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Automatic meter reading (AMR)
AMR: Upgrading manual meters for real-time data and savings
Reducing operational costs has been one of the points of emphasis for businesses in the last years. One of the problems in reducing water costs and consumption is the fact that there are many old analogue and pulse meters being used. This is where automatic meter reading (AMR) devices come in place, as they can work with the old meter to deliver the benefits of modern meters that include tracking consumption, better leak detection, and water spending analysis. Automatic meter reading eliminates the need to go to the site and get a manual reading, saving time and money. Depending on the type of meter the client receives, they can have a meter reading every fifteen minutes, hourly, or daily. For meters with pulses, businesses can get real-time data that can exponentially upgrade their water usage analysis. This allows them to understand their usage trends and correct anything outside the ordinary. On the other hand, there is even an option to add daily automatic reads to analogue legacy meters. In both cases, AMRs provide an excellent choice for accurate billing, saving labour time, and conserving water.
Partnering with The Water Retail Company
Fill out the form below to take the first step in upgrading your legacy meters and enhancing your water management.
Request serviceWhat is an AMR?
Automatic meter reading is a device that is attached to an old meter with pulses or an analogue meter to deliver real-time data. They can deliver data as often as every fifteen minutes. Two automatic meter readers are most commonly used: a limpet reader and an automatic meter reading.
Limpet reader is specifically designed to work with legacy analogue meters that do not have a pulse output. It works by taking an image of the meter and sending it to a secure database to be processed. Then, the value displayed on the meter is converted to a data value. After that, time and date values are added to each data value. These readings are available to a customer on a secure platform. Available data time intervals are daily, weekly, and monthly, depending on the contract. Eligible customers are emailed if the consumption is too high. Upgrading old analogue meters with limpet reader technology offers clients an option for accurate and automatic billing and removes the old way of estimating a meter.
Automatic meter readers without data loggers work with pulse-enabled meters. They deliver data every fifteen minutes, which can be extrapolated to hourly, daily, and monthly data. This data can be exported in Excel and viewed on a platform as part of the charts, graphs, or tables. This gives businesses an overview of their overall water usage at their fingertips. Companies can use this data to create a reference year to compare other years. They can set up yearly targets and compare how they did to a reference year. Another exciting benefit of AMRs is the introduction of alerts and alarms. Many advanced AMRs can offer an option to compare fifteen-minute data to a set-up threshold or a reference. Then, the user is updated on any considerable inconsistencies via email.
Automatic meter reading with data loggers offers all the same benefits as AMRs without data loggers, with the addition of storing the data locally. This is particularly useful for areas where data connectivity is unreliable. The way it works is that these AMRs store pulse data locally and then send the data in bulk when they get re-connected to the network.
Important considerations
Before installing AMRs, three essential aspects need to be considered:
- Current meter: Not every meter works with every AMR device. For example, if fifteen-minute data is needed, an old meter may be replaced, which could incur additional costs. For legacy analogue meters, only limpet readers can be installed. For real-time data, a pulse meter has to be present. Businesses with many industrial complexes need to work with the water company to devise the best plan for them. In some cases, some advanced features of the AMR may not be required for buildings with less water consumption. For others with large consumption, features like alerts, alarms, and targets may be crucial to mitigate operational costs.
- Network coverage: Automatic meter reading needs a stable mobile network for data to be delivered, especially for meters delivering data many times a day. If there are any business premises located in the area with unreliable network access, it could be challenging to have a stable data delivery. Before setting up AMRs, companies should check the data connectivity of the areas where the AMRs will be installed. For regions with unreliable networks, AMRs with data loggers can be installed.
- Maintenance: As with every meter, AMRs have to be maintained regularly to ensure excellent service for a long time, and the party that owns the meter is responsible for this. Meters usually last up to 15 years. Their batteries also last a long time but must be considered in the long run. As with other devices, calibration is required to ensure consistent good use. Even though AMRs reduce the number of visits from technicians, in case of physical damage, failure of communication lines, or any other faults, a visit from professional technicians is required.
Implementation and costs
Automatic meter reading installation is a routine operation that does not include any infringement on water usage, and it only takes about an hour. During the visit, the technician can provide the customer with a manual for tracking their consumption. This can also be arranged in prior communication. If the meter is outside of the premises, the installation will be contactless and will not require the presence of the customer. If the meter is inside the premises, a technician will ensure a safe installation. In both cases, the business will be contacted prior to the installation to go over all the details of implementing the meter. The cost of AMRs depends on the features that they come with, including meter and installation costs and number of AMRs that need to be installed.
Benefits for businesses
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Cost savings
By using automatic meter readers, businesses cut costs in a variety of ways. Firstly, it eliminates the need to take the read manually. This reduces the requirement for manual labour and saves time. Secondly, there are fewer visits to the site. Since AMRs provide real-time data, technicians rarely come for maintenance and billing disputes. Finally, AMRs offer accurate and automatic billing without estimations, so the businesses pay only what they spend.
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Leak detection
One of the biggest reasons for significant increases in water bills are leaks. Even smaller businesses can spend hundreds of additional pounds because of leaks, and this increases exponentially for larger companies. AMR allows customers to track their spending across their buildings, see real-time water consumption inconsistencies, and get real-time alerts of peaks in water usage.
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Unaccounted usage
Businesses that install AMRs can detect places with burst pipes, theft, or unauthorised usage. Since AMRs provide hourly or daily data, businesses can quickly notice the huge jump in water consumption and address the issue. They can also see if there is any water usage during non-operating hours for the business or in areas that are not operating.
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Detailed reporting and analysis
Track consumption patterns and identify areas that need better optimisation. Consumption data profile that gives the customer insight into their historical spending. Look for trends in usage and benchmark with similar buildings. Businesses can use this data to improve their operation efficiency, reduce costs, and improve sustainability.
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Sustainability
Businesses promote water preservation by minimising unaccounted usage, improving efficiency data, and preventing significant leaks. Taking into consideration the amount of energy, including electricity, used to get water from place to place, it is important to establish water fair use as one of the environmental goals
Verdict
Automatic Meter Reading offers a transformative water management solution for businesses of different sizes. Businesses with smaller premises can reap the benefits of automatic, accurate billing without the headaches of estimating the meters, all while saving them time by eliminating manual reads and technician visits. Businesses with larger premises and multiple industrial complexes can go even further and understand their water usage in detail, from how they spend their water during operating hours and peak hours to catching any unusual consumption during non-operating hours. Generally, using AMRs can reduce water waste and leaks, promoting responsible water use, which is a benefit for stakeholders.
Partnering with The Water Retail Company
The Water Retail Company is committed to upgrading the old legacy water meters with automatic meter reading devices, specifically designed for your business needs. Our AMR solutions seamlessly work alongside analogue and pulse meters to deliver a modern water management approach that helps save time and costs. Our team will help you analyse your needs and devise a strategy for installing AMR devices per the specific requirements of your existing water meters and business operations. In case of poor connectivity, we will install a meter with a data logging option to ensure consistent data delivery. All our solutions follow industry standards, and, with The Water Retail Company, you will be able to make a lasting positive impact on your operational and sustainability goals.
Fill out the form below to take the first step in upgrading your legacy meters and enhancing your water management.
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