A 100,000-inhabitant area facing performance challenges
QBO comprises 14 municipalities — 8 managed directly, 6 under Saur delegation for drinking water and sanitation. The water network is extensive and heterogeneous, with both urban and rural zones under very different constraints. The community faces multiple challenges:
- ensuring accurate tracking of distributed volumes,
- reducing water losses through optimized network zoning (DMA-style segmentation),
- reacting quickly in case of leaks,
- providing reliable data to large consumers — critical during drought periods.
To address these challenges, QBO adopted SOFREL LogUp data loggers together with the LX CONNECT platform.
Deploying data loggers to enhance network yield and team responsiveness
The utility needed a solution that would:
- optimize leak detection with real-time, reliable data;
- speed up the interventions of its internal teams;
- provide daily monitoring for major consumers;
- precisely track volumes taken from the network;
- satisfy strict cybersecurity requirements.
SOFREL LogUp: the right choice for robustness, autonomy, and security
The SOFREL LogUp was selected because of its suitability to field constraints:
- waterproof and rugged, suitable for installation in meter chambers;
- reliable communication even in zones with poor network coverage;
- long battery life — no mains power needed;
- easy to install and operate;
- strengthened cybersecurity — a key requirement for QBO.
A full solution: SOFREL LogUp + LX CONNECT
Strong authentication and automatic certificate management
With LX CONNECT, QBO centralizes and secures all LogUp data. The platform integrates with the internal PKI, enabling automatic certificate updates and ensuring robust cybersecurity. The strong authentication mechanism was a decisive factor in the choice.
User-friendly interface, even in the field
Teams appreciate the platform’s simplicity for programming and operating devices. The mobile app My SOFREL LogUp facilitates deployment and on-site monitoring.
Tangible benefits observed
1/ Simplified network DMA and better leak management
Immediate access to flow and volume data enables faster leak detection and prioritized interventions.
2/ Better service for major consumers
Daily consumption data provides large users with a reliable tool to monitor and manage their consumption — especially valuable during dry periods.
3/ Gains in network performance
While the network-wide efficiency of QBO already exceeds 90%, rural areas with long pipelines still suffer from higher losses. With refined network zoning and deployment of LogUp devices, QBO aims for a 10–20% performance improvement in several municipalities.
By combining SOFREL LogUp data loggers with the LX CONNECT platform, QBO significantly modernizes its water network management:
- durable and autonomous devices in the field,
- user-friendly tools for staff,
- robust cybersecurity,
- reliable data for leak detection and performance improvement.
The utility now benefits from a scalable, efficient and secure solution — well-suited to current challenges in resource management and network resilience.
