Digitalization of Utilities and the Energy Industry

In the course of the digitalization of utilities and the energy industry process automation is increasingly becoming a key success factor. This is because of the high demands in the sector, particularly when it comes to sustainability and innovation. There is potential everywhere, both in water supply and sewage disposal and in handling waste and raw materials. The focus here is on the optimal control of processes and organizational workflows – and consequently on added efficiency and transparency.

Digital Solutions for Water Supply and Sewage Disposal

Intelligent automation offers some promising possibilities in terms of resource-efficient and energy-efficient water management. Networked systems can make an important contribution towards using valuable resources better and reducing energy consumption. This is in addition to increased safety in water purification and sewage treatment, plus the optimal management of sewers and systems. Possible applications include the following:

• The intelligent recording and evaluation of data allows supply and disposal networks to be serviced proactively, plus optimal process control.
• Digital networking with suppliers and service providers guarantees the fast, plannable provision of goods and services.
• Networked communication interfaces on the systems automatically send notification of maintenance and replacement cycles for individual components.
• Processes in the control center and connected stations can be controlled quickly, in line with specific requirements and based on clear measured values.
• Digital platforms that combine geodata, simulation and data analysis tools can be used to systematically operate and manage drinking water networks.
• The networking of production processes with sewage treatment contributes to improved water management.

Digital Solutions for the Waste and Raw Materials Industry

Companies in the waste and raw materials sector also have to push forward with digital transformation if they are to keep pace with current market developments. Only then will they remain competitive in the long term. Innovations are required in waste management, particularly given the prevailing desire for added environmental protection. Among other aspects, there is a focus here on preserving resources, intelligent use, and generating energy from waste. With this in mind, the networking of people, machines, tools and means of transport optimizes the workflows and simplifies communication. This then results in processes becoming faster, more efficient and more transparent, with time and costs saved into the bargain. Possible applications include the following:

• Fleet management solutions enable vehicles to be located and journeys optimized at the touch of a button, thus ensuring improved order combinations in terms of time and location.
• By networking with the authorities, transport authorizations can be applied for quickly and easily according to specific requirements.
• Measuring devices on heavy goods vehicles are used to determine the waste volumes when trucks arrive or leave the site, with the data automatically transferred to the management team.
• Intelligent robot systems allow for plastic packaging to be sorted according to different specifications.
• Sensors determine the filling level and container condition in real time and transmit this information for immediate processing.
• By networking the entire system, all information on the progress of the project and system status can be accessed whenever and wherever the user wishes.

A Process Automation Platform as Ccentral Hub

Process automation offers many different possibilities in terms of water, sewage, waste and raw materials management and are driving digitalization of utilities. Different technologies are used, both on the machines and systems, and also in administration and management. In order to ensure a smooth process and the perfect synchronization of the individual technologies, an intelligent process automation platform is required that acts as a central hub for all workflows. The platform orchestrates how the technologies work with each other and adjusts and synchronizes them accordingly. By integrating the Internet of Things (IoT) for recording, processing and storing data from systems and equipment, a cloud-based platform allows for comprehensive networking – even across multiple sites. Access can be made via mobile devices, with offline availability also a possibility.

Axon Ivy: A Reliable Partner at Your Side

Companies in water, sewage, waste and raw materials management need a reliable partner who understands the challenges seen in the branch. Regardless of whether you start small and automate additional processes gradually or implement a major automation right from the outset – by implementing a holistic solution and a comprehensive strategy, we can accompany you on the path towards digital transformation. Processes can be automated and managed more efficiently and with fewer errors than ever before using the business process automation platform from Axon Ivy. This means you can rely on us to ensure smooth processes, leaving you to concentrate on your core business and skills.