Evides; Utility Network Implementation

Evides’ operational stability was at risk due to its reliance on an ageing Esri Geometric Network. The underlying ArcMap technology was approaching its end-of-life, creating an urgent need to modernise. The legacy system’s critical weakness was its inability to enforce data quality at the point of entry. This resulted in a build-up of topological errors, such as disconnected pipelines and overlapping assets, which compromised the accuracy of network analysis and hindered efficient maintenance planning. Daily operations were hampered by data inconsistencies, making reliable network tracing a time-consuming and uncertain task.

The challenge extended beyond technology. Data was fragmented across multiple uncontrolled "shadow files," creating conflicting versions of the network and undermining trust in the GIS. Furthermore, a crucial disconnect existed between the geospatial data and the asset management data in SAP. This information silo prevented a holistic view of asset health, lifecycle costs, and maintenance history, limiting strategic decision-making. The recent acquisition of the Zeeland network from DNWG added another layer of complexity, demanding the harmonisation of two disparate data systems into a single, cohesive, and intelligent model.

Avineon Tensing architected a robust and methodical migration strategy, leveraging the combined power of FME and the ArcGIS platform. We engineered a sophisticated data transformation pipeline using custom FME workspaces designed to systematically identify, cleanse, and resolve legacy data errors. This automated workflow went beyond simple validation; it intelligently corrected topological inconsistencies and standardised attributes, preparing the data for the structured environment of the Utility Network. Our geospatial experts then meticulously mapped the cleansed data, translating every asset, connection, and attribute into the new model while preserving the integrity and relationships of the original network.

Our approach was strategically phased to mitigate risk and ensure success. We collaborated with Evides to first deliver a Minimum Viable Product (MVP) for the Zeeland supply area. This pilot project acted as a proving ground, allowing us to validate the data model, refine the migration workflows in a controlled environment, and demonstrate tangible value to stakeholders early on. By working in close partnership with Evides' internal teams, we ensured continuous knowledge transfer, empowering them with the skills and reusable FME models needed to manage and extend their new, powerful geospatial ecosystem independently.

The migration to the Esri Utility Network has successfully transformed Evides’ data landscape into a single, authoritative source of truth. The new platform enforces stringent data quality rules, ensuring that the network information remains consistent, reliable, and trustworthy for all users. The immediate operational impact is profound: asset registration is streamlined, and complex network traces that once took hours can now be completed in moments. For field engineers, this means they can rapidly and accurately identify the source of a leak and isolate the correct valves for repair, significantly reducing service downtime and improving public safety.

Beyond immediate operational gains, the project has delivered immense strategic value. The unified geospatial platform provides a complete and accurate view of the entire water network, empowering Evides with the deep insight needed for superior asset management and long-term investment planning. The successful Zeeland pilot now serves as a proven, repeatable blueprint for modernising the rest of their service area, including the larger Rijnmond region. This scalable model drastically reduces the risk, cost, and timeline for future rollouts, positioning Evides on a solid foundation for future innovation, including advanced analytics and digital twin initiatives.

Let’s build a smarter, more resilient system together. Reach out to one of our specialists and start shaping your data-driven future today.