One of the key decisions a heat network operator needs to make when looking for a metering and billing provider, is deciding whether to select a SaaS software solution or use a service providers Managed Service solution, to operate their networks day-to-day administration duties.
Which solution is best? That answer depends on your organisation! A decision will need to be made inside your organisation, considering what’s best for your customers so they can receive a best-in-class service for their utilities.
But this also isn’t a fixed choice… Sycous are completely flexible with our SaaS or Managed Service offerings. We can give you all the tools necessary to self-manage your own metering, PAYG and data collection systems, whilst supporting your organisation as much as you need with our Managed Services.
So… what is a SaaS solution?
A SaaS or Software-as-a-service solution is a software which is delivered through the cloud (or internet) for your organisation to log into remotely and access. The software is updated and maintained by the provider, leaving your organisation free to access and use the software without any hassle. An example of this would be Office 365 or Gmail, both services are distributed through the cloud for users to access and operate from any location with an internet connection.
So… what is a Managed Service solution?
A Managed Service solution is the next step on from a SaaS solution, that allows your organisation to outsource tasks to the provider. This solution allows your organisation to remain agile and adaptable, by filling skills or personnel gaps in your team.
So… what solution is best for my organisation?
As mentioned earlier, deciding whether to choose a SaaS or Managed Service solution depends on your organisation.
When it comes to operating a metering and billing service, a SaaS solution can give your organisation all the tools required for your team to be able to manage your own metering and billing services. This can be a great option, if you have the required ‘metering and billing champion’ within the team, your organisation will have the resources available to provide customers with a great service.
Where this can fall down, is when your organisation doesn’t have the required ‘metering and billing champion’, knowledge or resources within the team. Does your organisation have the skills in-house to take responsibility for:
- Reading meters?
- Raising accurate bills?
- Collecting payments on time?
- Following a credit control process?
- Answering customer enquiries?
- Identifying payment issues and fixing?
If the answer might be ‘no’ or ‘maybe’ or ‘yes but we might need some support!’, choosing a managed service provider can ensure your customers receive excellent customer service and avoid any potential horror stories.
Our opinion?
In our experience, for most organisations who are new to operating heat networks or private utility networks, there preferred solution is to take this new responsibility step-by step. Sycous have joined countless heat network operators in their journey, which usually consists of starting off with our Managed Service solution and if interested, moving step-by-step towards an in-house SaaS solution, whilst being supported by our team of experts every step of the way.
Sycous Managed Services
The Sycous Managed Service solution allows your organisation to outsource some or all of your metering, PAYG and data collection systems on your behalf.
Our solution doesn’t only support you, Sycous can provide your consumers with a best-in-class customer service through our expert support team being available through telephone, email or our website live chat.
Click here to learn more about our Sycous Managed Service solution.
Sycous SaaS Solution
The Sycous SaaS solution is powered by our Mabdeck (Metering and Billing Deck) software. Mabdeck allows you to manage all of your installed infrastructure, whilst enabling you to automatically generate bills to your residents, operate PAYG solutions, collect payments, manage debt, report on your operations and give your consumers online and mobile App access to their accounts.
As a cloud-based platform, Mabdeck is constantly being updated and developed to provide greater functionality and can be deployed to your organisation straight from the cloud.
Click here to learn more about our Mabdeck software.
