As utilities embrace digital innovation, effective field services are the driving force behind widespread integration.
Smart meters are revolutionising the utility sector, providing a mechanism for utilities to accurately monitor energy and water consumption and share real-time data on usage with customers.
As demand for this infrastructure continues to rise, utilities need to step up the pace on the rollout – but this is easier said than done.
Field crews play a crucial role in the rollout of intelligent devices, tasked with everything from installation to troubleshooting, upgrades and repairs.
However, their jobs are often complicated by the restraints of conventional logistics methods that struggle to keep up with the demands of real-time inventory management, last-mile delivery and tight schedules.
Overcoming these challenges and optimising field services holds the key to success to the sector’s digital transformation.
Intellihub has been at the forefront of the smart meter rollout taking the industry by storm.
With an extensive rollout schedule and specific customer order requirements to meet, the company engaged field service providers (FSPs) across the country to get the job done, distributing inventory into the FSP supply chains.
However, this approach presented various issues, ranging from FSPs with overlapping warehouses and distribution networks, to reduced visibility and control of assets leading to ‘lost stock’, over-ordering and a lack of robust scanning systems and processes.
These challenges highlighted the need for Intellihub to find a reliable partner who could improve inventory management and last mile logistics, leading the company to Droppoint.
Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, Droppoint developed a comprehensive inventory management solution, perfectly tailored to the unique needs of each FSP.
This included:
- Strategic inventory hubs: using historical and predictive analysis, Droppoint used pinpointed optimal locations for inventory collection, ensuring easy access for technicians whilst minimising retrieval time.
- Reliable replenishment: Droppoint leveraged transport time data to guarantee technicians always had the necessary stock, preventing delays and maximising productivity.
- Customised configurations: each inventory location was configured to FSP specifications, including dedicated areas for returns, refurbishment and disposal. Security was prioritised with two-factor authentication, ensuring only authorised personnel could access materials.
- End-to-end visibility: Droppoint’s layered platform provides complete transparency across the entire supply chain, from dispatch to installation. This gives Intellihub real-time insights into inventory consumption and lifecycles, enabling data-driven decisions for continuous improvement.
The custom solution had immediate impacts on the project, with Intellihub seeing an additional two–three jobs completed per technician each week, a 30 per cent reduction in depot inventory holding and a ten per cent increase in scanning compliance.
As the utility sector charges towards a digital future, optimising field services will be essential to the smooth and timely rollout of intelligent devices – and Droppoint makes this transformation easy.
As the leading field service inventory management software provider in Australia and New Zealand, Droppoint partners with utilities to create bespoke logistics solutions that take the stress out of field operations. From forward stocking to parts management and logistics, in-night deliveries, real-time tracking and a flexible network of more than 500 pick-up and drop-off locations, Droppoint ensures the right part gets to the right place at the right time.
“The Droppoint solution allows technician inventory collection near their home location or job site, increasing their jobs per week and greater ease of processing,” Intellihub GM Supply Chain and Procurement, Stuart Sproull said.
This innovative approach offers a glimpse into the future of efficient field services in the utility sector.
For more information, visit droppoint.com.au or have a chat with the team at booth B6 at Australian Energy Week, to be held June 17–20 June at the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre.
