The City of Johannesburg (CoJ) through City Power and Johannesburg Water plays a vital role in ensuring the efficient and reliable delivery of essential utilities like electricity and water to its residents and businesses. CoJ experiences huge challenges caused by manual processes and delayed system data capturing of faulty meter replacements and debt management processes, in terms of updating the SAP Utilities Billing Management system timeously.
· The current metering and billing infrastructure presents significant challenges that hinder CoJ's ability to:
o Optimise revenue collection.
o Streamline operations and gain valuable insights into consumption patterns.
o Prevent financial losses.
· Historical inaccuracy on the master data:
· Limited Data Visibility
· Several system and field challenges have been experienced especially in the meter operations and debt management areas.
CoJ requires a modern metering system that offers the following functionalities:
· Data Purification: To address the inaccuracy of data between the SAP ISU and entity systems and updating of the prepaid data.
· Automated Data Collection: Replacing manual meter reading with automated systems ensures accurate and frequent data collection, minimizing billing errors and improving revenue collection efficiency.
· Real-Time Visibility: With real-time data, CoJ can gain immediate insights into consumption trends at various locations and for different customer segments.
o This allows for proactive management and identification of abnormal consumption patterns.
· Improved Operational Efficiency: Automation of meter reading and related processes reduces manual workload and associated costs.
o Remote connection/disconnection capabilities further streamline service activation and disconnection processes. (There is a current system available, this will enhance the capabilities)
· Data-Driven Decision Making: By leveraging a consolidated data platform, CoJ can make informed decisions on resource allocation, infrastructure investments, and implementation of targeted conservation programs.
· Dynamic Pricing: Enable implementation of dynamic pricing structures based on real-time consumption data.
1. Understand and Audit Field Elements:
· Begin by implementing the Zimele Field Auditor App. This will allow CoJ to assess and audit field elements effectively. Gather insights into existing processes, data, and challenges.
· Deep dive into the CoJ’s data, to perform data analysis and cleanse the data based on the field audit findings.
2. Smart Meter Integration Components:
· Enhance CoJ’s capabilities by integrating smart meter components:
o Zimele MDMS (Meter Data Management System): Centralize and manage meter data effectively to improve overall operations.
o Zimele AMI Integration: Connect with Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) systems to enable real-time data exchange between meters and backend systems.
o Zimele Vending Integration: Integrate vending systems for seamless prepaid electricity top-ups and billing.
3. Digitisation and Mobile Applications:
· Next, focus on digitisation. Implement the following mobile applications:
o Procman Meter Reading App: Streamline meter reading processes by enabling field staff to capture accurate readings using their mobile devices.
o Procman Field Service Man App: Empower field service personnel with an app that facilitates efficient service requests, maintenance, and troubleshooting.
4. Customer-Facing Applications:
· Finally, focus on customer interactions:
o Zimele Customer Engage USSD (Unstructured Supplementary Service Data): Implement a USSD system that allows customers to query meter readings and submit requests via simple text-based menus. This provides an accessible channel for communication.
5. Zimele Direct Integration
The high-level concept of the solution architecture is the implementation of services triggered in SAP or in the Vending Management System and received in the respective system. The services available are to and from SAP IS-U. The Vending Management System has to be updated and in some cases the VMS has to implement changes and develop the required services, shifting away from processing in mass and allow improved traceability for individual transactions.
Caters for the Revenue Process:
o Creation | Meter Installation
o Meter Replacement | Meter Removal
o Mass Meter Creation
o Customer Change | Customer Master Data Change
o Customer Move-In | Customer Move-Out
o Arrears Posting
o Storing of Purchases and Token Information
o Improve reconciliation process
6. Zimele Billing Management Services
Zimele Technologies has developed an SAP Custom program which can assist CoJ with reversals. This program will assist CoJ with invoice reversals based on the business rules which CoJ will provide to Zimele Technologies.
7. Zimele Internet of Things Network Operating Model (NaaS)
· Zimele Technologies proposed NaaS model offers a flexible and cost-effective way for CoJ to manage its water and electricity meter network. Here's a breakdown of the key aspects:
o Network Design and Planning
o Gateway Installation and Maintenance
o Network Security
o Network Monitoring and Optimization
