The metering services for utility companies comprise a large number of complex processes. In Lovion, various tasks related to the device can be managed and carried out efficiently. Mobile processing is a fundamental part of the solution as well as incorporating external service providers.
iMSys Rollout of intelligent Measuring Systems and mME modern Measurement Facilities
The classical metering service for utility companies already comprises a large number of processes for devices in various degrees of complexity. For electricity, new challenges have arisen through the introduction of the compulsory rollout of smart meters (iMSys and mME). As a result, the number of installations, as well as the information complexity, increases, for example by pairing meters and gateways. Furthermore, new digital and complex devices unleash even more extensive outage management processes.
In Lovion, various tasks related to the device can be managed and carried out efficiently:
- Smart meter rollout (mME, iMSys, Gateway-Pairing)
- Meter installation
- Meter replacement, modification, removal
- Gateway and meter disruptions
- Meter blocking / unblocking
- Meter reading (modern measuring system)
- Sampling methods (meter and gateways calibrated
Creating Tasks linked to the Enterprise System (SAP and others)
Meter processes are managed in Lovion via tasks. The initial information of the work order, for example modifying to iMSys or mMe, usually originates from systems such as SAP IS-U or SAP IM4G. Service instructions for devices are created through a notification. The SAP notification is transmitted to Lovion where it is evaluated. Depending on the notification type, a corresponding task is automatically created in Lovion.
Operational Planning in Lovion DISPATCH
Operational planning is carried out in Lovion DISPATCH and includes technicians as well as external service providers. Tasks are assigned to both groups. Lovion DISPATCH offers an interactive planning board, the Gantt diagram, where tasks and resources are displayed in an overview. Planning is supported by the drag-and-drop function with the mouse. Unassigned tasks in the list can easily be shifted into the Gantt diagram. The task workload capacity is displayed in a separate area. Operational planning results, for example, employees with tasks, timeframes (appointments/deadlines) are saved within the task. Technicians receive these tasks on their mobile devices including the above information.
Mobile Processing
Mobile processing is possible on laptops, tablets or smartphones. Meter management services usually use smartphones or tablets supported by iOS (Apple) and android operating systems. Staff receive tasks in an easily comprehensible to-do list for the day and the current week. The progress can be recorded without a network connection (offline) to avoid dependence on cellular networks. A connection to the server is established automatically as soon as a cellular network is available. As a result, the task status is synchronised and operational planning can be promptly updated.
Device and Measurement Data is automatically collected
In meter services, especially in smart meter rollouts, data of numerous devices has to be recorded. One example is the pairing of gateways and meters by a gateway administrator. Information about the meter and gateway allocation as well as the measuring location is required for the pairing to be successful.
Lovion can scan serial numbers and carry out measurements on mobile devices. Electronic meters can be linked using an optocoupler. Furthermore, mechanical meters can be scanned and read with the help of automatic image recognition.
Validation using a List of Devices
A list of valid devices in IS-U is available via the SAP interface. These are validated when the serial number barcode is scanned. Other devices that are not included on the list can also be validated. During a meter reading, the results are compared and validated using a forecasted meter reading in SAP. Furthermore, at least one photo of the meter reading is usually recorded.
Important Features
- SAP IM4G support (Intelligent Metering for German Energy Utilities)
- Digital records and forms for mobile processing
- Documented photos of meter readings
- Mobile processing on smartphones, tablets and laptops
- Time and material recordings
- Barcode and QR recognition
- Data validation
- Process confirmation using digital signatures
- Optimal resource planning
- Mobile data is quickly synchronised
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