swimlocal™ is the database system used by Service Providers (SPs) to manage their water and sewerage data and prepared it for reporting to government agencies via SWIM™. The software is designed to operate within each SP, moving Quality Assurance (QA) and Quality Control (QC) processes closer to the point of data capture. swimlocal™ provides flexibility in how SPs collect, enter, and manage their information, while also integrating with other local systems.
The system has been developed with strong participation from our members. Many features have been created directly in response to operational needs identified by councils across Queensland. swimlocal™ was originally modelled on a system developed by Gympie Regional Council, and major additions, such as the Task Module, were created in a direct response to needs identified by Banana Shire Council. Ongoing updates continue to be guided by member collaboration.
Sixty-five Queensland and four NSW service provider currently use the fully licensed version of swimlocal™, with all 76 qldwater members able to access the free (limited) SWIM Annual Data Tool for their mandatory reporting. The swimlocal software first went ‘live’ in November 2012, with the free web-based Annual Data Tool first used for 2014/15 reporting. The SWIM Annual Data system is now being used by 68 entities from South Australia.
The annual licence and maintenance fee for swimlocal™ is based on the size of the service provider (number of connections) and follows a cost-recovery model. Pricing is available by contacting qldwater at swim@qldwater.com.au.
swimlocal™ Tools
Service Providers can access a suite of tools, available in both desktop and web-based formats:
1.Admin Tool (Desktop and Web)
Create, edit or remove users, schemes, sites, categories, indicators, tasks and alerts
2.Annual Data Tool (Web)
Enter and edit annual water and sewerage data for submission to SWIM™
3.Operations Tool (Desktop and Web)
Enter and edit operation (daily) data
4.Reporting Tool (Web)
Extract data for internal/external reporting. Includes interactive dashboards and mapboards
New additions:
1.Transition to secure Web-based Tools
All Desktop Tools are moving toward fully web-based, secure version, enabling data entry directly from mobile devices (e.g. tables and phones).
2.Enhanced Web Reporting Tool
The new Web Reporting Tool can generate tables and graphs to support interactive Dashboards and Mapboards
3.New IT Helpdesk and online help request form
This allows qldwater to efficiently triage user questions, track recurring issues, and identify opportunities for system improvements.
The swimlocal™ Licence Fee includes initial training and help with setup, and ongoing technical support (via phone and email) during working hours to all licensed users. Contact SWIM Manager David Scheltinga on 0415 881 195 or email swim@qldwater.com.au.