High manual effort in meter reading processing
Previously, meter reading processing was handled entirely manually. Each individual meter reading had to be extracted from the workflow management system and subsequently entered into the SAP IS-U system. With several tens of thousands of cases per year, this resulted in considerable processing effort. At the same time, manual handling introduced an ongoing risk of errors and inconsistencies.
To successfully automate the process, a detailed analysis of the existing workflows was required as a first step. Together with the project stakeholders from schwaben netz and schwaben erdgas, the existing process steps were reviewed, documented, and transformed into a structured process model. This analysis served as the foundation for the subsequent development of the automated solution.
Tailored RPA solution through a structured step-by-step approach
Based on the analyzed workflows, Natuvion Digital developed a tailored RPA solution that automates the majority of the meter reading management process. The implementation was carried out in several coordinated phases: first, the existing processes were documented in detail, followed by the creation of a process model and the subsequent development and modeling of the robotic software. After extensive testing, the solution was successfully transitioned into productive operation.
A key success factor was the comprehensive process documentation. To support this, schwaben netz prepared the ten most common workflow scenarios within meter reading processing, which were then analyzed by Natuvion Digital. On this basis, the required software process steps could be precisely defined, and complex decision-making logic was translated into clear automated rules. The implementation followed an iterative approach and was completed within just a few weeks.
Reducing manual effort from 45 Seconds to 1 second
Following the successful implementation, the robotic software now handles the majority of tasks within meter reading processing. Overall, an automation rate of 87.5% was achieved. As a result, manual effort per transaction has been significantly reduced: while each case previously required approximately 45 seconds of manual work, the remaining manual effort is now reduced to around one second. Total process cycle time has also been reduced to approximately 14 seconds per transaction.
By automating these workflows, employees are significantly relieved from repetitive tasks and can focus more strongly on higher-value and more complex activities. At the same time, the company gained valuable practical experience in the use of RPA technologies. Building on these insights, schwaben netz and erdgas schwaben are already planning additional automation initiatives in other business areas.
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