Synergistic Utilities Management System (SUMS)
Synergistic Utilities Management System (SUMS) is a comprehensive software which was designed primarily for utilities company to automate, manage and control their daily operations. In addition, it will help the management plan, monitor and control the organization’s performance.
Taking a case of a new consumer who wishes to use a utility facility like water. The software will manage applications for an account, produces the job order for the installation of his water meter, account for his water usage and finally produces his monthly billing.
From the water vendor, the software will allow them to manage their assets like meters, assign and manage jobs like installation of water meters and repairs. The Financial Module will provide the financial and operational data via reports and many more.
SYNERGISTIC UTILITIES MANAGEMENT SYSTEM (SUMS) KEY MODULES
BILLINGS AND PAYMENT MODULE
Manages customer information, billings and payments. It allows water organization to automate tasks like generation of bills and reminders, customer record maintenance and payments. The payment function can be integrated to third party collection systems.
APPLICATION REGISTRATION MODULE
It streamlines and minimizing the time taken in the registration of new applications. It calculates all the necessary fees and produces the relevant documentation like invoices and contracts to complete customer’s applications. It reduces customers’ waiting time and ensure quick and accurate calculation of fees.
HUMAN RESOURCES AND PAYROLL MODULE
Designed for organizing and controlling employees’ records. It allows the efficient management of employees within the company. The payroll modules automate the tasks of payroll generation and maintenance. It ensures accuracy and efficiency in the payroll processes. In addition, it reduces manpower and administration costs.
INVENTORY CONTROL MODULE
Inventory is one of the most important item in financial and operational management of any organization. This module allows for the proper management of all inventory items. All items of inventory will be recorded in terms of its movement and usage. It facilitates the efficient storage and efficient stock takes.
ASSET MANAGEMENT MODULE
Allows the proper tracking and accounting of assets. Acquisition, depreciation and disposals of assets are properly recorded and reflected in the financial records. It also provides an overview of the value of an organization’s fixed assets position. It provides seamless integration to the financial module for proper updates to the respective ledgers. Effective cost reduction in the purchase of assets and efficient utilization of assets.
FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT MODULE
A fully integrated systems offering effective financial management. The utility organization can derived substantial benefits for proper management of its cash flow. It allows for effective budgeting and forecasting. It also ensures proper records and controls in the financial system. As a repository of financial data, its users will be able to generate up to date and accurate financial statements and reports.
BUSINESS INTELLIGENCE MODULE
Management and operational metrics can be provided to all levels of organization via variety of platforms. Different mediums and utilized ranging from graphical interfaces, portal and reports. Users will be able to carry out simulations or ‘what if’ analysis.
DISTRIBUTED NETWORK MANAGEMENT MODULE
Allows for the integration of the various distributed networks of a utility organization. Different local operations can be consolidated and managed centrally when using this module.
MOBILE READING MODULE
This will work in conjunction with mobile devices enabling the reading of meters be carried out using mobile devices.
SUCCESS STORY
SUMS. WATER has been successfully implemented in Phnom Penh, Cambodia for the Phnom Penh Water Supply Authority (PPWSA). PPWSA chose SUMS. WATER to upgrade its commercial billing system and link information between all the departments. Practical business benefits which PPWSA enjoy after the implementation of SUMS. WATER include:
- Reduction of water loss and theft
- Prompt collection
- Customer Oriented Service
- Inventory Level Optimization
- Efficient Cashflow Planning
- Accurate Asset Tracking
- Job profitability management
Other benefits include the usage of barcode scanners for data entry and in the collection centers, which increases efficiency and minimizes errors. Support of Khmer fonts also ensures usability of the system and readability of water bills for the water customers, as Khmer names and announcements are printed on the bills.
As some banks were designated as collection centers to collect payments on behalf of PPWSA, the collection information such as customer account number, bill number and payment amount are stored in softcopy by the banks, and delivered either through email or zip disk to PPWSA for auto-upload into the system, thus cutting down on redundant work and reducing errors.
Softcopies containing transactional information are also delivered to PPWSA monthly for auto-upload into the system for auto bank reconciliation.
SUMS. WATER was successfully implemented at PPWSA due to the suitability of the system, the reliability of the implementation methodology and the competency of the consultants.
