Navigating the dynamic world of water treatment demands constant process improvement to boost efficiency and sustainability. With rapid technological advancements and shifting workforce structures, strategies that were effective 5-10 years ago may no longer suffice. To stay competitive and compliant, water treatment companies must continuously refine their processes. Here are eight key considerations to optimise your operations and embrace modern advancements in water treatment.
1. Evidence the need for change
Your expertise enables you to recognise where changes in process are needed. Anecdotal evidence is not enough, however. The first step to disrupt business-as-usual for the better is to conduct a process audit. Identify where issues and potential risks lie, survey stakeholders, determine how current processes impact your resources and work out where the opportunities are.
2. Gain senior management endorsement
Your plans for process improvement mean very little without buy-in from the right places. Your process audit and analysis, clearly presented, will enable senior leadership to understand the financial, functional and reputational reasoning behind change. More importantly, senior investment will become critical in the later stages when you need new processes to be adopted by the company from the top down. By gaining support now, you can help to embed the improved processes into the fabric of your company in the months and years to come.
3. Leverage Advanced AI Technologies
Utilising AI-driven analytics, cloud-based solutions, and IoT devices in water treatment allows for real-time monitoring and predictive maintenance, reducing downtime and operational costs. These technologies enable seamless data integration and remote access, enhancing decision-making and efficiency while ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
4. Stay on top of regulations
The penalties for not keeping up with regulations can be hugely damaging to any company. According to the BBC, in 2024, water companies in England faced record sewage spills, totaling 3.61 million hours, highlighting the urgent need for compliance. To avoid fines, license removal, and reputational risks, appoint policy owners in your business to ensure you remain up-to-date with regulations and laws. Regular audits and investments in infrastructure are crucial to address these challenges and safeguard your operations.
5. Identify hidden costs
For any process change, the direct costs to operations must be considered. However, it’s important not to neglect the costs of risks too. Business continuity is an essential component of any process. Technical failures and a range of environmental impacts can affect the bottom line. If your facilities are down for any reason for a day or more, how might it impact your profits?
6. Use proven technology
One of the most important elements of water treatment processes is the use of reliable equipment. Seek to work with a company that continually invests in the research and development of innovative technologies, and addresses all water-related challenges, from process water requirements to transforming water waste into a resource.
7. Make change simple
Changing people’s behaviour takes time and effort – many people resist change because it can feel uncomfortable and challenging even when it comes to standard processes such as completing a document, processing a complaint or managing a simple request. There are a number of methodologies you could follow – for example – Kotter's 8-Step Change Model suggests a procedure and stresses the importance of not rushing change if you want it to be successful. The model is also simplified in a useful infographic.
8.Use a one-stop shop
Consider using a “one-stop shop” organisation to easily manage all elements of your project. For instance, with fast and reliable advice, practical solutions, local experience, and peerless after-sales support, we can be on hand to look after your entire water treatment system and reduce the need for complicated processes. This allows you to focus your time and efforts where they are needed elsewhere.
Anticipate operational and investment costs with more certainty, avoid risk-related cost, plan your processes more effectively, and gain peace-of-mind for you and your senior stakeholders. Contact us for further advice on water treatment system process improvements by clicking here.
