ARB UTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. ARB Utility Management Systems Technology Features and Benefits

Transcription

1 ARB UTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS ARB Utility Management Systems Technology Features and Benefits

2 ARB UTILITY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS TECHNOLOGY FEATURES AND BENEFITS System health. Customer service. Revenue enhancement. Conservation initiatives. These days, utilities must go far beyond basic meter reading to achieve the intelligent functionality they require. It s no longer just a matter of speed or signal strength. Now it takes more brains to do more with the brawn. That s why Neptune offers highly intelligent software packages to water utilities. While our many automatic meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) system components are some of the most advanced in the industry, there s a reason our software products share the name N_SIGHT. With the types of insight available to today s and tomorrow s utilities, it s the data that does the talking. 2

3 N_SIGHT IQ INTELLIGENT DATA AND ANALYTICS SYSTEM Neptune s cloud-based N_SIGHT IQ is designed to store, analyze, and inform, offering vast amounts of meter usage data online with no archiving. Utilities can analyze up to ten years of detailed consumption data (monthly, daily, or hourly) to identify historic trends and better forecast for the future. This advanced data storage and online access make long-term planning much simpler. And as a cloud-deployed hosted system, N_SIGHT IQ offers utilities advanced virtualization capabilities without having to invest in any new infrastructure. Built using the latest development tools, database technology, and reporting that reduce system cost, N_SIGHT IQ brings intelligent data management and analytics within the reach of even the smallest water utilities. Long-Term Data Retention N_SIGHT IQ was designed from the ground up to retain vast amounts of meter usage data. It is capable of maintaining any interval reading data for online access. All data is de-normalized automatically for consistent reporting and analysis over time. The system also replicates and optimizes all data received into separate data marts specifically designed for online analysis and report generation. N_SIGHT IQ employs no archiving, instead keeping all data available for three years, with optional upgrades of up to ten years of online access. Advanced Data Analysis and Reporting Data is just data without the proper analysis. It takes intelligent tools to unlock the knowledge contained within the data. N_SIGHT IQ provides powerful online meter data analysis capabilities in the form of consumption, grouping, and district metering tools. Additionally, N_SIGHT IQ offers a powerful user-controlled reporting engine for more complex analysis. The reporting engine allows for prebuilt reports to be dynamically loaded for immediate access. All reports can also be tightly controlled via utility-configurable user access security. Utility and Utility Customer Presentment N_SIGHT IQ delivers all metering data in simple graphic form, giving utilities the information they need at a glance while allowing them to drill down to specifics. It also allows utilities to do the same for their customers. With its intelligent utility customer portal, IQ delivers powerful detailed usage information: Detailed online access to a customer s own usage Inclusion of weather data synchronized against interval usage Comparison of usage against utility-defined groups Leak alert monitoring and notification Reverse flow monitoring and notification Utility customer configurable water budget alerts Utility Customer Self Management The same web portal also empowers a utility s customers to monitor their own water consumption, compare it to similar-sized households in their area, and help set water-use thresholds. Customers can be alerted of leaks on their online accounts before the lost water greatly impacts their bill, and can even be notified when they exceed their average daily use threshold by a configurable amount. In this way, N_SIGHT IQ provides a utility s customers the tools to take control of their usage. 3

4 NEPTUNE SYSTEM TECHNOLOGY FEATURES AND BENEFITS 4

5 5

6 Neptune s R450 System is the most advanced two-way fixed network AMI system offered today. The R450 System is comprised of the R450 meter interface unit (MIU), the R450 Data Collector (DC), and N_SIGHT R450 host software the core of the R450 System. Whether you need a daily read to support billing and off-cycle reads or hourly consumption/usage profile data to support customer service inquiries, Neptune s R450 System provides all of this information at your fingertips. Using a long-range, secure, licensed, wireless network, Neptune s R450 System ensures data integrity and minimizes communication network infrastructure. N_SIGHT R450 HOST SOFTWARE Neptune Technology Group designed and developed its N_SIGHT R450 host software to provide versatile functionality while making its screens, navigation, and overall operation as simple as possible. This AMI software is a web-based thin-client application, and it s self-managing, so a utility doesn t need its own database administrator on-site. N_SIGHT R450 also incorporates a Key Performance Indicator (KPI) dashboard format, with displays, graphs and charts that make crucial data available at a glance. Not only that, but users can also add individual KPIs to check for specific types of leaks or reverse flow, for example. N_SIGHT R450 is intuitive and easy to use; and in just a few clicks, it offers utilities system-wide overviews as well as the details of any one given account. Customization is integral to the design of the software, which expedites the process of final reads for particular accounts, collecting a current meter reading without having to roll out a truck or put feet on the street. The system gives operators the ability to import beforeand-after photos of meter, encoder, and MIU installations for each account which can be used to identify instances of theft or vandalism. The system also validates installation photos. The system gives customer service representatives the opportunity to log dateand-time-stamped comments on an account to track interactions with the customer as well as actions taken to that point. In addition, utilities can group accounts with similar traits to compare consumption. Grouping also allows district metering, where the utility can look for Non-Revenue Water by measuring flows at residences and charting them against how much water is distributed from the main. This functionality is only possible with time-synchronization of the meter readings. Priority alarms are also available for selected meters. The host software directs a fixed network collector to configure specific endpoints so that priority alarms are sent back when parameters are met for conditions such as continuous leaks, or minor or major reverse flow events. Utilities can accommodate individual customers who require virtual disconnects, such as those who leave their residences for months at a time, or property owners with high rates of move-ins and move-outs. Those accounts can be specifically marked, so that any readings that show up during unoccupied times will be flagged as possible leaks or thefts. N_SIGHT R450 s two-way communications, time-synchronized meter readings, and grouping technology support water conservation efforts as well, including the enforcement of water restrictions. Utilities can compare hourly usage profiles of separate groups for example, those that use water on odd days versus those scheduled for even days. KEY FEATURES Customizable Dashboard The customizable dashboard gives quick access to mission-critical system status and performance information. Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) such as major reverse flow events, continuous leaks, collector status, and system statistics can be configured on the dashboard to be presented each time a specific user logs into the software application. Customizable Reporting Module The software has an embedded, customizable reporting module that assists with customizing new reports without the need for an update to the software version. The software also provides a range of pre-designed reports such as residential leak detection, distribution line leak detection, district metering, and reverse flow events to name a few. Customer Usage Profile Data Customer usage can be monitored in monthly, daily, or hourly intervals. On-screen graphs display the usage profiles for quick and easy interpretation in managing high water bill complaints and supporting conservation initiatives. With built-in functionality, N_SIGHT R450 software allows utility customer service personnel to quickly provide customers with consumption graphs to explain unusual water usage patterns. Mapping N_SIGHT R450 host software provides built-in Esri mapping functionality as well as links to other GIS/GPS software products providing all utilities, large and small, with the ability to view leak detection, reverse flow, and many other system conditions on maps of their service areas. Powerful Search Engine The powerful search engine allows users to search for account(s) by utilizing a wide array of selection criteria. The search engine makes creating customizable groups and the setting up of large numbers of accounts much easier. Priority Alarm Notification The priority alarm capability allows your utility to configure system alarms (such as continuous leaks, major reverse flow events, and distribution main leaks) to be immediately communicated through the system for notification of proper utility personnel. Time-Synchronized Meter Reads N_SIGHT R450 host software synchronizes meter readings at midnight and provides these meter readings for billing, off-cycle reads, and comparison of water produced versus water billed. Now utilities have a system-wide tool to identify and manage Non-Revenue Water. 6

7 R450 DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS INTELLIGENT SYSTEM INTEGRATION R450 Data Collector (R450 DC) and R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) The R450 Data Collector (R450 DC) and R450 Mini Collector (R450 MC) provide two-way communications to R450 MIUs collecting meter data, communicating commands, and ensuring system-wide time-synchronization. The R450 DC is an AC-powered device designed primarily for tower-based installation while the R450 MC allows additional installation flexibility via AC or solar power on structures such as street lights, poles, walls, and rooftops. R450 ENDPOINTS E-Coder )R450i Neptune s E-Coder)R450i now provides a solid state absolute encoder paired with a two-way fixed network radio frequency meter interface unit all in one, simple-toinstall, wireless package, providing daily information time-synchronized midnight readings, 24-hour consumption profile information, and leak and reverse flow notification in their standard configuration. R450 Radio Frequency Meter Interface Unit (MIU) Neptune s R450 RF MIU is a high-power, two-way communication device designed to collect AMI meter usage data and remotely transmit the information to collectors at predetermined intervals. E-Coder Solid State Absolute Encoder The E-Coder generates its remote and visual reading from the same source, without the need for a battery. It also provides leak, tamper, and reverse flow detection. With 8-digit resolution, it detects leaks in 5-minute intervals with leak state indication over the previous 35 days. While the N_SIGHT software suite provides the brains of Neptune s ARB Utility Management Systems, the system components themselves were designed with intelligence in mind. The strength of the data is literally built in from the start of Neptune s ARB Utility Management Systems the high resolution, 8-digit register technology of the E-Coder solid state absolute encoder provides resolution of one tenth of a gallon and can flag leaks, tamper, and reverse flow conditions. Innovation and integration are hallmarks of Neptune s commitment to solving customers problems and making things easier. For instance, by integrating the E-Coder and the fieldproven radio frequency meter interface unit, the E-Coder )R900i makes installation even less complicated while providing more features such as its data logging capability. The redesigned MRX920 mobile data collector improved portability while retaining its multichannel receiver that processes more than 5,000 reads per hour. In the same way, the Gateway data collector makes it possible for utilities using Neptune s R900 technology to add fixed network reading. The R450 System is the industry s first AMI system to provide timesynchronized midnight meter reading and hourly consumption date. The R450 System leverages the E-Coder s leak, tamper, and reverse flow capabilities to provide priority alarms. The pinnacle of AMI functionality time-based metering data. As can be seen, the various components of Neptune s ARB Utility Management Systems are designed to work together with N_SIGHT IQ, N_SIGHT R900, or N_SIGHT R450, and with each other allowing each utility to choose the functionality it needs, from handheld walk-by to mobile to full fixed network meter reading. 7

8 Neptune s System integrates AMR and AMI functionality into a single, more powerful solution designed to give utilities extra flexibility to achieve the specific functionality they need whether mobile AMR, mobile with some fixed network reads, or fixed network AMI. Utilities already using encoders and meter interface units (MIUs) with radio frequency (RF) technology have all of the tools in hand to maximize their meter reading infrastructure investments and their bottom lines. Neptune s N_SIGHT host software fully exploits those tools to help take them the rest of the way. N_SIGHT HOST SOFTWARE The software works easily with the Gateway fixed network collectors to gather timelier meter consumption data all while maintaining seamless integration with mobile or handheld reading processes. The system utilizes one user interface and one file structure for billing purposes, which allows for integration of these meter reading technologies without any impact to back office processes. Daily reads are available from R900 Gateways for every reading in the system when a full fixed network is in place. Final reads are readily available for move-ins/move-outs that eliminate truck rolls for off-cycle meter readings. At the same time, the software fully supports contingency reads through handheld or mobile devices as well as route splitting and grouping for total flexibility. N_SIGHT R900 supports those utilities looking for daily meter reads, along with graphical displays of crucial information such as major reverse flow events and continuous leaks (when using Neptune s E-Coder solid state absolute encoder). KEY FEATURES Fixed Network Support & Analysis N_SIGHT R900 software provides the customer with the ability to gather and analyze the information that is being processed by the R900 Gateway data collector. Crucial information such as major reverse flow events, continuous leaks, and collector status indicators are displayed in an easy-to-view dashboard. A graphical display of customer usage profiling in monthly or daily intervals will assist customer service representatives to better handle high water bill complaints. Data Logging Enhancements One of the most popular features of Neptune s E-Coder )R900i is its ability to extract 96 days of hourly consumption data. N_SIGHT R900 software makes configuring, generating, and analyzing consumption information easier and more intuitive. Hourly and daily graphs can be generated to show leak and reverse flow events. Automatic Web Update The automatic web update is designed to keep customers current with the latest version of N_SIGHT R900 host software. When connected to the Internet, the system will automatically check for updates. If any updates are available, the user is alerted by a notification box prompting the user to download. The user then has the option to download the update immediately or schedule a specific time to complete the process. The automatic web update will allow users to always have the latest version of N_SIGHT R900 software available and provides them the convenience of installing the updates at any given time. Multi-Level Security The multi-level security functionality is designed to secure the accessibility of customer information by controlling the rights of users during the login process. This functionality provides five predefined user levels that are controlled by the administrator at the utility. The administrator is responsible for determining which user has access to one of the five levels. The multi-level security functionality supports user accountability, accessibility, and assists with Sarbanes-Oxley compliance. Management Reports N_SIGHT R900 provides standard reports and data presentation for ease of use. The E-Coder)R900i report is separated into three reports; the Major Reverse Flow Report, the Continuous Leak Report, and the Zero Consumption Report. Each of these reports prioritizes the event by category of severity. The E-Coder)R900i Data Logging Report is a report that displays a graph of consumption data for daily and/or hourly intervals, reverse flow, and leak status. This report supports the E-Coder)R900i unit. The Acoustic Leak Monitoring report displays leak status and leak confidence level data that can be used as part of a leak monitoring system. All of these reports provide proactive means to settle customer disputes and serve as tools for water conservation initiatives. 8

9 R900 DATA COLLECTION SYSTEMS Trimble Nomad and Belt Belt Clip Reciever Neptune s new Trimble Nomad handheld unit and R900 Belt Clip Receiver are designed to provide utilities even more flexibility in their daily operations. Integrated Bluetooth technology provides connectivity between the Nomad and R900 Belt Clip Receiver, allowing walk-by R900 radio frequency collection of meter readings. MRX920 Mobile Data Collector With a compact housing weighing less than five pounds, the MRX920 is one of the most portable and powerful data collectors of its kind, and provides GPS/GIS mapping for immediate visual feedback on meter read status within the system. Gateway Data Collector R900 Gateways collect meter readings from Neptune R900 MIUs and can be deployed in strategic areas to monitor high volume customers in parallel with mobile data collectors or deployed for a full-scale, one-way fixed network system. R900 ENDPOINTS E-Coder Solid State Absolute Encoder The E-Coder generates its remote and visual reading from the same source, without the need for a battery. It also provides leak, tamper, and reverse flow detection. With 8-digit resolution, it detects leaks in 5-minute intervals with leak state indication over the previous 35 days. Radio Frequency Meter Interface Unit (RF MIU) The R900 MIU utilizes unlicensed 900 MHz frequency-hopping, spread-spectrum technology, and can be used with mobile AMR, mobile w/ some fixed network, and fixed network AMI. E-Coder )R900i The E-Coder)R900i combines the field-proven technologies of the E-Coder solid state absolute encoder and the R900 RF MIU into one easy-to-install, wireless automated meter reading solution. It also enables data logging with a rolling 96 days of hourly data from the meter. 9

10 R450 / SYSTEM BENEFIT ANALYSIS FUNCTIONALITY R450 FIXED NETWORK AMI R900 FIXED NETWORK AMI R900 MOBILE W/SOME FIXED NETWORK AMI R900 MOBILE AMR READING RESOLUTION OF /0TH GALLON / 0 / 0 / 0 / 0 CUSTOM LEAK DETECTION TAMPER DETECTION REVERSE FLOW USAGE PROFILE ANALYSIS HIGH WATER BILL LEAKS ON DISTRIBUTION LINE ACOUSTIC SENSOR GIS METER LOCATION MAPPING OFF CYCLE READS NON-REVENUE WATER STOPPED METER DISTRICT METERED AREAS PRIORITY ALARM VIRTUAL DISCONNECT TWO-WAY COMMUNICATIONS TIME-SYNCHRONIZED METER READS R450 Time Synch applicable 24 hrs. R450 Priority Alarms instant and/or 2 3 R900 Non-Time Synch applicable for daily; R900 Priority Alarms daily with 30 days as consumption versus time fixed network, daily for select routes with variance will tend to average out mobile w/some fixed network R450 + R900 Daily 0

11 NEPTUNE TECHNOLOGY GROUP SYSTEM ARCHITECTURE Encoder Registers and RF Endpoints E-Coder )R900i Field Data Collection Hardware Walk-by AMR R450 R900 R900 Mobile w/some R450 R450 Wall and Pit MIUs Acoustic Leak Sensor R900 Mobile AMR Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection and Data Logging R450 R450 R450 Wall and Pit MIUs R450 Wall and Pit MIUs Basic Meter Reading Acoustic Leak Sensor Acoustic Basic Leak Meter Sensor Reading Intelligent Data and Analytics System ProRead and Third Party Encoder R450 Mobile AMR R450 Wall and Pit MIUs Acoustic Basic Leak Meter Sensor Reading N_SIGHT IQ Wall and Pit RF MIUs Basic ProRead Meter Reading Absolute Encoder N_SIGHT and N_SIGHT R450 Basic Meter Reading Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, ProRead Tamper, and Absolute Reverse Flow Encoder Detection N_SIGHT N_SIGHT and Software N_SIGHT R450 Suite E-Coder )R900i System Management Software System Management N_SIGHT Software System Suite Management N_SIGHT Software System Software Suite Management N_SIGHT Software Suite Mobile AMR Basic Meter E-Coder Reading PLUS Solid Leak, State Tamper, and Reverse Absolute Flow Detection Encoder Wall and Pit RF MIUs Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection and Data Logging N_SIGHT and N_SIGHT R450 Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Wall and Pit RF MIUs Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, ProRead Tamper, and Absolute Reverse Flow Encoder Detection N_SIGHT and N_SIGHT R450 ProRead Tamper, and Absolute Reverse Flow Encoder Detection E-Coder Solid State Absolute Encoder Wall and Pit RF MIUs Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection Acoustic Leak Sensor Mobile AMR Mobile AMR R450 Wall and Pit RF MIUs Wall and Pit RF MIUs Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection E-Coder and Data Logging Solid State Absolute Basic Meter Encoder Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection E-Coder and Data Logging Solid State Absolute Basic Meter Encoder Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection E-Coder and Data Logging Solid State Absolute Encoder System Management Software E-Coder )R900i Mobile AMR E-Coder )R900i G E-Coder )R900i Walk-by AMR N_SIGHT Software Suite Billing/CIS System Billing/CIS System E-Coder )R450i R450 Basic Meter Reading PLUS Leak, Tamper, and Reverse Flow Detection in one wireless package Field Data R900 Collection Walk-by AMR Hardware Field Data R900 Collection Walk-by AMR Hardware Field Data Collection Walk-by AMR Hardware Cello Cellular Data Logger Field Data Collection Hardware Encoder Registers and RF Endpoints G Encoder Registers and RF Endpoints G Encoder Registers and RF Endpoints G Encoder Registers and RF Endpoints

12 Neptune Technology Group Inc. 600 Alabama Highway 229 Tallassee, AL USA Tel: (800) Fax: (334) Neptune Technology Group (Canada) Ltd West Credit Avenue Mississauga, Ontario L5N 5M9 Canada Tel: (905) Fax: (905) Neptune Technology Group Inc. Ejército Nacional No. 48 Piso 2, Desp Col. Chapultepec Morales Delegación Miguel Hidalgo 570 México, Distrito Federal Tel: (525) / (525) Fax: (525) TAKE CONTROL neptunetg.com ARB SYSTEM BROCHURE 03.4 Copyright 204, Neptune Technology Group Inc. Neptune is a registered trademark of Neptune Technology Group Inc.