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APPA 2004 Business & Finance Conference

APPA 2004 Business & Finance Conference. Meter Reading & Field Technology Update September, 21, 2004. Agenda. Basic Overview Books vs. Handhelds: Why Invest the Money? What’s Out There? Features vs. Fluff Features to Look For Current Providers. Meter Reading. Basic Terminology

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APPA 2004 Business & Finance Conference

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  1. APPA2004 Business & Finance Conference Meter Reading & Field Technology Update September, 21, 2004

  2. Agenda • Basic Overview • Books vs. Handhelds: Why Invest the Money? • What’s Out There? • Features vs. Fluff • Features to Look For • Current Providers

  3. Meter Reading Basic Terminology EMR = Electronic Meter Reading. First step from meter books. Involves using handheld computer and may include some probes. AMR = Automatic Meter Reading. Term refers in general to automating meter reading using a variety of technologies including RF, PLC, Touch Reads, etc.

  4. Basic Components of a Handheld Meter Reading System • Handheld Computer • Docking/Charging Device • Route Management Software • Billing System Interface

  5. Billing System Interface Route Management Software

  6. Why Use Handhelds? • Accuracy • Hi/Lo Audit Checking • Automated Data Transfer • Meter Reader Tracking • Meter/Account/Premise Search • Resequencing • Efficiency

  7. Myths • Handhelds will improve meter reader efficiency by 50% • Handhelds will eliminate all meter reader errors • Handhelds never fail • Handhelds are all the same • Handhelds make good dog clubs

  8. Handheld Examples

  9. Features vs. Fluff • Memory • Large MB’s of data storage are largely just overkill • 8 MB will typically hold 20,000 accounts • Processor Speed • Even the slowest models are significantly faster than previous models • Data Transfer Speed • How fast do you need it? • “Ruggedized Case” • All models are built to rigid specifications • All will break

  10. Features to Look For • Operating System – CE or DOS • Data Entry Storage • Stored on Hard Drive –or- • Stored on Flash Card • High Resolution Screen • Test the unit in bright sunlight, dark closet • Computer connections • USB Support? • Serial Port?

  11. Features to Look For (cont) • Intuitive keyboard • Upgradeable • How long has the model been out? • Configurable screen • Multiple security level options • Battery type • NiCad • Lithium Ion • Other • Probe support • Support

  12. Route Management SoftwareFeatures to Look For • Ease of Use • Interface to Billing System • Upgradeable • AMR, Mobile, Fixed • Error Tracking • Reporting Capabilities • Custom Reports? • Support

  13. What About Cost? • Typical entry-level system ranges from about $6,000 - $10,000 • Variables include billing interface & training fees

  14. Major Suppliers • Itron • Schlumberger • Datamatic • Radix • Meter Manufacturers

  15. Further Information Hometown Connections Bill Smart National Sales Director – West 303-940-7331 bsmart@hometownconnections.com Steve VanderMeer National Sales Director – East 970-221-4494 svandermeer@hometownconnections.com

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