Proven technology is the foundation of every successful smart metering programme

By Tanya Dady, Smart Solutions Design Partner

Most smart metering programmes start with a procurement decision. The most successful programmes start with a technology decision.

Communications reliability, data quality and system integration determine whether smart water meters become long-term operational assets for AMP8 and beyond, or simply another infrastructure investment.

That's why SMS (formerly Horizon Water Infrastructure) has partnered with SUEZ and Wize. Together, we combine proven communications technology, advanced data intelligence and our Funded Data-as-a-Service (FDaaS) delivery model to help water companies deploy smart metering with greater confidence and lower delivery risk.

The result is more than a connected meter. It's a connected ecosystem built to deliver operational value for decades.

Wize delivers the reliable connectivity smart metering depends on

No matter how advanced a smart meter is, it only creates value if it can communicate consistently.

Wize was designed specifically for utility-scale smart metering, providing long-range, low-power communications that perform reliably across challenging operating environments.

Unlike technologies originally developed for consumer applications, Wize has been purpose-built for water utilities, offering:

● Long-range, low-power communications.

● Excellent penetration into basements, chambers and meter pits.

● Proven performance across large-scale utility deployments.

● An open technology standard designed for long-term resilience.

That reliability matters because poor connectivity creates operational blind spots. Consistent connectivity creates confidence in the data utilities rely on every day.

Across existing deployments, Wize has consistently achieved connectivity rates of 97–99%, including 98.1% connectivity during Jersey Water trials, and, more recently, 98% for Southern Water’s live smart programme. Those results give utilities greater confidence that their smart metering investment will continue delivering value long after installation.

ON'connect turns smart meter data into operational decisions

Collecting data is only the first step.

The real value of smart metering comes from turning that data into action.

Through SUEZ's ON'connect platform, utilities can move beyond automated meter readings to gain the operational insight needed to improve network performance and customer outcomes.

ON'connect supports:

● Earlier leak identification.

● Better understanding of customer consumption.

● More effective demand management.

● Greater operational visibility across the network.

● Customer engagement through personalised consumption insights.

Those capabilities have already delivered measurable outcomes across existing deployments, including reductions in household water consumption of up to 10% and customer savings of up to £200 through better visibility and behavioural change.

Rather than simply generating more data, ON'connect helps utilities make better decisions with the data they already have.

Our exclusive technology partnerships simplify programme delivery

Deploying smart metering at scale requires more than selecting the right technology.

Utilities also need confidence that communications, analytics, funding and delivery will work together from day one.

That's where SMS adds value.

Through our partnerships with SUEZ and Wize, we bring together:

● Proven communications technology.

● Intelligent data analytics.

● Programme funding through Funded Data-as-a-Service (FDaaS).

● Large-scale programme delivery.

● Long-term operational support.

Instead of managing multiple suppliers and disconnected technologies, water companies benefit from one accountable partner responsible for delivering an integrated solution.

That reduces programme complexity, improves accountability and lowers delivery risk from mobilisation through to long-term operation.

One technology ecosystem delivers greater long-term value

Technology choices made before the first meter is installed will shape network performance for years to come.

Reliable communications enable better data. Better data enables better decisions. Better decisions deliver better outcomes for customers, operations and the environment.

That's why SMS has built its smart metering offering around proven technology partners rather than individual products.

By combining Wize's communications network, ON'connect's operational intelligence and our FDaaS delivery model, we're helping water companies build smarter, more resilient networks with confidence.

Talk to SMS about delivering your smart metering programme with proven technology partners.