City of Dyer makes meter reading a simpler task, benefiting public works and the community
For a city government that handles all aspects of the city’s business, finding areas to improve their efficiency is key. By selecting a metering system that combines consistent meter quality with a user-friendly, open-system approach, they get better technology for less investment and improve customer service for their residents.
Deciding to use time more wisely
Prior to a new meter reading system, the City of Dyer completed meter readings manually, using either a meter book or handheld device to manually type in the readings. “It took three men three days, plus another two days after for re-reads—that’s a week
total and 15 man days a month, and we still had errors,” comments Nathan Reed, City Recorder for the City of Dyer. “The time spent doing this meant we were not groundskeeping our parks or repairing other infrastructures in our city for our residents.”
Impressive superior technology
The decision-making process to choose Kamstrup was unique for the City of Dyer, as they had already chosen a competitor’s system. However, once they learned about the superior accuracy of Kamstrup’s ultrasonic meters, the intuitive nature of the remote reading system and the competitive price, “I was obligated to bring Kamstrup’s system to the board for consideration,” said Reed.In particular, two factors regarding Kamstrup’s smart meters and system impressed Reed the most: Kamstrup’s out-of-box failure rate for meters is less than 0.1% and the open-system, user-friendly approach to the meter reading software.
During every purchasing process he goes through, Reed admits he becomes an expert in all areas of a particular field to ensure he selects the best solution for his city. In particular, two factors regarding Kamstrup’s smart meters and system impressed him the most: Kamstrup’s out-of-box failure rate for flowIQ smart water meters is less than 0.1% and the open-system, user-friendly approach to the meter reading software.
With a non-existent product failure rate and the flexibility of using any Android tablet for the reading device, “It costs less than other systems, but you get more technology and innovations,” says Reed. There is no need to invest in closed-technology systems, such as a high-priced laptop that you must purchase from a meter manufacturer.
With a non-existent product failure rate and the flexibility of using any Android tablet for the reading device, “It costs less than other systems, but you get more technology and innovations,” says Reed. There is no need to invest in closed-technology systems, such as a high-priced laptop that you must purchase from a meter manufacturer.
User-friendly meter reading system
As Reed describes how Kamstrup’s technology fits together, “With other systems, part A connects to B which connects to C and then D. With Kamstrup, A connects to B, and that’s it.”“With remote meter reading, the data is what is so valuable,” says Reed. “The way Kamstrup presents the information with graphs—it eliminates the need for additional spreadsheets or other ways to show customers their usage.” Additionally, it is easier for the city to identify leaks in customers’ homes and reduce water loss. “A meter reading system is more than just a 20 year investment—we have now found a long-term solution for our city.”