MeterSnap

Outcome

Computools developed an intuitive and functional neural network-powered mobile application to meet client’s main goals: to expedite the inspectors’ work and prevent fraud. The application enabled client to transform its daily operations and improve customer experience. Thus, flexible management of multiple tariffs increased revenue with minimal extra resources. Moreover, employees’ roles and permissions definition prevented malpractice and fraud. Several key options we solved:

Auto-recognition of the meter’s serial number and readings due to a neural network.
A neural network training and implemented geolocation.
A state-of-the-art design, an intuitive interface, and smooth performance.

+82%

Throughput, Users

+58%

Average Order

-50%

Checkout Time

+45%

Increasing Revenue

- 38%

Reducing Costs

49%

Business Process Automation

PROJECT DESCRIPTION

Our client was one of the largest utility companies in Africa, providing electricity for private households and local businesses. With the growing number of power connections and new customers, the company’s profits did not see the expected raise due to outdated analog meters. The devices were cheap to install and maintain, however, they slowed down the inspectors’ work and enabled fraud causing significant losses.The company turned to Computools for Digital Transformation assistance. After analyzing the African utility market and evaluating business strength and weaknesses, we identified the bottlenecks and offered a simple and elegant solution - a mobile application to expedite the inspectors’ work and prevent fraud. The initial Digital Transformation costs were kept at a minimum, since the application was supposed to work with old analog meters.

Significant losses due to meter readings fraud

An established network of analog meters

Slow manual meter readings taking

Poor customer experience

Utility market leader among African companies

An established network of analog meters

Growing demand for electricity in Africa

Significant inspector workforce

Digital Transformation Communication Framework

Computools

Business Analyst

Team Lead

CLIENT

Project Coordinator

Operations Manager

Communication

The success of a Digital Transformation project relies on efficient communication. Following the initial meeting, we devised a transparent communication framework of regular video and audio conferences and email reports to keep the client apprised of the project’s progress.All aspects of the projects very carefully documented, and the client could access the Copmutools’ tasks management platform to follow the team’s progress. These measures ensured efficient communication and build trust between the client and the team.

Business Process Mapping

CONSULTING

Following a strategic meeting with the client to discuss the existing business processes, our team analyzed the company’s strengths and weaknesses and identified impediments to growth. Together with the client, we outlined the efficient business processes to be preserved and the constraints to be eliminated.

DESIGN

Striving to digitize the legacy business with minimum outlay, we recommended addressing the manual meter reading process in the first instance. Having analyzed possible solutions we offered to develop a neural network-powered application to automatically recognize the meter’s serial number and readings, thus improving inspectors’ efficiency.

ENGINEERING

To ensure successful implementation of the applications features, we devised a flexible step-by-step development plan. It comprised several major blocks, including core logic development, camera configuration, neural network training, and geolocation implementation. Armed with this plan, our team embarked on the development itself.

Interactive Prototype

After establishing the roadmap for digital transformation and assessing the client’s goals, our team modelled the application’s workflow. The Interactive Prototype, a Computools’ innovative approach, enabled our software engineers to visualize the application’s interface and operation before development began. The client had an opportunity to assess the concept and ensure it met his requirements and fulfilled the purpose.