What Is a Meter Data Management System? 

In the smart metering context, data collection and storage are crucial parts of ensuring efficient utility monitoring and billing processes. A Meter Data Management (MDM) platform is used by utility or submetering companies to collect data from smart meters (water, gas, electricity), which record consumption data and send the information back to the software for data analysis. In short, a meter data management system can validate, manage, and process incoming data, and then use it for analysis, reports, and billing purposes. The data collection platform also has monitoring and planning functionalities, for example, for meter maintenance purposes or network quality monitoring. 

How does the meter data management system work? 

Each meter data management system (MDMS) has its functionalities and capabilities depending on the company that developed it. Still, most platforms involve key stages that we will go through: 

Data Collection: Smart meters installed at the property continuously measure and record water, gas, or electricity consumption data and send it at set intervals. It could be hourly based intervals or, for example, set three times a day, still it depends on each different case. These smart meters transmit the collected data through used communication networks such as LoRaWAN, NB-IoT, or others to the utility’s data center or cloud infrastructure. 

Data Reception and Validation: The meter data management system (MDMS) receives the incoming data from the smart meters and validates it, ensuring the accuracy and integrity of the received data. This includes verifying timestamps and checking for missing data telegrams or other inconsistencies. 

Data Storage: Validated meter data is stored in a secure and scalable database, data warehouse, or cloud storage within the meter data management system. Some systems have limited scalability, so their storage capacity is capped at an agreed-upon level. However, our use of cloud storage allows for almost unlimited storage, and it is not as costly as it might seem. 

Data Processing and Analysis: The meter data management system processes the stored data and provides different kinds of insights and analyses. In the data analysis phase, platform users monitor statistical analysis, see abnormal consumption data, identify consumption patterns, trends, and irregularities. Additionally, a portion of the system relies on machine learning algorithms to provide even more proactive insights for the users. 

Data Management and Archiving: The meter data management system can archive data for regulatory compliance, historical analysis, or future reference. 

Integration with 3rd Party Systems: Integrations via API with other utility systems such as billing systems, ERP, or grid management systems offer seamless data exchange between different parties. 

Reporting and Visualization: Platforms can feature dashboards with key data, generate reports, and provide visualizations to present smart meter data insights to utility operators, regulators, and customers. Reports may encompass billing summaries, consumption trends, demand forecasts, network health, maps for user convenience, and other performance metrics. 

Security and Compliance: Like any other software, the data management system incorporates security measures to protect sensitive meter data from unauthorized access, tampering, and cyber threats. It complies with the highest industry standards and regulatory requirements related to data privacy, security, and interoperability. 

These are the main steps of how a meter data management system processes data from smart meters to provide accurate information for utility and submetering companies for efficient resource management and precise billing processes. 

What to consider before choosing a meter data management system for submetering or utility business? 

Choosing a platform for data collection and management may not be an easy task. Submetering or utility companies should evaluate different factors to ensure that the selected system aligns with their specific requirements and goals. From easy navigation, smooth user experience to the key data and various generated reports. Each meter data management system can offer something that the other doesn’t have. 

Here are some hints that you should consider before selecting your meter data management software: 

What are your requirements: Clearly define your submetering or utility business requirements, including the scale of operations (both current and for the 10-20 years period), types of meters to be managed (e.g., electric, water, gas), data volume, desired functionalities, integration needs, regulatory compliance, and budget constraints. 

Evaluate Vendor Options: Research and evaluate meter data management vendors and solution providers in your market. Consider factors such as vendor flexibility, scalability, professional experience, key product features, and support services. 

Functionality and Features: Assess the features and functionalities offered by each meter data management system, such as data collection methods, data storage, processing and analytics tools, reporting, user interface, and customization options. 

Scalability and Flexibility: Choose a meter data management system that can scale with your business growth and adapt to evolving requirements. Ensure that the system can accommodate increasing volumes of meter data, support additional meters or utility types, and integrate with future technologies or systems. 

Integration Capabilities: Consider the meter data management system’s ability to integrate with other systems and applications within your organization’s IT landscape, such as billing systems, customer portals, enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems, and advanced analytics platforms. 

Data Security and Compliance: Prioritize data security and compliance with regulatory requirements. Verify that the MDMS implements robust security measures to protect sensitive meter data and ensures compliance with relevant standards. 

User Experience: Assess the usability and user experience of the meter data management system’s interface. Ensure that the system is intuitive and easy to use for administrators. Consider the availability of training resources, documentation, and technical support to facilitate system adoption and proficiency. 

Cost: Evaluate the total cost of ownership of each software, including upfront costs, ongoing maintenance fees, licensing fees, and any additional expenses. Compare the costs and benefits derived from improved operational efficiency, reduced errors, and enhanced customer satisfaction. 

Vendor Support and Service Level Agreements: Consider the quality and responsiveness of vendor support services, including technical support, software updates, maintenance, and service level agreements (SLAs).  

Testing the platform: Before making a final decision, consider conducting pilot testing with selected meter data management software providers to evaluate the performance, compatibility, and suitability for your specific use case. 

What are the key functionalities of data collection and management systems? 

Each system has its own features and functionalities, but most of them, in general, provide important meter data that simplifies utility and submetering company processes managing precious resources. Some of the functionalities that meter data management systems offer include: 

• Dashboards – to get a quick overview of key metrics and resources; 
• Consumption data – offer tailored insights about consumption data and show demand predictions based on machine learning algorithms; 
• Leak detection – monitors abnormal water consumption data and compares introductory and individual meters consumption; 
• Network monitoring – analyze network quality to ensure stable smart metering data transition; 
• Critical GIS information – monitor and identify system and device alerts, such as low battery, freezes, leaks, backflow, etc.; 
• Alert notifications – setting up system notifications with customizable conditions, including system computed alerts; 
• Data export – to get automated consumption calculations and validated data export; 
• Data outage detection – observe all devices in one place and easily track which of them stopped sending data. 

There are many more functionalities that provide invaluable data, generate reports, and provide other insights for decision-making purposes for submetering and utility managers. In each case, you should ask the meter data management solution provider for a demo version and testing platform by yourself to evaluate your specific needs. 

Conclusion: 

Meter data management is a crucial part of the overall smart metering infrastructure. Without accurate data, submetering and utility companies could lead to water losses and incorrect billing. Choosing a meter data management system is an important decision, so take your time to choose a reliable smart metering partner and test the platform. 

If you want to learn more, read our recent article about smart metering system more commonly known as advanced metering infrastructure (AMI).