Interoperability and system integration: the key to an efficient utility ecosystem

A complex sector, a fragmented ecosystem

Utilities traditionally operate on large, heterogeneous infrastructures that have been built up over time. Electricity, water, gas, heating and environmental networks often coexist with information systems developed in different eras, based on proprietary architectures and languages that are not always compatible with each other. The result is a technological mosaic that can slow down digital evolution and generate operational inefficiencies.

With the advent of smart meters, IoT devices, cloud platforms and advanced analytics tools, the volume and variety of data is growing exponentially. However, without true interoperability, there is a risk of creating new digital silos that are difficult to manage and unable to provide a unified view of the networks.

System integration as a lever for efficiency

Interoperability is closely linked to the concept of system integration. Only through an IT infrastructure capable of connecting the various components of the ecosystem – from the field to the back office – is it possible to build a coherent digital value chain. Integrating systems in the utility context means connecting different components – hardware, software and data – so that they can communicate, exchange information and collaborate in operational processes. This includes smart metering, remote control (SCADA), asset management, GIS, CRM, billing systems and analytics platforms. The goal is to overcome information silos and achieve a unified and consistent view of the entire network.

System integration allows you to:

• Optimise operational processes, reducing errors and processing times.
• Make data available in real time, enabling faster decisions based on accurate insights.
• Improve network reliability and resilience with an integrated view of consumption, assets and anomalies.
• Increase service quality by providing customers with transparent and up-to-date information.
  

Challenges and requirements for effective integration

Integrating systems in the utility sector requires the ability to overcome technical and organisational obstacles, including legacy systems not designed to interoperate, differences in protocols and data formats between devices and platforms, increasing security and compliance requirements with system interconnection, and scalability of integration architectures to handle ever-increasing volumes of data.

Best practices to follow include:

• API-first and modular architectures.
• Adoption of open standards (e.g., DLMS, IEC 61850, LoRaWAN, NB-IoT).
• Use of agnostic platforms capable of interacting with multiple vendors and protocols.
• Strong data governance and end-to-end security.

To achieve a high level of interoperability, utilities need open and agnostic management platforms designed to communicate with any device or communication protocol. In this sense, the solutions developed by Terranova stand out for their ability to operate independently of manufacturers, models or communication technologies, integrating data from heterogeneous devices into a single environment.

This flexibility allows managers to gradually evolve the digital infrastructure without replacing existing assets, integrate new communication technologies based on the characteristics of the territory served, simplify data governance and ensure information quality, and promote operational scalability, thanks to a modular and interoperable architecture.

The benefits of an integrated and interoperable ecosystem

Investing in interoperability and system integration is not simply a technological upgrade, but a long-term strategic choice that directly affects competitiveness, sustainability and service quality. Utilities that adopt an open and integrated approach achieve measurable benefits on multiple levels: 

• Operational efficiency and cost reduction: an interoperable ecosystem eliminates redundancies and manual tasks by automating data flows and processes between different systems. Integrated management of information from smart meters, SCADA, GIS and maintenance systems reduces processing times and optimises intervention planning. This translates into lower operating costs, reduced response times and better allocation of resources in the field.
• Greater network reliability and resilience: thanks to system integration, utilities can monitor the status of infrastructure in real time, anticipate critical issues and react more quickly to faults or anomalies. The availability of consistent data shared across different platforms enables more accurate diagnosis and predictive maintenance, reducing service interruptions and improving operational continuity.
• Data-driven decision making: when all systems communicate with each other, data becomes a strategic asset. Interoperable platforms allow data from multiple sources to be aggregated, normalised and analysed, providing valuable insights for planning, maintenance, energy management and infrastructure investments. This data-driven approach enables utilities to move from reactive to proactive management, improving their ability to forecast and optimise performance.
• Flexibility and technological scalability: the adoption of agnostic and modular platforms makes infrastructures future-proof, ready to accommodate new communication technologies or smart devices without having to replace existing assets. Utilities can thus gradually expand their digital ecosystem, based on regulatory, technological or territorial developments, while maintaining full compatibility between systems.
• Improved customer experience: an integrated ecosystem enables more transparent and personalised services to be provided. Data from metering, CRM and billing systems can be correlated to offer customers accurate consumption information, real-time notifications and digital tools for informed resource management. This not only improves end customer satisfaction, but also strengthens the operator's reputation as an innovative and reliable player.
• Sustainability and resource optimisation: interoperability also promotes environmental and economic sustainability: integrated data makes it possible to identify waste, optimise consumption and improve energy efficiency.

The holistic view of the infrastructure supports ecological transition strategies, facilitating the adoption of renewable sources, the reduction of losses and sustainable investment planning.

Towards a truly connected digital utility

Interoperability is the enabling condition for the digital transformation of Utilities. In an ecosystem where every sensor, meter and information system communicates without barriers, data becomes the real driver of efficiency, innovation and sustainability.

Open and agnostic platforms, such as those offered by Terranova, make it possible to overcome historical fragmentation and build a new operating model: one that is more connected, more intelligent and closer to the needs of the local area and its citizens.