Datamatic unveils MOSAIC hybrid AMR system
• MOSAIC is the data collection 'missing link' for utilities worldwide
PLANO, TX, June 25, 2007 -- Datamatic Ltd., a leading supplier of flexible data collection solutions, introduced a new hybrid automated meter reading system today at the America Water Works Association Conference in Toronto. MOSAIC™ is the industry's first universally-compatible AMR system capable of reading water, gas and electric meters via handheld, mobile and full mesh network collection platforms from the same endpoint.
"With MOSAIC, Datamatic has broken down several barriers that have existed since AMR's inception," said Ken Kercher, CEO of Datamatic. "There's no question that walk-by and mobile AMR systems have revolutionized utility data collection. Until now, it's been either technically or economically infeasible to migrate those systems to fixed-based platforms. MOSAIC has changed all of that. It's a true hybrid solution, able to move seamlessly from walk-by/mobile to a full mesh network without changing the installed MOSAIC-class FIREFLY endpoint."
"MOSAIC's flexibility is particularly valuable during deployment," stated Joe Bridges, Datamatic Vice President of Sales and Marketing. "During system implementation, which utilities often choose to spread over several years, customers can find themselves reading routes that contain a mixture of manual, 'touch' and automated meters. MOSAIC allows FF-equipped meters to be read via radio frequency with a mobile receiver or the same handheld computer used to read remaining manual and touch meters. Meters can be mesh network-enabled at any time, without changing the FIREFLY. MOSAIC's hybrid approach makes for the smoothest possible transition between reading methods."
When the utility is ready for full network operations, MOSAIC gateways are installed and connected to a CDMA, GPRS, WiFi, POTS or Ethernet data backhaul.
"MOSAIC's meshing capabilities require far fewer gateways than traditional star network designs," added Kercher. "This translates to a much lower overall cost to deploy and maintain the system."
When MOSAIC is operating as a mesh network, it is self-configuring and self-healing. MOSAIC is designed to reroute around issues, compensate and deliver the utility's data, all without user intervention.
FIREFLYs are powered by processors equivalent to those found in a typical PDA. They support sophisticated, user-defined algorithms that can monitor for conservation violations, perform detailed load studies, alert to usage on an inactive account, spot irregular usage and detect leaks.
FIREFLYs also automatically send packets of usage data over the network when problems are detected. So, not only are personnel alerted to issues but they are given detailed interval data "bracketing" the problem. This allows utilities to focus their analysis on known issues rather than combing through mountains of data just trying to locate problems.
FIREFLYs are compatible with virtually any meter, eliminating the need for costly meter/register changeout as part of AMR projects.
MOSAIC is now available worldwide through its international network of distributors. Utilities interested in a presentation of the MOSAIC hybrid AMR system should contact Joe Bridges at (972) 234-5000.
Datamatic provides flexible data collection solutions to utilities worldwide. The company's innovative ideas virtually created an industry when it installed the first electronic meter reading system in 1980. For more than a quarter of a century, Datamatic has been an innovation leader in the design, implementation and support of advanced data collection solutions for water, gas and electric utilities.
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