Targeting priority data improvements
Summary
Precision Data Solutions partnered with Southern Water to address inaccuracies identified and highlighted as part of holistic reporting, focusing on XY coordinates of meters, BA/VOA & UPRN reference matches.
Precision Data Solutions significantly enhanced our data accuracy in the non-household market. Their solutions and expertise addressed meter X&Y coordinate and address matching inaccuracies, leading to better data quality, efficiency for operations and outcomes for customers.
Ashley Marshman, Head of Customer Services
Challenges:
Address Matching: Southern Water’s VOA/BA and UPRN references were both outdated or missing, resulting in incomplete data and potential errors with the address detail and eligibility of the premises.
XY Coordinates: Many meters were found to be inaccurately located, either too close or too far from the postcode centre or the UPRN of the premises. Additionally, some XY coordinates were shared with multiple other meters, leading to confusion and inaccuracies in reporting.
Solutions Provided:
Address Matching Enhancement:
Drawing from the successful methodology employed in the Market Improvement Fund Project Deja Vu, Precision Data Solutions implemented a comprehensive strategy to enhance the quality and coverage of BA/VOA Reference and UPRN matches within Southern Water’s portfolio. By refining matching algorithms and incorporating additional data sources, the team significantly increased the number of accurate matches. Moreover, efforts were directed towards addressing missing exception codes and providing valuable evidence for premises potentially ineligible for commercial water market participation, thereby reducing wholesaler-retailer friction following an increase in the accuracy and cleanliness of address data.
XY Coordinates Optimisation:
Precision Data Solutions deployed a team of experts to review each meter individually, assessing its current location and identifying opportunities for improvement. By leveraging meter free descriptor, premises location, and advanced satellite and street view imagery, the team successfully rectified inaccuracies. Through meticulous analysis and strategic placement adjustments, the number of meters with XY coordinate issues was reduced by over 8%, enhancing the accuracy of Southern Water’s reporting data.
Outcomes:
- Improved Data Accuracy: By rectifying inaccuracies in XY coordinates and enhancing address matching, Southern Water experienced a notable improvement in the accuracy and reliability of its reporting data.
- Enhanced Eligibility Determination: Precision Data Solutions’ interventions facilitated more precise identification of eligible premises for commercial water market participation, reducing errors and ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements.
- Streamlined Operations: The streamlined processes implemented by Precision Data Solutions resulted in increased operational efficiency for Southern Water, enabling smoother data management and reporting procedures.
Results:
- 8% increase in meters with no problems as part of GIS holistic reporting
- 37% increase of matches to VOA/BA References
- 47% increase of matches to UPRN’s
- 800+ deregistrations identified/recommended
- 9000+ missing exception codes added/updated
Conclusion:
Precision Data Solutions’ partnership with Southern Water in addressing holistic reporting challenges exemplifies our commitment to delivering tailored solutions that drive tangible results. Through meticulous analysis, strategic interventions, and a collaborative approach, we empowered Southern Water to overcome data inaccuracies, enhance operational efficiency and improve data for regulatory compliance, laying the foundation for informed decision-making and sustained growth in the utilities sector.