by Chris Hargreaves | Oct 23, 2025 | Case Studies, Panoramic Power
Client Background
A New Zealand local council committed to the sustainable utilisation of natural resources launched an initiative to better understand and manage water usage for irrigation across its recreational parks.
The Challenge
The council faced a significant challenge in monitoring water consumption from boreholes used for park irrigation. Traditional analog water meters required manual readings, which were time-consuming, costly, and lacked real-time visibility. This limited the ability to proactively manage water schedules and detect anomalies in water flow.
Innovative Solution by Total Utilities
Total Utilities (TU) identified a borehole at Scott Street in Hobsonville Point, West Auckland, as an ideal site to pilot its Panoramic Power solution. The goal was to transform the existing analog water meter into a smart, connected device.
What made this solution unique:
- The existing water meter was equipped with a KY pulse output, which TU leveraged to connect its Gateway/Bridge unit.
- This integration enabled real-time data capture and visualisation on TU’s PowerRadar dashboard, displaying:
- Volume (m³)
- Flow rate (m³/h)
Implementation
The installation was carried out by TU’s internal team and took just 2 hours to complete and commission. This rapid deployment demonstrated the simplicity and efficiency of the Panoramic Power solution.
Results
- The council gained remote, real-time visibility into water usage.
- The need for manual meter readings was eliminated, saving both time and operational costs.
- The system provided automated alerts for anomalies, such as:
- Unexpected water flow outside scheduled pumping times.
- Sudden stoppages indicating potential faults.
Impact
With accurate and timely data now at their fingertips, the council can:
- Optimise irrigation schedules based on actual usage.
- Respond quickly to issues, reducing water waste and improving resource management.
- Enhance sustainability efforts by making data-driven decisions.
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Our expert team can help you unlock significant energy savings with a short-term return on investment (ROI). Typically, we can identify up to 25% savings with an ROI of less than 2 years.
We achieve this by conducting a comprehensive site-wide energy audit (Type 1), examining everything from lighting and HVAC systems to chillers, boilers, refrigeration and other energy-intensive systems. Additionally, we install Panoramic Power our non-intrusive energy intelligence system, providing real-time device-level energy data visibility. For more information check out a brief overview of our service here.
Ready to start saving? Contact us today to schedule your energy audit and begin your journey towards greater efficiency and cost savings!
by Pravind Singh | Oct 20, 2025 | Case Studies, Waste
Client Overview
A leading retirement village and aged care provider operating across multiple sites in New Zealand faced rising waste management costs and operational inefficiencies. With a strong commitment to sustainability and resident wellbeing, the organisation engaged Total Utilities to conduct a comprehensive review of their waste and recycling services.
Challenges Identified
- Bin configurations were inconsistent and often not fit for purpose.
- On-site equipment lacked compliance with Health and Safety regulations, posing risks to staff and residents.
- Recycling signage was unclear or absent, leading to low waste diversion rates.
- Rates across sites varied significantly and were not market competitive.
- Collection methodologies were outdated, inconvenient, and not optimised for site layouts.
- Multiple supplier contracts resulted in fragmented service and limited visibility.
- Supplier account management was reactive, with poor reporting and lack of proactive engagement.
Total Utilities’ Approach
Total Utilities initiated a Waste Services RFP process, focusing on:
- Site-Specific Bin Review: Evaluated bin types, sizes, and placement to ensure they were fit for purpose and aligned with actual waste generation patterns.
- Health & Safety Compliance Audit: Assessed all equipment for regulatory compliance, recommending upgrades where necessary to ensure safe handling and accessibility.
- Recycling Engagement Strategy: Introduced clear, consistent signage across all sites to encourage recycling and improve waste diversion rates.
- Market Rate Benchmarking: Compared current rates with market standards, identifying significant opportunities for cost reduction.
- Optimised Collection Methodology: Proposed changes to collection schedules and access points, improving operational efficiency and ease of use for staff.
- Contract Consolidation: Streamlined multiple supplier agreements into a single, integrated contract, reducing administrative burden and improving service consistency.
- Enhanced Supplier Accountability: Implemented structured account management with regular reporting, performance reviews, and proactive issue resolution.
Results Achieved
- 35% reduction in annual waste and recycling costs
- Improved recycling rates through better signage and education
- Enhanced safety and compliance across all sites
- Simplified contract management and improved supplier performance
- Greater visibility and control over waste operations
Conclusion
By taking a holistic and data-driven approach, Total Utilities delivered substantial financial and operational benefits for the aged care provider. The project not only reduced costs but also supported the client’s sustainability goals and improved the living environment for residents.
How Total Utilities Can Help Your Business
Since 2024, the team at Total Utilities successfully managed $24 million worth of Waste and Recycling tenders, achieving impressive savings of $6.3 million for our clients. These savings ranged from as high as 59% to an average of 26% and were made up of better contract terms as well as increased landfill diversion.
If you need further assistance, Total Utilities offers procurement and advisory services to help you evaluate your options and make informed decisions about your waste contracts. Check out our services brochure.
by Chris Hargreaves | Aug 14, 2025 | News
In today’s fast-paced business world, organisations across Aotearoa are relying more than ever on a complex network of vendors and suppliers. After staff costs, the supply chain is often the biggest expense for any business. Yet, many companies struggle to manage these relationships effectively—leading to compliance risks, costly contract breaches, and underperforming suppliers.
While there are plenty of software tools out there, most fall short of delivering a truly integrated solution. What’s missing is a smart combination of technology and expert consulting to help businesses manage vendors and contracts strategically—not just administratively.
What’s the Gap?
The real gap lies in the disconnect between what businesses need and what most tools offer.
Many vendor and contract management platforms are either repurposed CRM systems or basic document storage tools. They might help with workflow automation or compliance tracking, but they often lack:
- Real-time performance monitoring
- Predictive analytics
- Risk mitigation tools
- Visibility into supplier costs, categories, and contract links
These tools tend to operate in silos, leaving businesses without the insights needed to make informed decisions. And without the internal expertise to build a robust vendor strategy, many organisations miss out on cost savings and expose themselves to unnecessary risk.
How Software + Consulting Can Close the Gap
A truly effective solution combines smart software with expert guidance.
On the tech side, imagine tools that offer:
- AI-powered supplier analysis
- Automated compliance alerts
- Dynamic dashboards
- Risk scoring models
Pair that with consulting support to:
- Segment suppliers strategically
- Optimise contract terms
- Establish best-practice onboarding and performance management
This dual approach ensures the technology aligns with your business goals—and that you’re getting the most out of it.
What Happens When the Gap Is Closed?
Closing this gap can transform how your business manages suppliers and contracts.
Benefits include:
- Lower operational risk
- Better compliance
- Cost efficiencies
- Stronger supplier partnerships
With better visibility and analytics, you can negotiate smarter, spot underperformance early, and avoid supply chain disruptions. Plus, you’ll be able to scale your vendor strategy as your business grows or the market shifts.
We Don’t Know What We Don’t Know
There’s a real opportunity here for Kiwi businesses to rethink how they manage vendors and contracts. By combining advanced tech with expert consulting, you can turn supplier relationships into strategic assets that drive competitive advantage.
Start Small, But Start
It’s okay to start small. Begin by reviewing your current supplier and contract management setup. Understand your stakeholders’ needs, identify key risks, and prioritise what matters most.
Then, let’s work together to build a software solution that fits your business.
Ready to take the next step?
Contact us today to book a consultation and explore how smarter vendor management can help your business thrive.
by chris | Aug 14, 2025 | News, Vendor Management
In today’s competitive business environment, every dollar saved through smart supplier management goes straight to your bottom line. In contrast, every extra dollar earned through sales only adds a fraction to your profit after costs. Yet, while many businesses invest heavily in Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Vendor Relationship Management (VRM) often gets overlooked—missing out on major savings, efficiency gains, and supplier-driven value.
At Total Utilities, we believe it’s time to flip the script. By taking a structured approach to VRM, Kiwi businesses can reduce costs, strengthen supplier relationships, and unlock long-term financial advantages.
Why Vendor Management Matters More Than Ever
While CRM is essential for growing revenue, VRM is just as critical for protecting and enhancing profit. Every dollar saved through better supplier management is a dollar earned—without the overheads.
Strong supplier relationships don’t just lead to better pricing. They also reduce operational risks, improve service levels, and create opportunities for innovation and collaboration. When you give vendor management the same attention as customer management, you’re not just running leaner—you’re running smarter.
Why Now is the Right Time for VRM
Vendor Relationship Management (also known as Supplier Relationship Management or SRM) is gaining momentum across Aotearoa and globally. If you haven’t embraced it yet, now’s the time.
VRM is about more than just managing contracts. It’s about using the right tools, processes, and insights to build stronger, more strategic partnerships with your suppliers. Done well, it helps you unlock value you didn’t even know was there—while reducing costs and improving resilience.
Cutting Costs Where It Counts
Suppliers often account for a significant portion of business expenses—sometimes more than internal costs. That’s why focusing on supplier relationships is one of the most effective ways to reduce spend.
- Negotiate better pricing and terms
- Access exclusive discounts and incentives
- Reduce hidden costs from delays, errors, or inefficiencies
Loyal suppliers are more likely to go the extra mile—offering faster lead times, proactive service, and even value-added extras at no extra cost.
Maximising Value, Not Just Minimising Spend
Vendor management isn’t just about cutting costs—it’s about getting the most from every dollar you spend.
With the help of automation and data insights, you can:
- Monitor supplier performance and risk
- Identify trends and opportunities
- Make proactive, informed decisions
When suppliers feel valued and engaged, they’re more likely to prioritise your business, offer competitive pricing, and collaborate on ways to improve performance.
The Bottom Line
Effective vendor management delivers more than operational efficiency—it delivers strategic and financial advantage. It means:
- Lower costs
- Better deals
- Fewer surprises
- Stronger competitive positioning
In short, it’s about working smarter—not harder—to drive profitability.
How Total Utilities Can Help
If this resonates with you, we’re offering a 50% discount on our vendor management consultancy services to the first 10 early adopters.
You’ll work directly with our in-house expert, Cathy Adams, to:
- Optimise supplier relationships
- Reduce costs
- Maximise value
Ready to get started?
Contact us now to claim your discounted consultation and take control of your vendor management strategy.
by Chris Hargreaves | Jul 19, 2025 | Case Studies, News, Panoramic Power
And Solved It in Just 5 Minutes ⚡
At Total Utilities, we’re always looking for smarter ways to help Kiwi businesses reduce energy costs and improve operational efficiency. One of our recent pilot programmes with a logistics company delivered exactly that—and the results were both immediate and eye-opening.
We installed Panoramic Power, a real-time energy monitoring system, at one of their trial sites. Within just 24 hours, the system flagged 74kW of continuous energy waste. The source? A few misconfigured control settings in the site’s Building Management System (BMS). The solution? A simple five-minute adjustment.
💡 The impact:
- $10,000+ in annual savings, unlocked almost instantly
- No need for major upgrades or capital investment
- Immediate ROI from a low-risk pilot programme
But the story doesn’t end there.
As the system continued to monitor energy use, it uncovered a further $60,000 in potential savings—this time related to the site’s refrigeration system. These insights are now guiding the client’s decisions around future upgrades, maintenance priorities, and operational changes.
Why this matters:
This pilot proves the power of real-time energy visibility. It’s not just about identifying waste—it’s about enabling fast, cost-effective fixes that deliver measurable results. For businesses in logistics, manufacturing, or any energy-intensive sector, this kind of insight can be a game-changer.
Energy waste often hides in plain sight. Without the right tools, it goes unnoticed—and costs businesses thousands every year. With Panoramic Power, our clients gain the clarity they need to act quickly and confidently.
Ready to uncover hidden savings in your operations?
Whether you’re managing a single site or a nationwide network, we can help you take control of your energy use and unlock real value.
👉 Book a demo today and see how Panoramic Power can transform your energy strategy.
by Chris Hargreaves | Jul 19, 2025 | Case Studies, Energy
🚛 A Strategic Win for Smarter Energy Procurement
At Total Utilities, we’re passionate about helping Kiwi businesses navigate the complexities of energy procurement—especially in a market where prices continue to climb and certainty is hard to come by.
Recently, we partnered with a nationwide truck dealership and service agent facing a familiar challenge: a looming electricity contract renewal with a significant price increase from their existing retailer. With multiple sites across Aotearoa and rising operational costs, they needed a smarter, more strategic approach to energy management.
That’s where we came in.
Through a competitive tender process, market benchmarking, and strategic negotiation, we secured a new electricity contract with an alternate supplier—15% lower than the renewal offer. But the benefits didn’t stop there.
The Results:
✅ 15% reduction in electricity costs
✅ Improved contract terms and flexibility
✅ Enhanced long-term energy certainty across multiple locations
This outcome is a testament to the power of informed decision-making and proactive energy strategy. By leveraging market insights and our deep industry expertise, we helped our client not only save money but also gain confidence in their energy future.
Why It Matters:
Energy is often one of the top operating expenses for businesses, yet many organisations renew contracts without exploring alternatives. In today’s volatile energy landscape, taking a strategic approach can unlock significant savings and resilience.
If your business is approaching a contract renewal or simply wants to understand its energy options better, we’d love to kōrero. Whether you’re a single-site operator or a nationwide enterprise, we’re here to help you make smarter energy decisions.
📣 Let’s Talk
If your business is approaching a contract renewal, managing multiple sites, or simply wants to explore smarter energy options—now is the time to act. Reach out to Total Utilities for a no-obligation kōrero about how we can help you reduce costs, improve certainty, and future-proof your energy strategy.
Stay informed. Stay prepared.
As New Zealand continues its transition to a low-carbon future, Total Utilities will keep bringing you the latest insights and opportunities to stay ahead.
