AMR

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) has evolved rapidly in the past 10 years with improvements in existing technology and the introduction of new technology to provide a range of solutions for end users. The challenge utilities face is determining; a) if there is a cost benefit for their business and b) if so, what is the right solution/s for their application/s.

ITOnline works with AMR manufactures or suppliers to provide the best solution for our customers, our CASYS system provides both manual meter reading and a data management solutions for AMR. We offer an AMR system design and hardware procurement service to our clients to determine the best AMR solution for their needs and if required, we can manage, or assist in the installation and commissioning process.

The AMR business case begins with 1 of 2 options; 'all of fleet', or 'selective application'. All of fleet is generally justified by water conservation requiring a complex business case to justify the cost of real time, or on demand meter reading solutions. Selective applications are far simpler to both identify and justify based on easily defined variables. Typically selective AMR options are as follows:

  • Add AMR transponders to selected meters which are either inaccessible, hard to read or an OH&S issue, for either a walk by, drive by, or locally networked for a back to base solution.
  • Close set location for multi- meters on a single property (up to 4 meters per device) for all meter sizes for residential, commercial or industrial sites
  • Fixed networks for either high rise or new subdivisions.

Our Experience

ITOnline has built AMR solutions and interfaces since 1998 when we developed and implemented our first AMR metering and billing system through UDS for a Gold Coast shopping centre, followed by a prototype drive by system for Sydney Water.

ITOnline staff have implemented fixed networks of sub-meters in highrise developments, assisted in trials of various systems and field tested both drive by and walk by transponders in inaccessible sites within the CBD and inner suburbs of Sydney .

CASYS AMR Hub

ITOnline's CASYS system can manage your manual meter reads as well as serving as an AMR hub to collect and manage AMR readings including maintenance and service tasks. CASYS provides:

  • Database and management system for both manual and AMR readings.
  • Interface for current and future AMR systems.
  • Options for multiple AMR systems and technologies.
  • Interface to various billing systems.

Going forward

For councils new to AMR, the following steps are a simple guide to the process of automating your meter reading.

  1. Determine the potential meters, or areas where AMR could be applied.
  2. Determine the appropriate technology.
  3. Define the associated cost benefit.
  4. Evolve the above into a business case.
  5. Implement a trial (optional).
  6. Call for supply tender.

Meter Reading

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