Smart Consult

Got a problem and don’t know how best to fix it? That’s where SmartConsult comes in!

With SWE consulting on your project you have professionals working as your very own problem-solving team – with your best interests at heart. Doing without is like going to court without a lawyer and representing yourself. Let us take care of it so you get the optimal solution, first time.

How does it work?

It starts with a problem you want to solve. Here are just some examples clients have come to us looking to solve:
• Atrocious yields (due to inappropriate or failing dripline).
• Compliance breaches which need rectifying.
• Inadequate water storage to withstand dry periods and droughts.
• Compromising optimal water delivery to crops due to lack of w ater.
• Inappropriate design of existing infrastructure, making it not fit for purpose.
• Aging or leaky old dams, sediment build-up, and water quality issues.
• A surveyor has planned vineyard block lay-out incompatible with
effective irrigation practice.

We’ll review what’s there, and discuss your goals and needs.
• We operate a ‘thinktank model‘ to analyse the data and consider the solutions. We’ll be brave and innovative and come back to you with options that are right for your individual needs and budget.
• We‘ll design your new solution or enhance the existing infrastructure.

You’ll benefit from:
• Our proven track record in designing large scale projects, new developments, dams, and water storage facilities.
• A professional team – one of only a few in Marlborough with the background, knowledge and expertise to consult on projects of large scale and complexity, and deliver with such evident success.
• Implementation of appropriate solutions for each particular vineyard, dam or development.
• Future-proofed water storage solutions to ensure adequate storage both now and in the years to come. No more need to compromise on when and how much you irrigate at times of need.
• Solutions which avoid power and water wastage, and unnecessary expenditure.

The benefits for you

Smarter Solutions
• It’s customer-led – so we deliver what you want.
• We design the most cost effective specifications and solutions for the unique needs of each project.
• Poor design can cause breakdowns, leaks and system inefficiency. Design-wise, we’ll make sure you have the best – the best solution, for the best outcome.
• Everything we deliver will comply with New Zealand standards and best practice.
• We consider the holistic context (from componentry to automation, pumping, management and reporting needs) – and put it all together in a way that makes sense for you.

Saving water; money well spent
• Based on measurements taken prior to our work on existing dams we can quantify considerable efficiency gains – an average of 25%. This corresponds to water which is no longer being lost and can now be used to irrigate vines.
• It’s all about return on investment. 10% yield gain on 100 hectares = $120,000 more revenue! *
• The United Nations illustrates the importance of investing in water with good design and maintenance when noting “On average, the benefits of investing in water management, sanitation, and hygiene range from USD$2 to USD$3 per dollar invested.”

*10% x 100ha x 10 tonnes average yield per ha x $1200 per tonne average price.

What our clients say

“Our yield was higher this year because our pump didn’t break down – the automation solution you created was elegant and effective.”

“Fantastic to have scientific analysis of the problem (chemical vs biological) and treat the exact issue.”

“Very useful reporting which provides insight into the effect of such variability in consumption upon the projected balance and  therefore days of irrigation available. Very helpful in managing application to ensure continuity of irrigation through the remainder of the season.”