Next-generation meter-to-cash? IBM says it's got the answer

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Quick Take: As we move further into the mainstream phase of the smart grid, the challenge changes. At first, it was just to get individual applications up and running. Increasingly, it is about creating next-generation business processes to match the next-generation technology.

IBM claims that it has a start-to-finish, highly automated system for meter to cash. I can't tell from a press release if IBM has created a world-class system. But I do know that this kind of sophisticated business process automation is what sets apart the Walmarts and Amazons from their competition. – Jesse Berst

IBM says it has the automation solution for utilities trying to meet the challenges of a changing industry environment and new technologies that demand new business models and processes. Its business process management (BPM) software provides technology enablers and services, but also includes a way to quickly transform meter-to-cash processes.

Electric utilities moving ahead with smart grid initiatives already have a lot on their plates – regulatory requirements, pressure from consumers for more and better service and energy efficiency to name a few. IBM says if those smart grid technology initiatives are going to succeed, business models and practices have to change, too.

Its BPM software for meter-to-cash transformations includes accelerators for customer meter reading and control, meter management, meter monitoring, customer billing and payment and other processes that can take several weeks and need to integrate with a variety of business applications like MDM, CIS and security. IBM says the benefits for utilities that choose to automate those processes with BPM software include more efficient operations, better customer service, reduced billing errors, usage and tracking management and support for prepay options. Its meter-to-cash solution is based on industry standards such as IEC 61970 and IEC 61968.

 IBM also says its BPM software can help utilities improve demand and home energy management programs. BPM is a part of IBM's Solution Architecture For Energy and Utilities Framework (SAFE), a platform developed to manage and optimize several utility systems and automate smart metering processes.

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Download the meter-to-cash processes explainer from IBM