Annual Water Event Showcases Growth in Data Management

摘要

The challenge of data management is not exactly a new topic of discussion in the water market, but this year several companies exhibiting at the American Water Works Association's annual convention, ACE11, were focused on helping water utilities use data to optimize operations.Every year when I attend ACE one of my main duties is to walk the exhibit floor and talk with company executives about the new products and technologies on display. In doing so, I often identify trends in the equipment market. This year, the importance of information management was a recurring theme.As an example, metering companies are now offering "smart grid" technologies for the water market that go far beyond simply collecting water consumption data. New two-way communication systems not only allow utilities to automate meter reading, but they can also be used to monitor distribution lines for leaks, perform field operations remotely and interact with customers through web portals and home area networks.