As the water industry gears up for Ofwat’s (Office of Water Services) next Asset Management Period, AMP 8, commencing in 2025, water companies across the UK are embarking on extensive preparations to meet future challenges and deliver improved performance. This pivotal period requires water companies to make significant investments in infrastructure, optimise their operations, and enhance customer service.

In this blog post, we will explore the preparations being undertaken by water companies for AMP 8 and how Okappy’s Field Service Management Platform can play a vital role in streamlining their operations and ensuring successful outcomes.

AMP 8 presents a series of challenges for water companies, demanding them to overcome complex obstacles and deliver more efficient and resilient services. The regulatory body, Ofwat, is emphasising the need for greater investment in infrastructure, improved asset management, and a focus on customer satisfaction. The proposed changes include:

1 – Infrastructure Investment: Water companies are expected to invest heavily in upgrading and maintaining their assets to ensure a reliable water supply and effective wastewater management.

2 – Performance Improvement: Meeting ambitious performance targets set by Ofwat requires water companies to enhance their operational efficiency and reduce leakage.

3 – Enhanced Customer Experience: AMP 8 aims to place customer satisfaction at the forefront, necessitating water companies to improve communication, responsiveness, and service quality.

4 – Innovation and Technology: The adoption of innovative solutions and technologies is crucial for streamlining operations and driving continuous improvements.

In preparation for AMP 8, some water companies are diligently preparing for these changes. Some notable efforts include:

1 – Thames Water’s Performance Improvement Plans: Thames Water is seeking £2.5 billion in shareholder investments to fund their performance improvement plans during AMP 8. This investment will be utilised to enhance the resilience of their network and upgrade aging infrastructure.

2 – Contracts and Tenders: As AMP 8 approaches, many water companies are in the process of letting contracts to various suppliers for the delivery of crucial projects. These contracts will be instrumental in executing the necessary upgrades and expansions.

3 – Southern Water’s AMP 8 Race: Southern Water is setting ambitious goals, with plans to invest £8.4 billion in AMP 8. This sizable investment will fuel projects aimed at delivering enhanced water and wastewater services to their customers.

4 – Delivery Models: Water companies are exploring different delivery models to improve efficiency and reduce costs during AMP 8. These models include alliances, joint ventures, and partnerships to promote collaboration within the industry.

If we circle back to the point about innovation and embracing technology, water companies can greatly benefit from implementing Okappy’s Field Service Management Platform to help them prepare for AMP 8. Here’s how:

1 – Workforce Management: Okappy’s platform provides real-time visibility of field technicians and their tasks. Water companies can efficiently assign jobs, monitor progress, and optimise workforce allocation, ensuring timely completion of critical projects.

2 – Asset Tracking and Maintenance: With AMP 8 focusing on infrastructure investment, Okappy’s platform enables water companies to monitor and maintain assets effectively. Preventive maintenance schedules can be set up, reducing downtime and improving asset longevity.

3 – Communication and Collaboration: Okappy enables water companies to manage and engage with their suppliers and subcontractor workforce to ensure work is evenly distributed. This makes sure that they remain engaged in the relationship to help reduce a recurring issue of churn amongst suppliers.

4 – Data-Driven Insights: Okappy’s platform provides valuable data and analytics, enabling water companies to make informed decisions, identify areas for improvement, and optimise operational processes to meet AMP 8’s performance targets.

The AMP 8 period presents both challenges and opportunities for water companies to enhance their operations and deliver improved services. By leveraging Okappy’s Field Service Management Platform, water companies can streamline their workforce management, optimise asset maintenance, increase collaboration, and gain valuable insights through data analytics. As the water industry moves into AMP 8, Okappy stands ready to support water companies in their journey towards operational excellence and successful delivery of AMP 8 objectives.