Advanced Metering and Data Management Technology Helps Utilities Improve Operations

Master Meter recently announced the unveiling of its latest advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and meter data management (MDM) software technology -- Allegro™ AMI and Harmony™ MDM -- at American Water Works Association's Annual Conference and Exhibition in Anaheim, Calif. With so many technologies becoming similar in function and performance, the company went back to customers and asked them to provide a wish list to address what's missing.

Allegro MDM has distinct advantages that create an enhanced value proposition for not only water utilities but also their ratepayers.

Allegro MDM has three primary distinct advantages that create an enhanced value proposition for not only water utilities but also their ratepayers. Further, Master Meter has created a seamless integrated Harmony MDM package that is optimized for Allegro. The company's new patent-pending dual-band antenna design mitigates the adverse performance effects that flooded pits present to signal data transfer reliability. Dialog 3G's "under the-glass" encapsulation endpoint design found in more than 5 million automatic meter reading end points is utilized again for Allegro, this time with the added advantage of Master Meter's Interpreter Universal register system.

Master Meter created an optimal MDM software suite in Harmony that fully utilizes the abundant metering and system data produced and delivered by the Allegro AMI network.

Optimized MDM Suite

Utilities have expressed interest in using the same company to conceive and design both software and hardware. As such, Master Meter Systems created an optimal MDM software suite in Harmony that takes advantage of and fully utilizes the abundant metering and system data produced and delivered by the Allegro AMI network. Combined with powerful analytics that encompass macro leak mitigation campaigns, customizable on-the-fly zones for tailored analysis of operations, and integrated work order management tools, Harmony enables a single-point software solution for managing data, leaks and conservation efforts. Ratepayer-centric portals and smartphone apps also empower the utility's end customer through shared data in an intuitive, clean interface, bringing awareness of usage, possible leaks and better control over water budgeting.

The dual-band antenna enclosed within the UTG Device is a proprietary and patent-pending design. Utilities challenged Master Meter to positively address the negative effects that flooded pits have on signal reliability and confidence in data transfer. Traditional AMI technologies experience a shift in the radio frequency (RF) signal as the RF energy passes through water. Allegro's engineered RF design matches that shift, which provides consistent and reliable performance irrespective of the level of humidity and water condition within the harsh pit environment.

Allegro's exclusive UTG design eliminates wires and connection between the meter and transceiver. This speeds up installation time, eliminates a primary cause of maintenance-related issues, and provides the lowest cost of ownership. Further, the UTG encapsulated technology puts all electronics, battery and solid-state register in a stainless-steel, tempered-glass, IP68+ enclosure. Designed around the Interpreter universal design, Allegro can retrofit most any meter, make or model while allowing a utility to preserve its newer metered assets that do not otherwise necessitate a change out. Instead, it allows for a smart, cost-effective AMI technology upgrade. Utilities can also procure Allegro on all new meter purchases.

The Universal Interpreter Technology is a patented design that allows a pre-programmed algorithm to detect the magnetic signature of most any bayonet-style meter in order to synthetically replicate a third-party register for that meter. Simply put, Master Meter can drop its AMI endpoint onto nearly any meter in the ground today. This means that utilities can easily retrofit their installed meter base as opposed to implementing a costly complete system overhaul.

For more information about Master Meter and the company's Allegro & Harmony technology, contact Tim Schwartz at [email protected] or (817) 842-8108.