Launching our Testing Services for Customers event

Over 40 representatives from energy suppliers, device manufacturers and DCC users, from L&G, OVO Energy, EON, SECAS and more, attended the launch of our Testing Services for Customers event on 9 July in our Manchester-based HQ.

Reena Parmar, Head of Testing Services, welcomed guests to the event, saying:

She showcased DCC’s journey in the nationwide smart meter roll-out, highlighting our key milestones, from the launch of Entry Process Testing in 2015, to the opening of our Manchester-based Test Labs in 2019 and recent developments such as ECoS migration and Switching.

Reena then walked guests through DCC’s testing journey over the past decade and looked at what the future of testing could look like for suppliers, device manufacturers and our Other Users. She said: “Our testing services are evolving due to changes in the stakeholder, smart meter and technology landscapes. It is essential that we provide an efficient, stable and secure service, so we continue to adapt our approach to ensure that maximum benefit is attained for our customers, using future-proof solutions which minimise risks such as the challenges presented by future sunsetting.” Customers were encouraged to reach out to the team if they wanted to utilise the testing facilities at Brabazon House, which can be accessed either remotely or in person (contact the team using the Testing Services contact form).

Additional services coming online soon include Alt HAN testing support, CAD-G testing and variable load control testing, with cloud-based and virtual devices being on the future roadmap.

Reena said: “As the largest dedicated testing centre for smart devices in Europe, we are reducing costs to industry by providing centralised testing services which help customers unlock issues with new and existing devices, increasing efficiency and reducing time to market.”

Reena added, 

Next on the agenda was Bob Kullar, Director of Consulting Delivery at CGI. DCC works closely with CGI to ensure that customers are supported throughout the end-to-end testing journey. Bob outlined CGI's core services including test participant support, tech lead support, data management and defect management.

Closing out the morning session, Chris Barlow, Head of Innovation, provided an overview of our groundbreaking network emulator product, DCC Boxed, and the vital role it plays in supporting DCC users on their testing journey.

In the afternoon session, guests were split into three groups to visit six interactive market stalls covering the breadth of our testing services, new technology developments, seeing a live demo of DCC Boxed and taking part in our Test Labs tour, including an opportunity to view TAF's robotics demonstration and CGI's demonstration of monitoring.

We spoke to Johan Balt, Engineering VP at GEO, who commented: "I’ve been to visit DCC at Brabazon House a few times but it's the first time that I've been able to meet peers from other parts of the industry in addition to some of the DCC team.

The discussion around the testing services has been very interesting. As DCC users we are aware of the available testing services, but seeing what else is on the horizon is extremely useful for us. "

DCC’s Chief Technology Officer, Mike Hewitt closed the day, with an overview of DCC’s technology roadmap saying: