Energy utilities and meter-reader service providers are striving to get smarter about the collection and presentation of metering data. It’s driven by both gaining efficiencies and providing consumers with better information.
The solution is to develop a smart approach to meter data collection – and that’s where we come in.
SevenX delivers improved efficiency and quality outcomes for organisations managing meter data collection.
For example, the SevenX system has enabled Sydney Water to improve and simplify its quarterly reading cycle. It does this by providing server software that manages field force logistics, and collects meter data from handheld units (HHU) in the field via manual or automated reads. Based on open technology, SevenX allows Sydney Water to use commodity-priced handheld computers, rather than expensive and inflexible proprietary hardware.
The latest development is the SevenX app, which is basically an upgrade of the original solution, and has recently been purchased by Endeavour Energy in alliance with the utilities division of UGL Limited.
Endeavour is the operator of the electrical distribution network for Greater Western Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Southern Highlands and the Illawarra region of New South Wales.
UGL Limited’s engineering expertise provides power infrastructure, networks and storage, as well as renewable energies such as wind and solar.
Endeavour Energy has outsourced its field force work to UGL. Since all the IT systems are remaining with Endeavour, UGL and Endeavour staff have teamed up to form an alliance around
energy meter reading. The latest version of SevenX – an Android app – is their meter reading solution of choice.
“Everything’s online with the SevenX app,” DataCol’s Solutions Architect, Hemal Gala, said.
“It means there’s no need for meter readers to come into the office. They can take their handheld device home with them, then head straight out into the field again the next day.
“They can still be monitored by people in the office, but it means they are not having to go in and out multiple times a day to find out where their next reading is.”
Data is generated in real time from the handheld devices back to the servers, so it can be monitored and analysed more efficiently.
“With the old system, meter readers had to go back into the office to dock their reader and that would be the only opportunity to download the data,” DataCol’s Development Manager, Bruce Franks, said.
“The SevenX app means they are getting up-to-date data throughout the day.”
The alliance represents the first DataCol customer to start using the new SevenX app. With the app, the alliance has realised a significant gain in efficiencies, a big saver in both time and cost, and a move to the latest technology in energy solutions.
A case study chronicling their experience is currently being developed and will soon be published on the DataCol website.
This partner content was brought to you by DataCol. For more information about SevenX, the complete meter reading solution for water, energy and gas, visit www.DataCol.com.au.
