AMR Process Overview

UtiliWorks Consult™

Connecting Your Business Process with AMR

The first stage of our process is the review of current work practices and the evaluating the performance of the utility as it relates to AMR. We work with your team to ensure there are clear linkages between long-term business goals of the utility and specific AMR project goals. We work with clients to establish the parameters for project success and the mechanisms to verify success following implementation.

UtiliWorks Assessment™

1. Evaluate Technology
To properly develop costs and benefit equations, an evaluation of the many technologies and data delivery structures is required. This process begins with site-specific research to gather data related to: meter locations, topography, production and distribution infrastructure, and related data systems such as SCADA, GIS, Billing and IT. A full AMR technology review is conducted to evaluate the systems best suited to achieve the project objectives in the Utility’s Unique Environment. In many cases, pilot studies are conducted to verify and demonstrate performance

2. Benefits Analysis:
In the next step, the Business Environment is closely examined. We interview all the stakeholders and look at their specific concerns and objectives. This includes: operations, distribution, meter services, data transfer and billing, customer service, IT functions and senior management. We look at maintenance and service capabilities. We review technology utilization and cost structure. We analyze training. We consider AMR impacts on other parts of the utility as well as community awareness and educational programming.

3. Report and Presentation.
All of the research on the essential project elements is consolidated in a report which is presented to the management team or the governing council. The report outlines the specific opportunities for change and the associated benefits. Various options are presented for review along with the benefits that specific technologies can provide. This process produces a road map for success that includes the alignment of stakeholders so that everyone understands how they fit into the proposed solution.

4. Reach Go/No-Go Decision.
The result of the first three steps is to provide information and recommendations to help the utility reach a "Go/No-Go" decision on the AMR Project. Based upon the results of the review process, the utility can decide if there is sufficient evidence to move forward.

5. Path Forward.
If there is support to move forward, a full review of financing and procurement strategies is conducted. Our staff works working through the report with the client and creates an action plan for deployment. Interim steps may include: creating and evaluating an RFP, mapping out the change management process, or researching various funding structures.

UtiliWorks Implement™

Deploy and Execute
The final phase is the actual implementation of the AMR solution. UtiliWorks works with the client to manage the entire conversion process to AMR and to verify the system performance and the impact on the community at large. Each activity in this process is properly structured so that the conversion process is done at a pace that best meets the ability and needs of the individual Utility. Pilot programs, training programs, customer awareness presentations are performed to assist the entire community in the change process. All key benefits are built into the plan to ensure that the best return on investment is obtained.

UtiliWorks is also available to provide ongoing support services as needed by the utility. These services could take the form of remote data/call centers, subcontracting of local system maintenance or annual business process review.

Cost and Timing

UtiliWorks Assessment™™ This 60-90-day service typically consists of 2-3 site visits, extensive client interviews, data collection and analysis, technology assessment and financial analysis. A project assessment and benefits report summarizing the key findings and recommendations is presented to the Utility. The program can be customized to include pilot studies or other special services. The assessment provides a clear outline of the process changes and benefits of implementing AMR. It will provide conclusive data that can be used for the cost justification of a future conversion. The service is usually provided for lump sum fee plus related expenses. Please contact UtiliWorks for a site-specific quotation

UtiliWorks Implementation™ Implementation services vary greatly in terms of scope and project schedule. All proposals are developed on a case-by-case basis following in-depth investigation of the client’s environment.