Environment & Energy | Thursday 20 August, 2015 12:51 pm |

NWC announced it would implement a new package of electronic applications for the first time during the upcoming Hajj season 1436. The initiative is part of NWC’s continuous efforts to develop its technical performance and improve the quality of water and environment services rendered to pilgrims.

NWC announced a new water management system would be implemented for the first time to manage water distribution in the Masha’er (holy sites of Mina, Arafat and Muzdalifah). This system facilitates the management of water and environmental services networks and measures various systems through performance indicators. In addition, the system provides accurate and timely information about pumping levels as well as smart readings.

The Company stated that one of the most important electronic systems also implemented was the COMPAS system, which provides support functions for the management and follow up field activities performed by NWC maintenance teams in Masha’er. Smart appliances, wireless systems and quick response mechanisms will be used to handle complaints sent to the unified call center. This will ensure that the time between receipt of the complaint and assigning of maintenance teams will be kept to a minimum.

NWC confirmed it would send, in collaboration with local providers, 5 million SMS in several languages to pilgrims. The messages advise pilgrims how to communicate with the Company and the location of water and environmental services outlets.

NWC previously launched an application for pilgrims on smart phones. Once they download the application, they can report any leakages or damages. The purpose of this application is to increase environment awareness and economize water usage. In addition, the application displays an updated map of the Masha’er, toilets, important locations, and other services such as key phone numbers and religious supplications. The application also publishes awareness messages.

NWC said it invites all pilgrims to use its applications by downloading them on their smart phones. In addition, the pilgrim can also access the COMPAS systems by calling the unified call center (8004411110) or visiting the NWC website (www.nwc.com.sa).

These electronic systems are an addition to many other technical applications provided last season by NWC to facilitate a direct connection to its business units and facilities. NWC previously provided the SCADA system for monitoring its water networks by installing more than 1,000 water probes operating through modern communication appliances. This system was part of a commitment to apply best international practices and facilitate a switch to smart cities.  The purpose of this system is to support the efforts of work teams to analyze water levels and consumption and track pumped quantities of water in the network from a control room equipped with state-of-the-art technology.

The Company regularly provides its employees and field teams with many training courses on using the new technologies applied in the Masha’er so they can provide the best services to pilgrims and achieve the best performance levels.