To address the wide range of challenges faced by water and wastewater utilities and deliver up-to-date solutions adapted to today’s needs, we develop and provide our own billing systems, incorporating the know-how we have built through billing and collection operations across Japan with the latest ICT technologies.
Leveraging the know-how accumulated over many years, we take an integrated approach to billing and collection operations, from workforce operations through to systems, in order to meet the individual needs of each utility and deliver improvements in customer service, business processes and operational efficiency.
Water and Wastewater Billing and Collection System
AQUAREA
Based on the know-how we have built over many years through water and wastewater billing and collection operations across Japan, we established a dedicated system development division in 2000 and began developing our own billing system to further improve operational efficiency and customer service. Since then, we have continued to upgrade the system while making daily improvements from a frontline operational perspective.
AQUAREA is a coined name combining “Aqua” and “Area.” In the field of water and wastewater services, it supports operations across a wide range of “areas,” including different operational fields, scales and locations.
Reliability
AQUAREA can be used with confidence because it reflects the views of frontline operations.
We regularly gather feedback on system usability from our offices across Japan and use frontline input to continuously improve quality.
Security
A secure system with thorough security and fraud prevention measures.
As a system handling sensitive personal information, AQUAREA is equipped with advanced security and fraud prevention measures.
Stability
We ensure stable operation and business continuity.
We have established a robust business continuity framework, including redundant communications to ensure 24/7/365 availability and the deployment of hardware with proven operating records in other municipalities.
AQUAREA＃WEB
As the regional integration of water utilities continues to accelerate, we launched the web-browser version AQUAREA#WEB in response to the needs of utilities. While retaining the know-how and functions developed through our proven track record, we redesigned processing methods and data structures to create a more flexible system. This new structure replaces the conventional model, in which systems were operated individually by each utility, with a flexible architecture that enables centralised management across multiple utilities.
AQUAREA#WEB supports both large municipalities and regional integration initiatives. Its screen design adopts Material Design* principles, including features such as a single search field similar to internet search, enabling more intuitive operation.
※Web pages and services designed to be clear and intuitive to use.
Integration with Various Solutions
Smart Water Meters
By directly linking smart water meters with AQUAREA, we have created a system that enables data to be aggregated automatically without manual intervention. Regardless of the communication standard used, data can be centralised through an MDMS and imported into AQUAREA as meter reading results.
GIS
AQUAREA can be integrated with Fuji Subsurface Information water utility GIS. With a single click, users can view meter locations and other information on a map, enabling more efficient execution of work requiring current meter positions, pipeline information and surrounding site conditions, such as meter replacement in the event of leakage. Hybrid meter reading, allowing mobile meter reading and map information to be viewed simultaneously, is also available.
Paperless Notifications and Cashless Payments
We provide a system that digitalises payment notices and enables charges to be paid online. By accessing the system via smartphone, customers can check and pay their charges. This is expected to reduce costs such as postage while improving collection rates. A key feature is the automated data linkage between the billing system and the paperless service, designed with both security and operational efficiency in mind.
Water Supply and Drainage-Related Systems
These are optional modules for the billing system. They can be integrated with systems such as the Water Supply and Drainage Works Management System, which centrally manages processes from application acceptance for water supply and drainage works through to inspection completion, and the Repair Works System for managing road-related leakage repairs and similar works.
SP-EYE
By using SP-EYE during meter reading to measure sound pressure, significant savings in time and cost can be achieved. The collected data can be linked immediately to AQUAREA. Where abnormal sound pressure values are detected, engineers conduct leakage confirmation surveys, enabling a one-stop process from measurement to identification.
AI-OCR
AI-OCR converts handwritten text on forms such as turn-on/turn-off notices and meter replacement slips for expired certification meters into text data. By importing this text data into AQUAREA, data entry and update work can be automated, improving operational efficiency.
Meter Replacement Mobile
Mobile devices can be used during meter replacement work. Notifications confirming meter replacement can also be issued to customers on site. After work is completed, entered data can be uploaded in batches, improving the efficiency of data entry for the replacement of certification-expired meters.
Uni-Voice
Uni-Voice is a service developed by the Japan Association for the support of information on the visually impaired using two-dimensional barcodes to convert text data into audio output. By printing 2D barcodes on meter reading notices, it contributes to improved public services.
Certifications
To ensure the proper delivery of outsourced services, we have obtained a range of public certifications relating to service quality and the management of personal information and information assets. By thoroughly managing and operating our services in accordance with the requirements of each certification, we strive for continuous improvement in customer service.
ISO20000
IT Service Management System
ISO/IEC27001
Information Security Management System
JISQ15001
Personal Information Management System
Support Structure
As part of our support structure, we provide a centralised point of contact through a service desk responsible for system monitoring and operation. In the event of a system failure, we carry out initial responses such as emergency recovery and measures to prevent further escalation, and work toward early resolution. We also support tariff revisions, consumption tax revisions, civil law amendments, and data extraction for municipal assemblies. As part of software and hardware maintenance, we also handle repair requests for PCs, mobile devices and peripheral equipment.
Group companies operating this business
Contact us
Please feel free to contact us. For any questions regarding our services, please inquire here.