Veolia transforms IoT data into high value-added insights through Dashboards as a Service offering

This evolution has been accompanied by a shift in focus. Data is no longer used solely to generate dashboards for customers. Instead, it has become an asset for directly managing operations and infrastructure.

With several million sensors deployed in the field, Veolia’s Connected Solutions business manages vast volumes of data generated by multiple, diverse sources.

The challenge to extracting value isn’t just because of the sheer scale of our data, but is also due to the complexity of the entire IoT ecosystem. We have to manage sensor reliability, transmission network quality (radio, 4G, etc.), varying coverage levels, and a wide range of data formats.

This is further compounded by the coexistence of numerous data sources, including sensor data, network data, operational data, contractual information, and open data. Historically, these datasets were scattered across different systems, making cross-functional analysis and utilization difficult.

Based on this, we came to a key realization. Simply having data is not enough. Our customers must also be able to combine, interpret, and effectively apply that data to support operational decision-making.

The challenge became clear: we had to move from a data collection mindset to one where we utilized data operationally. 

To address these challenges, Veolia Connected Solutions relies on a data product marketplace that centralizes all its water quality and biodiversity data, regardless of format or source. This platform transforms raw data into data products that can be directly used by operational teams. 

Integrating operational dashboards into Veolia’s IoT offering

Veolia’s Connected Solutions division designs innovative industrial IoT products to support cities, regions, and industrial operators: 

• KAPTA™ sensors to monitor drinking water quality
• SWARM sensors to measure surface water quality (rivers and lakes) and prevent pollution risks
• Apiink sensors to monitor fire hydrant activity and track water consumption
• Leko sensors to monitor biodiversity and assess the impact of human activity on the environment

We have developed interactive dashboards and data visualizations to transform IoT sensor data into actionable insights. When clients subscribe to these services, they gain access to a comprehensive operational tool that enhances their efficiency by monitoring key data and instantly detecting failures and contamination events—whether accidental or intentional—in water distribution networks.

Beyond dashboards, our goal is to deliver innovative solutions to our clients. By providing diverse and heterogeneous datasets, we help clients adopt more sustainable and environmentally responsible policies through clear, decision-ready information. This expertise is built around two core pillars: 

• Data enrichment and analysis: our teams select and analyze relevant datasets to turn them into actionable information. Data is also enriched with contextual sources such as weather or water network information to improve interpretation and relevance. 
• Data visualization creation: Since users are not always data experts, being able to provide visualizations is essential,  translating complex datasets into clear, contextualized insights accessible to all business functions. 

We have been recognized for our ability to improve operational efficiency by continuously monitoring usage data and instantly detecting failures and anomalies in water infrastructure networks. These digital solutions enable municipalities and public utilities to better manage their assets and make better-informed decisions.

A business application at the heart of operations

Using our data, we have implemented an internal management application that enables end-to-end monitoring of the IoT chain.

Through advanced dashboards and mapping tools, our teams can track all sensors and contracts managed by our department.

By aggregating sensor data, network performance metrics, and theoretical coverage models, our teams are now able to continuously analyze infrastructure performance and quickly identify the root cause of any malfunction.

Data is now used as a key tool for operational decision-making and performance management.

Teams benefit from a unified view of the entire IoT chain and can respond more quickly to anomalies by accurately identifying their root cause.

The platform also breaks down data silos, which previously saw information scattered across multiple systems. It makes data available and usable within a common, centralized environment. This harmonization enables a cross-functional view of operations that was previously difficult to achieve.

This continuous analytical capability helps us to:

• improve infrastructure reliability and service quality
• ensure compliance with contractual commitments
• reduce the time needed for diagnosis and intervention 

Simplified access to data is also transforming ways of working: business teams can directly use the information they need without relying on data experts to prepare it for them.

Finally, structuring data into data products enables the rapid deployment of new use cases, built on an existing and industrialized foundation.

The project is now entering a new phase.

After structuring access to data and deploying initial real-world use cases, our focus is now shifting toward embedding these tools into day-to-day operations and scaling their adoption across teams.

The goal is to continue enriching existing applications, develop new ones from the same foundational building blocks, and further leverage available data without creating new silos.

In parallel, we are exploring new ways of querying and analyzing data, particularly through approaches that integrate artificial intelligence, with the aim of accelerating analysis and improving the speed of problem identification.

Our overarching objective remains unchanged: to continue leveraging data to drive day-to-day operations, through simple, field-ready tools that deliver immediate value on the ground.