Brown and Caldwell, a leading engineering consulting firm focused on water and environmental solutions, has formed a strategic partnership with Lantern, a data and AI consulting firm, to provide water utilities with advanced digital capabilities aimed at optimizing operations and customer service.
As utilities rely more on digital systems to manage assets and performance, many face challenges with outdated technology and limited IT resources. The Brown and Caldwell-Lantern partnership aims to deliver practical, utility-ready digital solutions to meet these needs.
Lantern, a Microsoft Solutions Partner, will offer enhanced Microsoft tools, including low-code application development, data platforms, and user-centered designs. This enables utilities to modernize workflows, reduce manual processes, and integrate new capabilities more efficiently. Brown and Caldwell will serve as the client-facing integrator, ensuring smooth coordination and reducing costs and vendor overload.
“Utilities need advanced digital capabilities to run their complex operations. This partnership combines our utility expertise with Lantern’s technical talent, creating an unmatched market offering to improve operational resilience and long-term value,” said Chris Puccio, Enterprise Technology Consulting National Specialty Leader at Brown and Caldwell.
The partnership targets common utility challenges, such as gaps between enterprise systems, inconsistent data, and slow decision-making
The partnership targets common utility challenges, such as gaps between enterprise systems, inconsistent data, and slow decision-making. By delivering tailored low-code applications and integration solutions, the collaboration will streamline workflows, enhance cybersecurity, and ensure reliable data flow across systems.
The partnership also addresses the challenge of limited internal technical capacity. Leveraging both companies’ expertise, utilities gain access to scalable teams and ongoing support, easing the burden on internal staff.
“Together, we help utilities modernize operations by turning existing Microsoft investments into secure, scalable solutions that improve resilience and performance,” said Brian Sturgeon, US Country Lead at Lantern.
Brown and Caldwell and Lantern have worked together for the past seven years, developing digital tools to enhance utility management. One notable achievement was the development of a low-code project management application for the California Department of Water Resources Division of Engineering, which improved project management for water infrastructure and flood protection projects.
The partnership has also improved asset management and workflow processes for large infrastructure projects like wastewater treatment plants. Lantern developed an asset data collection application that helped Brown and Caldwell efficiently manage and transfer data to utility clients, saving time and resources.
This partnership positions Brown and Caldwell and Lantern as leaders in providing water utilities with the digital tools needed to enhance efficiency, improve service, and ensure long-term success.
