The Record - Issue 19: Winter 2020

117 V I EWPO I NT MANU FAC TUR I NG & R E SOUR C E S “Key to these models is having access to a large amount of data” M ECOMS is an IT solution provider specialised in the utility sector and focused on Microsoft and Azure tech- nologies. We’re investigating how AI can help the different players in the utility market run their business processes in a more efficient, way, using different techniques like machine learn- ing and advanced chatbots. We’ve run several different proof of concepts, including building a specific chatbot for a cus- tomer service area or using blockchain capabili- ties for managing smart contracts. For distribution grid operators, we see inter- esting opportunities in the area of machine learning. We came up with the idea of using machine learning to help run the process of validation of meter readings that arrive as raw data at the IT system. Machine learning could be used to observe whether there is a consistent pattern in the reasons why meter readings run into validation errors. If the ‘machine’ can spot these patterns and take on the validation step, we can avoid a user needing to manually check all exceptional validation errors. Key to these models is having access to a large amount of data. When smart meters are fully rolled out, the amount of received data is multi- plied and available at a much earlier stage, mean- ing that abnormal usage patterns, disruption and device malfunctions could be identified and used for forecasting and predictions, mainte- nance and much more. Knowledge, the availability of applications and AI business cases aren’t directly the greatest obsta- cle for our industry. Access to sufficient amounts of good data, together with the slow roll-out of smart devices, is the bigger challenge. Mar Jorba is product manager for MECOMS Optimising processes with AI MAR J OR BA : ME COMS MECOMS is exploring how AI can help drive efficiency for utility businesses