ROUNDTABLE 97
move
The smart With more and more companies looking to implement smart metering systems, three industry experts outline the pathway to success.
What advice would you give utility companies who are looking to implement smart metering systems? Michael Untiet. Initial approaches in smart meter systems were defined solely by the requirement for remote meter reading of values and the functions of the relevant metering points. Th is method is easily traceable and technically feasible. We now see that metering point operators, who understand their role in the market and have defi ned their data flows in business processes, have it significantly easier when taking the next step. That includes the concept for a service-oriented IT architecture, where a meter data management component draws the data centrally and efficiently, and makes it available for the various business processes. These processes are based on specific standards for communication and can be integrated into a variety of AMI systems. Metering points will continue to develop in terms of technology, which means that recommendations will only ever provide a temporary evaluation. In my opinion, it is much more important to think about the storage and further processing of the data, as this will be the only sure way to economically cope with future requirements for process efficiency, customer focus and additional topics like smart grid.
Henrik LindÊn. When looking at different technology solutions, don’t forget to take a look at all of the business opportunities that will be found. Smart metering can not only help to
Kisters.indd 97
01/09/2010 14:37