capability. Engineers can also use their own devices rather than having to be supplied with new hardware.
Accurate data recording and ability to implement validation of submissions in near real-time in case of data entry errors. The original GEMBA Note form can be opened via a link from Fusion Gemini, providing an audit trail.
Easy to use – just like filling in the paper forms but more convenient and time efficient. Fields ensure the correct type of data is entered and in the right format. If QR codes are present representing asset tags. these can be scanned into the form via a mobile devices camera.
Forms can be completed while offline and then submitted later when an internet connection is made.
Ability to capture supporting information such as photographs of the meter (where visual recognition AI can perform a reading validation check or can be manually checked if any issues is raised).
Where other issues are found, such as damage around a meter or unrelated concerns (such as a leak or exposed wiring) details can be captured (with supporting photographs, audio and video) and submitted for immediate review via head-office.
Solution can be easily extended to implement other forms.
About Fusion242
Fusion242 develops intuitive systems that streamline data management, automate complex tasks, and enhance decision-making. They simplify collaboration, allowing customers and their partners to easily access essential information.
Fusion242 are focused on developing ways for organisations to utilise AI & machine learning to automate activities such as creating documentation, discovering insights from information and undertaking time intensive tasks such as data analysis.
www.fusion242.com
0203 2900 242
