Client
Services
Other topics
Zip Water partnered with Liveware to design and build a connected mobile application supporting its next-generation residential hot water system.
Executive Summary
Following its backend modernisation, Zip aimed to provide homeowners with a seamless mobile experience for monitoring and controlling connected devices. Liveware delivered a cross-platform app integrated with IoT hardware and a secure backend, establishing a scalable foundation for Zip’s expansion into the smart residential market.
The result is a modern, user-centric mobile platform that enhances customer experience while strengthening Zip’s connected product strategy.
The Challenge
About ZIP
Founded in Sydney in 1947, Zip Water is a global leader in premium drinking water systems, employing over 700 people with annual revenues exceeding $500m. Operating across Australia, Europe, and North America, the company combines advanced engineering with IoT connectivity to lead the smart water solution market.
As Zip expanded to residential smart water systems, delivering a connected mobile experience became critical.
This resulted in…
- Designing a seamless interface for device control and monitoring
- Supporting both Bluetooth and WiFi device communication
- Ensuring secure, reliable integration between mobile app, IoT hardware, and backend services
- Integrating with multiple third-party systems supporting device management and servicing
- Delivering a consumer-grade experience aligned to premium hardware positioning
To remain competitive in the growing smart home market, Zip required a scalable mobile architecture that could evolve alongside its IoT product line.
The Solution
A connected mobile and backend ecosystem designed to deliver secure, intuitive control of residential IoT devices.
Technology
Developed a cross-platform mobile app for iOS and Android with a cloud-based backend for device communication, user management, and service orchestration.
Integration
Mobile app connects to the IoT device through Bluetooth and WiFi, integrating with the backend system and various third-party platforms for servicing, consumables, and device management.
Experience (User Experience)
The app enables users to:
- Control hot and cold water temperature settings
- Configure dispense times
- Receive fault notifications and service alerts
- Reorder consumables
- Manage service requests
Collaboration
With Zip’s hardware, firmware, and product teams ensured smooth interoperability between physical device controls and digital interfaces.
The Outcomes
By anchoring its physical hardware in a scalable, IoT-driven mobile architecture, Zip redefined its product offering as a seamless and connected smart environment.
99.99%
Achieved backend availability target for device communication
35-45%
Reduced manual service coordination through automated in-app notifications
30%
Accelerated feature deployment cycles through modular design
Which resulted in the following qualitative impact
- Elevated customer experience through intuitive device control
- Strengthened Zip’s position in the smart home market
- Created a recurring digital touchpoint with residential customers
- Enabled data-driven product insights and service optimisation
Why It Matters
By combining IoT connectivity with a scalable mobile architecture, Zip transformed a physical product into a connected smart ecosystem.
- Mobile-first design boosts residential product adoption.
- Secure backend integration is essential for IoT reliability.
- Connected products foster continuous customer engagement.
- Digital capabilities must advance with hardware innovation.
Stop managing the past.
Start building the future.
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