The Supply, Implementation and Support of a Cloud based Manual Meter Reading solution.

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 9.2million 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. Lot 1: Indicative numbers for solution will be @ 350 meter readers & 8 back office staff for the first 2 years, 200 meter readers & 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 & associated licensing requirements. Mobile Meter Reading -To be undertaken using an agnostic mobile application & device with flexible configuration to support ESB’s meter reading requirements. Implementation Services - Working closely with ESB Networks & ESB IT teams to design, build, integrate, implement & provide training for this solution. Ongoing Support Services - Post implementation for the SaaS solution, including admin & 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 & 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 & security of information. Solution must handle 55,000 daily readings, with the capability to cater for up to 75,000 readings per day, from a combination of actual & estimated meter readings. Implementation Service - Based on the scope outlined, ESB expects that prospective solution provider will have proven client experience & 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 & configure all platform instances of the Cloud software service based on business & functional requirements; Work closely with ESB functional & 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 & support material; Conduct relevant knowledge transfer documentation & support material implementation to internal ESB Networks & IT functional support teams; Deliver post go-live hyper care support to ensure SaaS solution transitions to internal ESB Networks & IT functional support teams; Application to be capable of running on an Android &/or iOS mobile device; Provide analytics &reporting, & route optimisation; Validate meter read data; Enable System Administrator to create & manage meter readers; Ability to: Provide actual & estimated reads, Message meter readers & 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 & the SaaS solution must follow industry best practice. Ongoing Support Services - Post implementation the solution must include on-going system support. Please refer to the individual instructions for submission of bids relevant to each tender issued via the system.