In 1905, Badger Meter commenced its journey as a leader in water technology, catering to water utilities, municipalities, and commercial and industrial customers globally. Over its 120-year history, the company has evolved from a metering industry leader to a premier provider of advanced smart water solutions. Recently, in late May 2024, Badger Meter introduced BlueEdge™, a groundbreaking suite of solutions aimed at enhancing the visibility and optimization of water assets.
Matt Stuyvenberg, Vice President of Software and Water Quality at Badger Meter, has been instrumental in the company's transformation since joining in 2007. Trained as a mechanical engineer, he rose through the ranks, focusing on expanding Badger Meter's smart water solutions portfolio. Under his leadership, the company has significantly advanced in areas such as water quality monitoring, pressure management, and network optimization.
Stuyvenberg discussed the driving forces behind Badger Meter's development of advanced smart water solutions. "Many customers still struggle with deploying existing technologies effectively," he noted. "Despite advancements like detailed data collection every 15 minutes, many utilities rely on manual meter data collection or use AMI data solely for billing purposes. Our goal is to leverage this operational data to solve broader problems and support our customers' long-term needs."
BlueEdge marks a significant milestone in Badger Meter's evolution, integrating its diverse technologies and solutions into a cohesive platform. Stuyvenberg explained, "BlueEdge is designed to be flexible and scalable, accommodating customers at various stages of their technology journey. Whether they are starting with basic metering or advancing to comprehensive network monitoring and water quality management, BlueEdge provides a seamless pathway for solution adoption."
The platform encompasses a comprehensive suite of instruments, sensors, communication systems, software-enabled insights, and dedicated support services. Stuyvenberg emphasized, "BlueEdge offers tailored solutions that address specific challenges faced by utilities, commercial, and industrial customers. It supports deployments ranging from individual lift stations to full-scale network monitoring, encompassing AMI, pressure management, leak detection, and water quality monitoring."
Discussing current challenges in the water industry, Stuyvenberg identified three key concerns: aging infrastructure leading to leaks, effective water supply management amid climate variability, and the slow adoption of new technologies. He underscored how BlueEdge is strategically positioned to help utilities address these challenges by providing real-time data, proactive monitoring, and actionable insights crucial for efficient water management.
Data collection and analysis play a pivotal role in optimizing water system management, according to Stuyvenberg. "Effective data collection, coupled with robust communication and software solutions, allows utilities to make informed decisions and enhance operational efficiency," he explained. "Our suite of solutions ensures seamless integration and actionable insights across various operational functions, from meter-to-cash operations to consumer engagement and operational support."
Regarding sustainability and water management objectives, Stuyvenberg highlighted Badger Meter's role in enabling utilities to achieve these goals through advanced measurement and monitoring technologies. "By reducing water loss, optimizing resource usage, and improving operational efficiency, our solutions contribute to lower energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions associated with water treatment and distribution," he noted.
Stuyvenberg also discussed the strategic impact of recent acquisitions, such as Telog, on Badger Meter's capabilities. "Telog enhances our ability to provide remote data collection and software insights, extending visibility into remote assets through robust cellular communications and scalable data solutions," he remarked.
