(AMR) Automated Meter Reading

Automated Meter Reading (AMR)

Jayhawk Software can help save time, reduce frequency of re-reads, and reduce chances of error with a handheld or automated meter reading solution. Our billing software can interface with all meter types.

In the past, AMR devices have been quite expensive, so most of our smaller clients have not been able to justify them. Today, there are several economical alternatives for on-site automated meter reading.

What is a handheld or AMR Device?

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A handheld (or AMR-Automated Meter Reading) device is a small computer or other piece of equipment that can be used by your meter reader to record the reading from a meter.  Those readings are then electronically transferred into our billing software into the Jayhawk AMR Reading Group.  Our software allows the user to edit readings after importing data from the handheld prior to bill calculation.  There are several types of AMR solutions available to make meter reading and billing more accurate, more efficient, and less cumbersome.

Keypad Entry: Keypad Entry handheld is the type where the reader still manually reads the actual meter, and then types the reading in the handheld device.  There is no special meter required.   The meter reader then brings the handheld device back to the billing clerk to download readings into the billing software electronically.  Using a keypad entry style handheld is a cost effective way for smaller cities or districts to still benefit from the time saving features of automated meter reading, without spending a lot of money on special meters. Jayhawk Software recommends the keypad entry handheld to reduce errors from misreads (shows if high/low), interpreting handwriting or data entry mistakes.  Contact Jayhawk Software for a handheld meter reading device quote today!

Advanced Options: There are also other automated meter reading options available, that require special meters or special hardware at each meter such as:

  • Touch-read– touch the meter with a reading wand to automatically record the reading
  • Radio-read or Drive-by – Depending on the model, a signal is sent from meter to a wand, laptop or other device to record the reading
  • Cellular-read – Varying by model, a signal is sent from meter through cellular provider to record the reading

AMR Interface with Jayhawk Billing Software

If you chose to utilize an AMR solution, not only will you need the necessary hardware to read, but you will also need a software interface with your billing software.  Jayhawk Software has experience in creating interfaces for a variety of meter vendors.  The following is a list of approved AMR solutions that we have worked with in the past.  The standard interface is available for JUS/Solus or may require an upgrade to the newest Jayhawk Billing Software package.  If you already have JUS or Solus, but did not originally purchase a handheld interface, you will need to contact Jayhawk Software for a quote to add the interface.  If your file layout from the meter vendor is customized or deviates from the standard layout that we have on file, then additional fees may apply to modify the Jayhawk interface.

  • Advance (EZ Route MAPS, Schlumberger)
  • Badger
  • EZ Reader
  • Itron
  • Kamstrup
  • Master Meter (GreenTree)
  • Metron
  • Neptune (N-Sight)
  • RG3-Tesla4
  • Ramar
  • Sensus

 

Pricing and additional information available by contacting our sales team at 620-365-8065 or emailing  sales@jayhawksoftware.com.