Across the water sector, utilities are advancing digital asset management programs to improve decision-making, manage risk and sustain aging infrastructure. Asset condition models, risk scores and capital plans increasingly rely on data drawn from across the distribution system. Yet one reality is often overlooked: digital asset management is only as reliable as the systems that generate, communicate and contextualize that data.
Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) plays a critical enabling role alongside operational systems such as SCADA, network sensors, inspection programs and maintenance platforms. AMI extends visibility into portions of the system that have historic lacked frequent data, providing signals that inform asset condition and system behavior. When those signals are infrequent or delayed, asset insight suffers. When they are predictable, trustworthy and supported by on‑demand two‑way communications, digital asset management becomes more credible.
Static data limits asset insight
Many digital asset management programs still rely on snapshot data to assess asset condition and risk. Monthly or quarterly reads may be adequate for billing, but they provide limited visibility into how distribution assets behave under changing demand, pressure or weather conditions.
While treatment facilities and critical pumping assets are typically monitored continuously through SCADA and automation systems, AMI expands asset awareness across mains, service connections and customer-side infrastructure. This broader view allows utilities to detect patterns over time – such as shifts in consumption, localized pressure changes or early anomalies that signal asset stress – strengthening confidence in condition models and capital planning.
Delayed data obscures emerging risk
Timeliness matters as much as frequency. Asset failures do not align with billing cycles. Leaks and pressure-related events can escalate quickly, often between scheduled data communications.
When AMI data arrives late (or utilities operate without AMI entirely), asset management systems operate in hindsight. Risks remain hidden until damage is done, increasing non-revenue water, repair costs and customer impact. AMI architectures designed for resilience deliver rapid and predictable communications. This improves awareness of changing conditions and enables earlier intervention without encroaching on real-time operational control.
Digital asset management requires operational truth, not snapshots
Digital asset management depends on operational truth – data that reflects actual system behavior rather than infrequent samples. Investment plans and risk models are only as defensible as the data behind them.
Here, AMI architecture matters. Systems built on shared and commercial-grade, third-party cellular networks often rely on scheduled transmissions, and increasing read frequency or alarm delivery can raise ongoing operating costs. Over time, this cost structure may limit how much data utilities are willing or able to collect, placing a ceiling on asset insight driven by economics rather than operational need.
The advantage of FlexNet: a private, dedicated AMI network
A different dynamic exists with a private, dedicated AMI network such as Xylem’s Sensus FlexNet®. Because FlexNet operates as a utility-grade communications system using primary licensed radio frequency spectrum, utilities maintain control over bandwidth, message frequency and use cases without incurring per-transmission costs.
This architecture allows digital asset management programs to expand over time as utilities refine models, add analytics and seek deeper insight into asset performance. As asset management matures, data demands typically grow. A communications foundation that can scale predictably over long planning horizons is essential.
Delivering utility-grade data into digital asset management platforms
FlexNet is designed to deliver reliable, utility-grade data into digital asset management platforms. Its primary licensed radio frequency network supports frequent reads and rapid alarm delivery, ensuring asset insights reflect actual system conditions rather than abstract assumptions.
Within mature digital asset management programs, FlexNet data complements SCADA, inspections and work management systems. Together, these inputs reduce data reconciliation, strengthen organizational alignment and increase confidence in asset-related decisions.
Building digital asset management on a reliable data foundation
As utilities continue investing in digital asset management, focus must remain on the full ecosystem that supports it. AMI choices made today will shape data quality, cost structure and analytical flexibility for decades.
When AMI delivers predictable performance and integrates cleanly into broader operational environments, it strengthens the foundation on which digital asset management depends. Without that foundation, even advanced digital asset management tools struggle to deliver lasting value.
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