Click here to enlarge imageItron's billing application provides water utilities with a single interface for consumption and tamper information. If the utility wants to analyze data further in their CIS or other applications, a published XML interface minimizes any additional programming for the IT department. Itron will even host the entire system for the utility, freeing up the IT Department and operating groups.
In addition, Itron has developed a unique set of Knowledge Applications that centers on turning the data collected through Itron's Water Fixed Network system into valuable knowledge that water utilities need to make critical business decisions. The Knowledge Applications are built on the Itron Enterprise Edition meter data management platform and use powerful data management and analysis tools.
Unique Applications for Tamper Analysis/Leak Management
Two unique applications, tamper analysis and leak management, enable utilities to realize additional revenue or reduce the impact of unbilled water usage and loss. Itron's Tamper Analysis application enables utilities to streamline their review of tamper flags coming from the WFN 2.5 and focus investigations on areas with high probability for theft. The Leak Management application is designed to help utilities identify areas where leakage is occurring and highlights the most effective areas to target leak investigations.
"Water Fixed Network 2.5 represents Itron's latest commitment to the water industry," said John Hengesh, vice president and general manager of Itron's Water and Public Power group. "Its industry leading functionality represents Itron's ongoing investment in research and development for the growing requirements in the measurement of water usage. When combined with Itron's installation services, project management, and customer support, the utility is assured of a world class AMR system solution to meet their requirements."
Hengesh said water utilities can focus on accounts with actual leak/tamper situations and ultimately identify and assure more revenue for the utility.
"This extends the value of data collected through the network for leak management and tamper analysis — it makes good business sense," Hengesh added.
Water Fixed Network 2.5 and Customer Service
At Itron, we encourage utilities to learn all they can about their customers' usage patterns so that knowledge can be used to intelligently manage water resources. We encourage sharing knowledge with customers so they can manage their own consumption and costs. Meter reading schedules can be remotely adjusted to fit customers' bill-paying habits with the WFN 2.5.