The City of Whitefish, nestled in northwest Montana, has evolved from a historical railroad and logging town into a thriving community and popular resort destination. With a growing population and increasing demands on its limited municipal water supply, Whitefish needed an innovative solution to modernize its water utility management. Enter Neptune 360, Neptune’s cloud-based data management system that has transformed the way the city handles water consumption, billing, and resource allocation.
Streamlining Operations and Saving Time
Prior to adopting Neptune 360, Whitefish relied on a labor-intensive system with outdated DOS software and manual meter readings. This process was not only time-consuming, taking up to two hours for data uploads and requiring three separate billing cycles each month, but also prone to human error. With the implementation of Neptune 360, the city has redefined efficiency. File uploads now take less than 15 minutes, and billing cycles have been consolidated from three into one.
The mapping system integrated into Neptune 360 automatically highlights locations with unread meters, enabling faster route completion and optimized resource allocation. What previously required multiple staff members, are now streamlined into a single process, freeing up valuable time for other essential tasks.
Enhancing Customer Service
Neptune 360’s real-time data capabilities have been a game changer for resolving customer billing inquiries. Consumption reports and data logs are synced and stored securely within the system, allowing staff to email detailed account information to customers instantly. This transparency has not only improved responsiveness but also bolstered trust between the city and its residents. Additionally, when high water consumption or potential leaks are detected, a technician can be dispatched immediately for further investigation, avoiding prolonged issues and ensuring swift resolutions.
Leveraging Advanced Insights
The ability to access data from any location with an internet connection has empowered Whitefish’s utility management team to make informed decisions on the go. Neptune 360 provides detailed consumption analytics, leak detection insights, and compliance reports, ensuring the city adapts seamlessly to evolving needs. For auditors’ requests or internal evaluations, the system generates precise reports that reduce workloads and enhance accountability.
Cost-Effective and Future-Ready
Migrating to Neptune 360 has not only saved time but also reduced operational costs. With fewer manual processes and enhanced automation, Whitefish has optimized its workforce and cut down on inefficiencies. Moreover, Neptune 360 lays the foundation for future advancements, such as transitioning to Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI), ensuring the city continues to stay ahead in utility management innovation.
The Takeaway
Utility Services Supervisor Rose Elliot sums it up perfectly: “Migrating to Neptune 360 provided us with all the tools that we needed to impact significant system-wide improvement. It is the greatest asset that we could have as a water utility.”
For Whitefish, Neptune 360 has proven to be more than just a software upgrade—it’s a solution that has revolutionized water utility management, ushering in an era of efficiency, accuracy, and enhanced service. As communities face growing demands for sustainable water management, Neptune 360 stands as a shining example of what innovation can achieve.
If you want to learn more first-hand, hear from the City of Whitefish at this year’s Neptune CONNECT Users’ Conference. Neptune Customers can register here.
Learn more
If you can’t make it to CONNECT, check out the full case study here.
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