The ASKI General Directorate is embarking on a significant journey towards digital transformation with its latest project, “Digital Transformation of ASKI.” This ambitious initiative is being realized in collaboration with the United States Trade and Development Agency (USTDA) and aims to modernize ASKI’s 30-year-old information infrastructure comprehensively.
The core objective of this project is to overhaul ASKI’s supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) System, subscriber database, information processing data security, and Geographic Information Systems (GIS). These enhancements are crucial to continue providing exceptional service to more than 2.5 million subscribers. The project, which has received a generous $700,000 grant from the USTDA, marks a significant milestone in ASKI’s commitment to innovation and excellence.
Modernizing ASKI’s Infrastructure for Enhanced Efficiency
ASKI General Manager Memduh Aslan Akçay and Nobel Systems President and CEO Michael Samuel have signed contracts to bring this vision to life. The focus will be on modernizing the SCADA System, upgrading the subscriber database, enhancing information processing data security, and developing the GIS infrastructure. Additionally, efforts will be made to reduce water losses in the network, ensuring a more efficient operation.
At the signing ceremony, General Manager Akçay emphasized the importance of renewing the information infrastructure to meet current demands. “With these innovations, a more efficient water and wastewater operation will be ensured. The renewal of the subscriber database will facilitate the detection of illegal consumption. In addition, ways to consume less energy with operational optimization at pumping stations will also be investigated,” Akçay stated.
Akçay highlighted the year-long negotiations with USTDA, expressing optimism about the project’s swift completion. “Each of the things to be done is very important to us. The results to be obtained from this will contribute greatly to the upcoming period of ASKI. So, we don’t have time to lose,” he added.
Michael Samuel, President and CEO at Nobel Systems, expressed his enthusiasm about the project, saying, “We are delighted to be involved in this important project. Our company has digitally transformed water utilities around the world. Most recently, we carried out a successful project in Uzbekistan with a USTDA grant. Together with our local partner KvM Engineering, we are confident that we will successfully realize the digital transformation project of ASKI by the end of the year.”
The Path to Comprehensive Data Integration
A critical aspect of the project is the renewal of the SCADA System and GIS. The existing GIS lacks data for the pre-2014 period, particularly in many districts that joined the metropolitan system after 2014. Addressing this gap is essential for a complete and accurate registration of ASKI’s production data, including coordinates, production dates, and material quality.
The SCADA System, which is a high priority for urgent development, allows for the centralized control of Ankara’s main water. Operating 24/7, the SCADA System encompasses water tanks, pumping stations, measurement points, treatment plants, and the entire water distribution network. The centralized control ensures continuous and consistent water quality across Ankara, enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the water supply.
The project is a monumental step towards modernizing the water management infrastructure of Ankara. By leveraging advanced technologies and strategic partnerships, ASKI is poised to set new standards in water utility management. The project not only promises enhanced operational efficiency and data security but also underscores ASKI’s dedication to serving its community with excellence and innovation. As the project progresses towards its completion by the end of the year, the residents of Ankara can look forward to a more efficient, reliable, and technologically advanced water service.