Digital transformation is starting at ASKI

The General Directorate of ASKİ is implementing the project ‘ASKİ’s Digital Transformation’ in cooperation with the U.S. Trade and Development Agency (USTDA). Within the scope of the project, the institution’s 30-year-old IT infrastructure; Monitoring, Control, and Data Acquisition (SCADA) System, subscriber database, information technology data security, and Geographic Information Systems are aimed to be modernized.

The General Directorate of ASKİ continues its efforts to put new technology systems into operation to provide the best service to its over 2.5 million subscribers. Having received a $700,000 grant from USTDA, ASKİ signed contracts with 2 U.S. and 1 Turkish company to initiate ASKİ’s digital transformation.

Under the contract signed by ASKİ General Manager Memduh Aslan Akçay and Nobel Systems Project Manager Michael Samuel, the aim is to develop and modernize ASKİ’s SCADA System, subscriber database, information technology data security, and Geographic Information Systems infrastructure. In addition, necessary efforts will be made to prevent water losses in the network. Reports prepared within the project framework will be approved by ASKİ.

Illegal consumption will be easier to detect

Speaking at the signing ceremony, ASKİ General Manager Akçay stated that the IT infrastructure established over 30 years ago by the institution will be renewed to adapt to today’s conditions. Akçay said, ‘With these innovations, a more effective water and wastewater management will be ensured. The renewal of the subscriber database will facilitate the detection of illegal consumption. In addition, studies will be conducted on operating optimization at pump stations to consume less energy.’

Akçay continued his words as follows:

‘Our discussions with USTDA on this matter have been ongoing for a year, and finally reached the signing stage. Our expectation from the company is to complete this project as soon as possible. Each task to be carried out is very important for us. The results that will emerge from this will greatly contribute to ASKİ’s future period. Therefore, we do not have time to lose.’

A decision was made within ASKİ on April 7, 2023, regarding the USTDA grant. The issue discussed in the Ankara Metropolitan Municipality Council meeting on May 12, 2023, passed with unanimous vote.

No Geographic Information System data before 2014

Within the project scope, the renewal of especially the SCADA System and Geographic Information System is of great importance. It is crucial for all the constructions carried out by ASKİ to be registered in the Geographic Information System, where data prior to 2014 (coordinates of constructions, when they were built, information on the quality of materials) is missing in many districts. In many districts included in the metropolitan system after 2014, 90% of the existing infrastructure is not recorded.

Centralized control of city water network

The urgently needed SCADA System ensures the centralized control of the city’s water network. The SCADA System, monitored 24 hours a day, covers all water tanks, water pumping stations, measurement points, treatment plants, water distribution network, and all auxiliary facilities used in different locations throughout Ankara. Data flow from scattered units is collected at the SCADA Main Control Center through the established communication system and all units are managed from there. All equipment can be intervened centrally. Thus, while ensuring the continuity of drinking water distribution in Ankara, the water quality is also maintained at the same level.