Development of the mechanisms of digital transformation of water utilities

Summary

One of the main challenges the Russian economy faces is the major upgrade and digital transformation of all the sectors including water supply and sanitation systems. The technological inferiority, depreciation of fixed assets and lack of investments hinder the development of the water industry. In these conditions, developing approaches and mechanisms to ensure the digital transformation of water utilities is required. Practice shows that one should start not with purchasing expensive software, but with developing a model of a water utility. As a result of the study, an approach to developing a digital model of a water utility based on the integration of ontological modeling its activities, modernization tools for water utilities and computer technology was proposed. A number of effective tools for upgrading water utilities are considered: GIS- and BIM-technologies, methods of operating water supply and sanitation facilities, etc. The concept of a «digital model of the water utility activities» is substantiated and the structure of the basic elements of the conceptual level of this model considering the specifics of the water utilities is proposed. The practical application of the new approach will contribute to the effective digital transformation of water utilities and the enhanced development of the water industry with timely updating fixed assets, taking into account cost savings and improving the quality of services.

Key words

life cycle , digital transformation , digital model of a water utility , ontological modeling , facility upgrade , BIM-technologies , fixed assets