Use cases
Field work planning and operational management for drinking water networks
In drinking water networks, effective planning of field work is essential to maintaining service continuity and ensuring efficient network operations.
Field teams are responsible for managing extensive infrastructure networks, many of which are ageing and require ongoing maintenance. At the same time, operators must address a range of operational challenges, including maintaining uninterrupted water supply, managing network pressure and responding quickly to leaks, failures and emergency situations.
In practice, planning field work is rarely straightforward. Information is often scattered across multiple systems, field data may be incomplete and priorities can change rapidly in response to incidents, emergencies or ongoing maintenance activities.
Without a clear and shared view of the network, field operations can become poorly coordinated, leading to inefficiencies, wasted time and potential impacts on service delivery.
A structured planning approach helps organisations schedule and coordinate field activities more effectively, improve resource allocation and maintain greater control over day-to-day operations.
Planning based on reliable network data
Teams need to be able to:
- locate pipelines and service connections
- identify valves and isolation assets
- understand critical and sensitive areas of the network
- work from an up-to-date asset database
In pressurised water networks, inaccurate information can lead to inefficient interventions, operational risks or unplanned service disruptions.
With Dotic’s solutions:
- data collected in the field through ConnectField is integrated directly into the system
- network assets and infrastructure are visualised within ConnectServices
- teams have access to an up-to-date and shared view of the network
This reliable foundation enables organisations to plan and coordinate field work using accurate, trusted and continuously updated network data.
Prioritising field work based on service requirements
In drinking water networks, prioritising field work is critical to maintaining reliable service.
Not all situations have the same operational impact:
- a leak on a water main
- a malfunctioning valve
- work on a service connection
- planned maintenance activities
Some issues can directly affect water supply, network pressure or service continuity.
With Dotic’s solutions:
- issues identified through field operations and inspections are centralised in a single platform
- teams can classify and prioritise work based on criticality and operational impact
- high-risk areas and critical assets can be identified quickly
This structured approach helps organisations focus resources on the most critical situations and respond more effectively to operational challenges.
Planning field work within a collaborative GIS environment
Geospatial visibility and collaboration are key to effective field work planning.
With Dotic’s solutions:
- work locations are displayed directly on a map within ConnectServices
- teams can quickly identify intervention areas and network assets
- information is shared across departments and stakeholders
- field activities can be monitored within their operational and geographic context
The objective is not to replace advanced workforce or scheduling software, but to leverage GIS data to organise and coordinate field operations more effectively.
This approach improves operational visibility and collaboration while keeping tools simple and easy to use.
Connecting operational planning with field teams
Effective planning depends on a direct connection with field teams.
With Dotic’s solutions:
- technicians access assigned work directly through ConnectField
- assets and intervention locations can be identified on an interactive map
- network information can be updated immediately after work is completed
- progress and field observations can be reported in real time
All data is synchronised with ConnectServices, enabling operations managers and supervisors to adjust priorities based on the latest field information.
This continuous connection between the field and the office ensures that operational planning remains aligned with real network conditions and evolving priorities.
Adapting field work to real-world conditions
Data quality is a key factor in effective operational planning.
In the French water sector, the Star-Eau data model provides a framework for structuring and standardising asset information.
However:
- not all organisations use the same data standards
- asset data can be inconsistent, incomplete or fragmented across systems
With Dotic’s solutions:
- data can be validated and structured
- inconsistencies and data quality issues can be identified quickly
- teams can rely on a trusted and up-to-date asset database
This level of data reliability supports better decision-making and enables more efficient planning and coordination of field operations.
Improving operational oversight of field work
A structured planning approach helps organisations:
- gain a comprehensive view of ongoing operations
- improve coordination between field teams and operational staff
- reduce response and intervention times
- optimise maintenance activities and resource allocation
- enhance service quality and operational performance
In drinking water networks, planning becomes a strategic operational tool that relies directly on the quality, accuracy and availability of asset data.
An integrated step in the water network management lifecycle
Planning field work across drinking water networks is a key factor in maintaining service continuity and ensuring efficient network operations.
By relying on accurate asset data, a clear geospatial view of the network and tools that connect office and field teams, water utilities can improve coordination, optimise field activities and strengthen operational control of their network infrastructure.
Data quality control
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Verify data compliance and consistency before integration into and use within the GIS
Managing defects and corrective actions
- Identify defects and track corrective actions through to resolution
End-of-work acceptance and handover validation
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Validate work completion and identify issues directly in the field
