Badger Meter Unveils Groundbreaking Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) Solution That Helps Utiilities 'Leap Ahead'

First AMA system created specifically for water and gas utilities combines powerful analytics-based software with proven two-way fixed network technology

A leading innovator and manufacturer of advanced metering and flow measurement solutions, Badger Meter (BMI) is launching the first Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) solution designed for the unique needs of water and gas utilities. AMA is the next generation of water and gas metering technology that incorporates mobile and fixed network reading capabilities, along with a host of automated utility management tools to further increase utility productivity and revenue. It is comprised of ReadCenter Analytics software coupled with new ORION SE two-way fixed network technology, which is complemented by a family of highly accurate and reliable meters and encoders.

"While most fixed networks enable utilities to collect raw metering data, the real power of a network is in the ability to systematically organize the data into meaningful and actionable information," explains Rich Meeusen, chairman, president and CEO of Badger Meter. "Our Advanced Metering Analytics solution helps utilities to ‘leap ahead' by providing them with the tools and information they need to proactively manage operations into the future."

Advanced Metering Analytics (AMA) provides proactive utility management
The AMA solution from Badger Meter supports water and gas utilities in six major areas: superior customer service delivery, water and energy conservation (specific to water management), revenue management, operations/asset management, government regulation, and information integration. For example, the customer service functionality includes the ability to analyze customer consumption over selected periods. This information can be printed and mailed, or even provided via a customer web portal for easy access. It is a helpful tool for utility customers to monitor and manage use, and it helps gas and water utilities to mitigate usage disputes.

When it comes to revenue management, AMA enables utilities to track consumption profiles of their largest customers and then design alerts to notify them of irregularities. Because AMA facilitates continuous data monitoring, it helps eliminate the need to run reports to find exception conditions. It also helps in operations and asset management with modules that allow utilities to easily schedule and track maintenance. Plus, customizable reporting features provide a utility with the specific information they need, when they need it.

In the area of water and energy conservation, AMA facilitates rapid water leak detection because it enables utilities to uncover premise and distribution system leaks through continual usage flags, acoustic leak detection and analysis of district metering areas. It also provides the ability to monitor the effects of water conservation programs such as odd/even watering restrictions and implementation of low flow devices in homes.

Customizable and adaptable to individual utility preferences
Morrice Blackwell, marketing manager, Badger Meter, explains that each utility has unique needs and Badger Meter AMA was developed with scalability in mind. "We understand the diverse needs of our many customers and have accounted for that in the design of this pioneering solution," he says. "It provides vital information that utilities need, when they need it, and in the format of their choice...all to improve the decision-making and management process. And because it's a web-based solution, it's easy to administer and deploy."

According to Dan Merritt, marketing manager, gas products, Badger Meter, AMA offers gas utilities many of the same benefits in proactive operation and efficiency as it does for water utilities. "This advanced software paired with our new two-way network solution provides an inventive management tool. This is a perfect solution for those utilities that provide both gas and water services."

Utilities can use ReadCenter Analytics to satisfy their individual business requirements and goals. Here is how it works: the utility defines a system exception condition with the analytics templates; next the utility decides which accounts to monitor for the exception condition; then they decide who to alert when there is an exception and how (to-do list, e-mail, SMS text, or system dashboard); ReadCenter

Analytics software continually monitors incoming system data for the exception condition and then notifies the appropriate personnel when it occurs; utility personnel can then decide what action to take.

For example, to aid in detecting a water meter malfunction that could lead to a loss of revenue, a utility could set an exception condition so that as consumption falls below a certain level on any commercial meter, the meter foreman receives an SMS text. ReadCenter Analytics software continually monitors the data and when the exception occurs a notification is sent. The foreman can assign a field technician to investigate the irregularity and make any necessary repairs.

New ORION Network solutions provide added flexibility
Blackwell adds, "Not only have we developed our ReadCenter Analytics software to be flexible, but we have also updated our network solutions so they are even more flexible. We now provide the ability to combine network solutions as well as migrate from a mobile to a fixed two-way network. In this way, our solutions are long-term for utilities. Plus, we are continuously integrating feedback into our products so they evolve with our customers."

Badger Meter now offers three AMR/AMI solutions for water and gas utilities under the ORION product umbrella: ORION SE system (two-way fixed network); ORION ME system (two-way mobile system with the option to upgrade) and ORION CE system (one-way local IR collection). The new ORION SE system works together with ReadCenter Analytics software to create the powerful AMA solution that enables proactive utility management. The ORION ME system is a new migratable network solution that can be upgraded easily to the SE system. And, the ORION CE system is a flexible and reliable mobile option that uses bubble-up (broadcast) technology to eliminate the need for a FCC license.

Expertise plus precise, high-quality meters and encoders round-out AMA solution
As the market leader in water metering solutions, Badger Meter is known for dependable meters and encoders that deliver exacting measurement. Badger Meter offers a complete line of flow meters including: positive displacement nutating disc, turbo, compound, fire service, static, and electromagnetic (mag). In addition, Badger Meter supports utilities at every step — from decision-making and solution selection, to installation, testing, and field support. The company's experienced team of experts helps utilities manage projects to ensure that installation and deployment go smoothly. In addition, it offers training as well as field and technical support.

About Badger Meter
Badger Meter is a leading innovator, manufacturer and marketer of flow measurement and control products, serving water utilities, municipalities and industrial customers worldwide. Measuring a variety of liquids — from water to oil and lubricants in industrial processes — products from Badger Meter are known for their high degree of accuracy, long-lasting durability and their ability to provide valuable and timely measurement information to customers. Residential and commercial metering technology from Badger Meter is designed for optimal system performance, superior reading and billing accuracy, and maximized revenue generation. For more information, visit www.badgermeter.com.

SOURCE: Badger Meter