RALEIGH, NC, April 22, 2008 -- Having the ability to issue monthly billing, enhance water conservation, and conduct office-based final meter reads are the crucial components of FlexNet, from Sensus Metering System, which prompted water officials from Horseheads, New York, to deploy this technologically advanced system as its meter reading solution.
More than 3,400 endpoints, with the patented FlexNet system, are now installed in this 3-square-mile village, which represents a total migration from the Sensus TouchRead system. FlexNet is a tower-based Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) solution that operates utilizing FCC licensed dedicated frequency owned by Sensus Metering Systems. This Primary-Use license provides crystal clear transmissions in an uninterrupted, undisturbed path that has up to double the power of competing systems.
The benefits of the move were experienced immediately. First, the utility could provide monthly billing instead of its previous quarterly billing system. Second, the advanced leak detection system allowed for faster repairs, which increased water conservation. Third, because of the legendary winters in this region, the ability to keep staff out of the harsh elements to complete meter reads helped drive the decision to deploy FlexNet, said Chris Lawrick, Director of Public Works, of Horseheads village.
"This new system takes the weather concerns and placing our staff into dangerous weather conditions out of the equation," Lawrick said, Because Horseheads already used Sensus' TouchRead system, officials saved time and money in the FlexNet deployment via the simple migration path from TouchRead to FlexNet. In addition, as a TouchRead customer, Horseheads was able to utilize the latest Sensus transmitter, featuring the patented TouchCoupler technology. Upgrading to the FlexNet system was accomplished by simply plugging the existing TR/PL into the new, assembled transmitter.
"We were able to optimize our manpower resources by having our own personnel handle the installation process," Lawrick added.
Finally, FlexNet's single-tiered architecture, primary use license system and its 2 watts of power is allowing for greater transmitter range from minimal infrastructure, which in turn is lowering operating costs, Lawrick said.
FlexNet is a simple, flexible and reliable RF fixed network utility meter reading system, which is designed to increase meter reading efficiency, reduce overhead costs, and enhance customer service. FlexNet offers both two-way and one-way fixed based monitoring for both urban and rural areas. The primary licensed system and high powered transmitters provide the most robust system available in the market. In addition, the system is designed to be scalable to accommodate growth as a utility expands the meter deployments throughout its service territory.
The Sensus Metering Systems companies are leading world-class providers of high-value metering, Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) and Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system solutions for water, gas, electric, and heat utilities as well as sub-metering entities worldwide.
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