BEACON advanced metering analytics (AMA) mobile software from Badger Meter automatically synchronizes meter reading field assignments and meter reading data with cloud-based BEACON AMA software whenever an Internet connection is established, saving time and vehicle mileage, while providing water usage data for real-time decision-making.

The map-based software works like a GPS, showing where accounts are located and the movement of the vehicle. As it reads the meters, the icons for the meters change color and indicate if a meter is missed.

“By utilizing a meter reading system like this you can identify the non-revenue water as well by looking at what your production is versus your metered consumption,” says Greg Richards, marketing manager, Badger Meter. “You can look at the consumption by routes or zones.”

Features include ORION meter endpoints that are upgradable from mobile to fixed network data collection without rolling a truck or reprogramming the endpoint. Other features include ISO 27001 and SOC-2 data security platform, automatic software updates and billing, work order, inventory, customer relationship management (CRM) and geographic information systems (GIS) integration.

“A couple key features of the software are a customizable dashboard and drill-down capabilities,” Richards says. “You can look for things like leak alerts on your home screen. You click on that and it’ll give you a list of the accounts.”

The Web-based field director enables dispatchers to update assignments and monitor their completion from the office. Supported Web browsers include Google Chrome (29 or higher), Microsoft Internet Explorer (10 or higher), Apple Safari (5 or higher) and Mozilla Firefox (23 or higher). The Internet connection enables meter readers to get their assignments and transfer reads back to the office using their cellphones as a hotspot, saving time over manual data transfer.

“Many of the utilities have the water distribution and treatment in one facility,” Richards says. “Having that data available for customer service representatives helps reduce billing adjustments. They can easily see how much water customers consume over a period of time.” 800/876-3837; www.badgermeter.com.