Automated Meter Reading

Meter reading - if it's not happening in real time, it's not happening in today's market. But is automated meter reading the only way to go? Many vendors are offering automated meter reading solutions that are not suitable for the market's needs, resulting in large investments in technology that doesn't meet customer needs.

Real time solutions run the gamut from workflow management coordination, the use of lower-cost telecommunication infrastructures and automated meter reading solutions, to cost-effective handheld based data collection systems.

The jury is still out on the true value of a full automated meter reading rollout. There has been heated debate regarding the potential for full automated meter reading to wipe out other more traditional forms of data collection.

Automated meter reading seems to be a good option if the meter involves difficult access, rural or remote locations, a manual data collection system that costs an exorbitant amount to manage, or for an existing handheld based system.

However, automated meter reading is an expensive solution if all that is required is a monthly data check.

The effective price per read can be alarmingly high with automated meter reading.

What is often required is a suitable data collection system that allows a company to oversee the data collection workforce remotely, and which is smart enough to enable a supervisor to manage by exception. Automated meter reading is redundant if it does not front suitable end-to-end integration behind the scenes.

Take control of your data collection with a system that not only understands your data, but understands your business. Seven X is the only data collection system that can handle any collection medium, be it automated meter reading, Internet, wireless, or manual collection mechanism.