IT services: consulting, software development, Internet and support

Tender description

The contracting entity intends to procure a contract for the supply, implementation and support of a cloud based manual meter reading solution for residential, SME and high usage customers. ESB Networks will be the business user of the solution. Electricity meter reading is a key function for ESB and currently necessitates approximately 9.2 million manual meter readings per year. The current MV-RS (Multi Vendor Reading System) being used for this purpose is approaching end of life. To this end, the contracting entity intends to procure a contract to supply, implement and support a cloud based manual meter reading solution. This solution will be rolled out to ESB Networks in conjunction with ESB’s SMART Meter programme. Indicative numbers for solution will be at 350 meter readers and 8 back office staff for the first 2 years, 200 meter readers and 8 back office staff for next 3 years. Proposed contract high level, non-exhaustive scope to include: Provision of manual meter reading service under the following headings: Cloud software service — provision of a cloud based manual meter data management solution, including both the cloud software functionality and associated licensing requirements. Mobile meter reading — to be undertaken using an agnostic mobile application and device with flexible configuration to support ESB’s meter reading requirements. Implementation services — working closely with ESB Networks and ESB IT teams to design, build, integrate, implement and provide training for this solution. Ongoing support services — post implementation for the SaaS solution, including admin and end user training for the implemented solution. Note, if principal contractor is not the supplier of the product, ESB retains the right to have annual licence and maintenance contract directly with the product owner at end of contact period. Cloud software service — solution must align with industry best practice, including seamless integration capabilities to ESB’s SAP IS-Utilities system. The solution module will need to integrate with device management on SAP IS-U. Note Existing solution integrates to SAP IS-U via SAP PO. Your solution may integrate via SAP PO or an appropriate API. Applicants must demonstrate a proven track record of delivering a fully integrated cloud meter reading solution, incorporating a robust data security model compliant with relevant statutory legislation regarding data protection and security of information. Solution must handle 55 000 daily readings, with the capability to cater for up to 75000 readings per day, from a combination of actual and estimated meter readings. Implementation Service — Based on the scope outlined, ESB expects that prospective solution provider will have proven client experience and functional subject matter expertise in Cloud meter reading implementation capabilities, assessed under the following categories: Delivery approach Integration Delivery approach requires to have the following capabilities: Engage in design workshops with ESB Networks Meter Reading SME’s to convert functional requirements into appropriate configuration to achieve the optimum integrated solution; Build and configure all platform instances of the cloud software service based on business and functional requirements; Work closely with ESB functional and IT resources; Deliver a cloud meter reading solution that aligns with the industry best practice; Input to creation of suitable testing procedures; Provide data migration of a minimum of 11 days meter reading schedules from the existing on-prem MV-RS solution to the new cloud meter reading solution; Implement robust security controls within the solution; Provide detailed knowledge transfer documentation and support material; Conduct relevant knowledge transfer documentation and support material implementation to internal ESB Networks and IT functional support teams; Deliver post go-live hyper care support to ensure SaaS solution transitions to internal ESB Networks and IT functional support teams; Application to be capable of running on an Android and/or iOS mobile device; Provide analytics and reporting and route optimisation; Validate meter read data; Enable system administrator to create and manage meter readers; Ability to: provide actual and estimated reads, message meter readers and read up to 8 registers on a meter. Integration Preferred solution must integrate with ESB’s SAP IS-Utilities — currently ERP 6.0 EHP8 running on NetWeaver 7.5. It will predominantly integrate with device management module; Secure data transfer methods between ESB’s IT systems and the SaaS solution must follow industry best practice. Ongoing support services — post implementation the solution must include on-going system support.