Automated meter reading provides continuous data flow from a smart water meter to backend systems. Data reading is performed through Public or Private LoRaWAN networks and Telecommunication networks (NB-IoT). 

The fixed meter reading using LoRaWAN or NB-IoT networks allows the remote meter management, bringing the following advantages:

• automatic remote water meters readings,
• higher data acquisition frequency (e.g. once every 2 hours),
• quicker detection of issues in the water network or at the consumer side (alarms),
• higher accuracy and security of data transfer,
• possibility to predict consumption and make forecasts on daily/weekly consumption rates.

The LoRaWAN and NB-IoT networks are meant to support endless use cases ranging from smart metering, smart water management, water efficiency, and water balances. 

With Drive-by technology your maintenance team can easily collect smart meter data remotely, using a vehicle installed meter reading device. 

The technology can read and collect data in suburban areas and densely populated cities.

Meter reading can be carried out in two ways:

• Targeted meter reading – locations and water meters’ IDs are determined in the job order. Water meter locations and markers are shown on the map of the reading device, and the colour of the markers indicates the status of meter readings.
• A meter reading device collects and saves all meter data (not linked to the water meter ID). The data is transferred to the smart metering platform and assigned to the relevant measuring point.

More than one type of water meters can be read simultaneously on the reading route.

Drive-by solutions also support the efficient and reliable acquisition of data from the meters mounted in underground pits or inaccessible for manual reading

To capture the data from water meters that are inaccessible to vehicles, we use the Walk-by remote meter reading system. 

Handheld portable receivers help to collect the meter data, eliminating the need for manual readings and physical inspection of water meters, improving operation efficiency, cutting time the maintenance team spends in the field and making processes cost-effective.

• Collecting data from water meters with minimal effort, billing customers correctly, automatization of operational processes and enhancing customer satisfaction.
• Reducing costs per metering point and increase overall efficiency.
• Data can be captured from devices made by different manufacturers.
• More than one type of meters can be read simultaneously at the same time on the reading route.