At the heart of this transformation is the concept of the "package system." Wilkinson explained that these systems integrate all necessary components – pumps, valves, fittings, piping, motors, variable frequency drives, and controls – onto a single bedplate. This pre-fabricated design streamlines installation, reducing the complexity and time required for setup. As Wilkinson noted, "what could have been a complicated and time-consuming installation, building that type of system from the ground up, effectively becomes a drop-in installation."

The benefits of packaged systems extend beyond modular construction. Wilkinson emphasized that they simplify the retrofitting process in existing buildings and new, ground-up construction. The turnkey nature of these solutions minimizes the customer's workload, requiring only connection to power and plumbing supply and discharge lines.

He explained, "So effectively, their job is to uncrate the product, sort of orient that in place and secure it, apply power, which is generally to a single point on the package, and then plumb their supply and discharge lines."

Xylem is continually enhancing its product line to better serve customers seeking turnkey solutions. A key focus is on developing more intuitive, user-friendly controller technologies. The goal, according to Wilkinson, is to make packaged systems, which can be intimidating, accessible to users without extensive prior experience. He stated, "So essentially, one of our primary goals is to make package system products ... so easy to use that nearly anybody can be comfortable programming and commissioning the products, even without extensive prior experience with variable frequency drives, controls or package system type products."

The modular nature of packaged systems lends itself to customization. Wilkinson's product family is highly customizable, with foundational components and designs that can be configured to meet specific application requirements.

This modularity allows for millions of possible combinations, enabling Xylem to offer an expansive product portfolio. Wilkinson noted, "So we have, you know, certain designs that sort of are foundational to us, and then just sort of branch off of that as we need to, depending on what a customer needs."

A crucial aspect of Xylem's packaged systems is the use of variable frequency drives. These drives optimize energy use by varying pump speed based on real-time system feedback, such as pressure or flow. This intelligent control is particularly beneficial in buildings with fluctuating demand, like hotels, where system requirements change throughout the day. "Usually pressure, but sometimes flow, it can vary the speed of a pump, or multiple pumps, to only really use the energy required to meet the demand at that time,” Wilkinson explained. “The system can run at a slower speed, which provides significant energy savings.”

When customizing packaged systems, Wilkinson advises customers to collaborate with Xylem's application engineering team. They will review specifications, vet the system, and ensure it is tested and ready for operation upon delivery.