Automatic meter reading (AMR) technology automatically collects utility meter data and transfers it to utility providers. AMR was first developed in the 1970s and allows near real-time meter readings to replace estimated billing. It provides benefits like more accurate billing and easier detection of tampering or leaks but also risks increased monitoring and reduced privacy. Common AMR methods include touch pads, radio frequency networks, mobile drives, and satellite transmitters.

1. AUTOMATED
METER READING
SYSTEM

2. 1) Introduction
2) History
3) Advance AMR
4) Block Diagram
5) Advantages of AMR
6) Disadvantages of AMR
7) Technologies in AMR
CONTENTS

3. INTRODUCTION
Automatic meter reading, or AMR, is the technology of
automatically collecting consumption, diagnostic, and
status data from water meter or energy
metering devices (gas, electric) and transferring that
data to a central database for billing, troubleshooting,
and analyzing. This technology mainly saves utility
providers the expense of periodic trips to each
physical location to read a meter. Another advantage
is that billing can be based on near real-time
consumption rather than on estimates based on past
or predicted consumption.

4. HISTORY
 In 1972, a sensor monitoring system which used
digital transmission for security, fire and medical
alarm systems as well as meter reading capabilities
for all utilities was developed.
 In 1977, the first fully automated, commercially
available remote meter reading and load
management system was developed.
 The primary driver for the automation of meter
reading is not to reduce labor costs, but to obtain data
that is difficult to obtain.

5. Advanced AMR
 Originally AMR devices just collected meter
readings electronically and matched them with
accounts.
 As technology has advanced, additional data could
then be captured, stored, and transmitted to the
main computer, and often the metering devices
could be controlled remotely.
 This can include events alarms such as tamper,
leak detection, low battery, or reverse flow.

6. Block Diagram of AMR

7. Advantages of AMR
 Accurate meter reading, no more estimates
 Improved billing
 Accurate profile classes and measurement
classes, true costs applied
 Improved security and tamper detection for
equipment
 Less financial burden correcting mistakes
 Less accrued expenditure
 Transparency of “cost to read” metering
 In cases of shortages, utility will be able to
manage/allocate supply.

8. Disadvantages of AMR
 Utility can possibly control amount allocated to
users.
 Risk of loss of privacy - details of use reveal
information about user activities.
 Greater potential for monitoring by
other/unauthorized third parties.
 Potentially reduced reliability (more complicated
meters, more potential for interference by third
parties).
 Increased security risks from network or remote
access

9. Technologies in AMR
 Touch technology
With touch-based AMR, a meter reader carries a handheld computer or
data collection device with a wand or probe. The device automatically
collects the readings from a meter by touching or placing the read probe
in close proximity to a reading coil enclosed in the touchpad. The
software in the device matches the serial number to one in the route
database, and saves the meter reading for later download to a billing or
data collection computer.

10. AMR Hosting
AMR Hosting is a back-office
solution which allows a user to
track his/her electricity, water,
or gas consumption over the
Internet. All data is collected in
near real-time, and is stored in a
database by data acquisition
software. The user can view the
data via a web application, and
can analyze the data using
various online analysis tools such
as charting load profiles,
analyzing tariff components, and
verify his/her utility bill.
Technologies in AMR

11. Radio frequency network
RF -based meter reading usually eliminates the need for the meter
reader to enter the property or home, or to locate and open an
underground meter pit. The utility saves money by increased
of reading, has less liability from entering private property, and has
fewer missed readings from being unable to access the meter. The
technology based on RF is not readily accepted everywhere.
Technologies in AMR

12. Technologies in AMR
Handheld
In handheld AMR, a meter reader
carries a handheld computer with
a built-in or attached
receiver/transceiver (radio
frequency or touch) to collect
meter readings from an AMR
capable meter. Handheld
computers may also be used to
manually enter readings which
will not support data which can
be accurately read using the
meter reading electronically.

13. Mobile
Mobile or "drive-by" meter
reading is where a reading device
is installed in a vehicle. The meter
reader drives the vehicle while
reading device automatically
collects the meter readings. It has
reading equipment like
navigational and mapping
features provided by GPS and
mapping software.
Technologies in AMR

14. Technologies in AMR
Satellite
Satellite transmitters can
be installed in the field next
to existing meters. The
satellite AMR devices
communicates with the
meter for readings, and
then sends those readings
over a fixed or mobile
satellite network.