Data Control for Water Utilities
CASE STUDY
Controlling data for integrated water utilities
Rittmeyer has a strategic goal to evolve digital control solutions for their customers across their European portfolio. There were some challenges that Rittmeyer needed to address, including:
- Legacy systems did not have sufficient capabilities for modern cloud communications
- Software and cloud competencies within the company were not readily available
- Several prior IoT projects had mixed results for a variety of reasons
- Cybersecurity regulations were increasing and internal skills were limited
- Clients demanded a broader range of services and functions using data at the core
THE SOLUTION
Rittmeyer and Ardexa created a Digital Control Platform, connecting water supply plant SCADA systems and consolidating operational (OT) data in a Rittmeyer cloud. Rittmeyer has full ownership of all data assets and ultimate control of all core functions of this cloud. Ardexa supports Rittmeyer through the provision of all software and cloud services.
The features and functions of the platform are progressively evolving based on Rittmeyer customer needs. Most important to Rittmeyer were:
- Reliable and timely collection and analysis of water quality and consumption data
- Secure remote control and maintenance tools for operational teams and specialist support services
- Controlled OT data sharing with third-party partners and authorities, including automation and delivery of customised reports
- Enabling bi-directional communication between SCADA and regional warning systems for water supply security during emergencies (e.g. fire)
- Ingestion of third-party data (river flows, water analysis reports, forecasting etc.)
Rittmeyer have created their own brand (“RISOURCE”) for this water monitoring solution. Rittmeyer will continue to grow this brand “RISOURCE” by the provision of advanced analytics, monitoring solutions, intelligent control and other digital services.
ABOUT RITTMEYER
Established in 1904 and headquartered in Baar, Switzerland, Rittmeyer is a leading supplier to the water and energy supply, wastewater management and hydropower sectors. Rittmeyer provide process control and automation systems, instrumentation solutions, intelligent software systems, and services across more than 20,000 global installations.
THE BENEFITS
A CENTRAL REPOSITORY OF ALL OPERATIONAL DATA
All historical and real-time plant data is collected and stored in a single cloud controlled by Rittmeyer. Transparent and accurate plant data can be processed and shared by Rittmeyer with it’s customers, partners and stakeholders.
A SCALABLE SOLUTION
The solution is both simple and scalable to connect new or legacy plants. As Rittmeyer expand their portfolio and customer base, there are no restrictions for adding, any type of plant or machine, nor communication protocols. Ardexa cloud and software technicians are available for technical support and systems enhancements .
CYBERSECURE FROM DAY ONE
Strong cybersecurity standards and tools are core to the architecture of the solution. These include full Public Key Infrastructure, no open firewalls, immutable security logs and multi-factor authentication. These leading edge capabilities are continuously enhanced by the Ardexa team to meet the changing requirements of regulators and customers. Secure remote working methods are part of the toolkit to further reduce cyber security risks.
AI READY
Whether leveraging inbuilt analytical tools or outsourcing to specialist resources, the OT data is structured and normalised for AI development (efficiency, predictive, uptime, availability etc). Rittmeyer can develop these tools themselves or adopt third party tools, as desired.
LOW COST
The platform does not require any upgrade to legacy systems and no software or cloud development is necessary. Given the majority of sites can be implemented remotely, investment in engineering time is minimised.
EVOLVING RITTMEYER’S DIGITAL SERVICES AMBITIONS
Rittmeyer’s goal is to develop digital solutions for the measurement, management and monitoring of water resources. This meets customers demand for an integrated water system managed in an efficient, professional and sustainable way.
The RISOURCE Digital Control Platform is a key enabler for reliable and seamless processes, optimised resources, secured efficiency and continuous monitoring. All of which are aligned to Rittmeyer’s strategy.
“Ardexa has been a very capable and responsive services partner. The software and cloud services are high adaptable and meets the Rittmeyer requirements. We look forward to a further evolving the RISOURCE services in Switzerland water sector and beyond.”