SWI: Software Installed

Solutions for Meter Reading

Implementation

Our quality implementation services ensure that the meter reading system is properly installed and performing to specifications. Comprehensive training and documentation on the system are also provided. An SWI Project Manager is assigned the task of carefully monitoring the transition to the MV-RS meter reading system. As the primary liaison between SWI and utility personnel, this individual supervises the projects progress and ensures project requirements are met. Using a phased approach, the implementation process includes all preparation, installation, and training activities necessary to successfully establish the new system. Read more »

Supplemental Training

SWI offers supplementary training based on individual needs, we can provide training via live web-based sessions. These training sessions are best to show new meter readers the ins and outs of their handheld. Depending on the client’s needs, more extensive training may require an onsite visit.

Meter Reading Services / Sub-Contracts

SWI can provide the service of reading your utility’s meters for you. We have extensive experience reading meters, and currently read over 80,000 meters between two counties. A utility can subcontract SWI to read any number of meters from a percentage to all of the utility’s meters.

Implementation

To implement a utility metering solution SWI employs a 6 phase process. The number of days for each phase may vary based on utility specific requirements.

Phase 1: Project Management.

Overall project management is provided on every installation. The project manager is the primary liaison between SWI and utility personnel. This individual supervises the projects progress and ensures project requirements are met.

Phase 2: Project Start-up.

The project kick-off is typically an initial communication to determine the scope of the project requirements at the customer site. In this communication, the roles and responsibilities of key individuals who will be involved in the project are identified. Those individuals will work with the SWI project manager to determine the system configuration, hardware and software requirements and finalize the implementation schedule.

Phase 3: Pre-Installation Preparation.

Once the project has been established and the implementation schedule has been determined, the project manager begins working with the customer to prepare for installation. This will include: coordinating hardware and software ordering and delivery, assisting with physical planning of hardware installation, assisting the IT department with file formats, testing of HDL/HUL files from the IT group, and establishing installation and training participants and schedule.

Phase 4: Installation.

The installation phase of the MV-RS implementation consists of four basic components. During the installation visit, the SWI project manager will work with key individuals to execute the components of the installation process chosen by the utility. The four basic components are as follows:

  • MV-RS Installation. SWI’s project manager performs installation and configuration of the MV-RS system including: arrangement of handheld units, cradles and modems; installation of MV-RS software on designated PCs; collaboration with key individuals to configure system to user’s needs; installation of software on handhelds; initialization of modems if applicable.
  • PC operator and meter reader training. PC operators will be trained on loading and unloading handhelds from the PC and tweaking parameters in the MVRS system. Meter readers to be trained on the functionality of the hand helds and appropriate parameters.
  • Follow-up and questions. If the utility elects to install ERT modules on their meters to be read by handheld units, SWI will instruct and assist the utility in programming them. If necessary, instruction on ERT module installation can also be provided.
  • Parallel Testing (optional). Parallel testing allows the utility to continue using their existing system for data collection and billing while becoming familiar with and testing the MV-RS system. If the utility decides to conduct parallel testing, SWI will instruct and assist in using MV-RS along with their existing system for testing in preparation for system changeover.

Phase 5: Live Operations Assistance.

After the installation and parallel testing processes are complete it is necessary to launch MV-RS into live operations. SWI will assist the utility in this launch and help ensure a smooth system changeover. Although commencement of live operations is at the discretion of the utility, it typically occurs directly after parallel testing is complete.

Phase 6: Post-Installation Assistance.

Post-installation assistance will be provided for the customer to resolve any issues that may arise once MV-RS implementation is complete. The SWI project manager may make an on-site visit to perform additional PC operator and/or meter reading training if it is deemed necessary by the utility. (Additional on-site training visits may require additional airfares and expenses.)

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