"Xylem and Idrica join forces to shape the water sector"
Xylem, a global leader in water technology, and Idrica, an international pioneer in water data management, analytics and smart-water solutions, partnered earlier this year to bring to market an innovative software and analytics platform: Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua. In this interview, Manuel Parra, Vice President of Strategic Partnerships and Alliances at Xylem and Pablo Calabuig, Vice President of the Americas at Idrica, discuss what makes this partnership unique in the smart water space, the value of Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua and their views on the future of digitalisation in the water industry.
You just came back from ACE, where Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua had a big presence but, what is Xylem Vue Powered by GoAigua for those people who still don’t know?
Manuel: Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is a software and analytics platform developed to help water utilities solve the long-lasting problem of disconnected systems getting in the way of utility managers and operators gaining access to the information and insights they require to do their jobs.
Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is the result of the partnership between Xylem, a global leader in water technology and Idrica, an international pioneer in water data management, analytics and smart-water solutions.
Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua connects and organizes all these data silos into a single data model that can be used across the whole organization and provides tools and applications to simplify the way these operators and managers get the information they need when they need it.
Pablo: It is also important to say that Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua originally came from a water utility to solve real-world problems, and therefore it embeds all that knowledge gained from having been deployed already in over 400 cities and municipalities.
Now that Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua has been launched, what’s next for Xylem and Idrica?
Manuel: Providing water and wastewater services is a never-ending journey that will always bring new challenges. When I look at the combination of our global reach, our joint portfolio and our extensive water experience, for me it means that we have to keep working not only to help utilities solve their current problems, but we are also set to help them get ahead of the curve on future water and wastewater issues.
Pablo: Xylem and Idrica have joined forces to shape the water sector. We are going to continue to bring the best digital solutions to water and wastewater utilities globally, no matter their sizes or maturity in their digital transformation journey. We will also double down our efforts in developing intelligent water solutions, analytics, and AI-based models to support all types of users in the industry.
What has been the market reaction so far?
Our platform is helping all types of utilities from very small utilities to some of the largest and most advanced utilities
Manuel: Our clients’ feedback has been overwhelmingly positive so far. One thing that has been clear is that they appreciate the benefits of working with a partner that brings the operational experience to the table and they can see see how that experience is reflected in the technology that is being developed and deployed.
Pablo: For Idrica, our partnership with Xylem has not only validated our positive trajectory since we were born as a software company, but also reassured our clients that we are going to be investing in new solutions and innovation for years to come.
Many utilities are still in the early stages of their digital transformation. At what stage would you say is ideal for a utility to start looking at a digital solution like Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua?
Manuel: It is never too early to start the digital journey. We work with clients no matter where they are on that path, from planning their digital transformation all the way to implementing a fully-fledged digital twin. The most important thing is to make sure that there is a clear internal drive to take this journey.
Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is deployed in over 400 utilities, many of which are considered small and medium sized organizations.
Pablo: Exactly, as Manuel says it is never too early to get started with digital. Our platform is helping all types of utilities, from very small utilities that may only have a GIS and some PLCs or sensors throughout the network, to some of the largest and most advanced utilities that have already deployed thousands of sensors and models in their network. The great thing about the platform is that it doesn’t matter which data sources you currently have. It can integrate and standardize almost any data stream, enabling the utility to maximize its existing technology investments to gain better insights into their system.
As you know, many utilities, especially small and medium-sized ones, are pressed for resources and personnel, let alone have the ability to invest in new technologies. Is Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua an option for only the largest utilities and those with built-out IT teams, or can other utilities benefit from it?
Manuel: We are firm proponents of democratising access to new technologies to help water and wastewater companies all over the world run a safe, reliable, and affordable service. As we mentioned before, Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua is deployed in over 400 utilities, many of which are considered small and medium-sized organizations.
Pablo: We see the evolution of Xylem Vue powered by GoAigua to continue to lower the barriers of entry to using good quality data to run good quality services.