Infrastructure Development Since 1981
Infrastructure Development Since 1981
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology is rapidly evolving, and it's essential for water utilities and stakeholders to keep pace with these advancements to maximize the benefits and make informed decisions.
The rise of AMI has been a substantial benefit to water utilities as it goes beyond billing data to provide deep insights into water distribution systems and offers an important tool in delivering the highest quality drinking water. It enables utilities to collect accurate and real-time data on water consumption, detect leaks, and optimize water distribution network with adequate and quality water supply.
However, that advancement has also generated a significant obstacle. Until recently, the most viable way to facilitate the flow of information generated by AMI has been through a proprietary, fixed communication network that utilities had to install or pay to establish and then maintain themselves. Not only is this expensive, it also means municipalities are essentially stuck with their technology vendor, regardless of future needs, as there is no incentive for the vendor to open the network.
Here are some key considerations for keeping up with AMI technology.
Cellular Based Solutions: The cellular-based AMI solutions are infrastructure-free. By leaving network communications to the experts, the technology enables long-range communication that can be rolled out quickly and allows utilities to be flexible in their approach to metering and monitoring needs.
Cellular-based AMI technology eliminates the need for an entire freestanding communication network and provides the flexibility for utility to roll out a new system in a way that makes the most sense for them. For example, with a cellular-based system, utilities can start by focusing only on the commercial and industrial accounts that generate a majority of their revenue and then upgrade residential accounts on a staggered basis over time.
Before committing to a cellular or fixed-network AMI solution, utilities should accurately evaluate the entire lifecycle cost of both. For a fixed network, this includes the capital costs and upkeep that will likely be needed over several decades. Cellular has become the most resilient, reliable and universal means of communication in any industry. As a result, it is now relied on by millions of people across the country to transmit information of all kinds. With the rise of cellular-based AMI solutions, there are few situations going forward where a fixed-network system would make financial sense.
Follow Industry Trends: Staying informed about the latest trends, innovations, and best practices in AMI technology will help understand emerging technologies, new standards, and regulatory changes that could impact the AMI deployment. Keeping involved with people and institution that provide a platform for networking, knowledge sharing, and collaboration with peers and experts in the field helps in upgrading the understanding.
Conduct Pilot Projects: Stay proactive by conducting pilot projects and proof-of-concepts to test new technologies and solutions before large-scale deployments. This allows assessing their performance, reliability, and compatibility with the existing infrastructure before going on large scale implementation. Collect feedback from pilot participants to understand their experience and identify areas for improvement.
Embrace Interoperability and Open Standards: Ensure that AMI infrastructure follows open standards to foster interoperability between different devices, systems, and vendors. This flexibility allows integrating new technologies seamlessly and avoiding vendor lock-in. Stay informed about the latest developments in standards such as the Open Smart Grid Protocol (OSGP) or the Common Information Model (CIM). Also exploring advanced data analytics and visualization tools to unlock the full potential of the data collected through AMI system that will help in informed decision making. Machine learning algorithms, predictive analytics, and real-time dashboards can provide valuable insights into consumption patterns, demand response opportunities, and system performance.
Long-term Planning: Develop a long-term roadmap for AMI technology, considering both current and future needs. Continuously evaluate and update plans based on evolving technology, regulatory requirements, and changing customer expectations. This will help align the investments and strategic decisions with the broader vision of utilities.
The AMI technology is not a one-time implementation but an ongoing process. By actively engaging with the industry, staying informed about advancements, and strategically planning AMI roadmap, utilities can ensure that they keep pace with the evolving technology and maximize the benefits for the organization and customers.