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MDM Pile-On: Vendors See Huge Opportunities in All that Data By SGN Staff Jun 2, 2010 - 11:45:14 AM
The buzz about smart meters isn't just about multi-tasking and two-way communications capabilities. When savvy observers started crunching the numbers, they realized those chatty meters would be feeding a tidal wave of raw data back to utilities. As Jack Danahy, one of our regular contributors blogged in November 2009, that mountain of data can be incredibly useful in a variety of ways if it's managed well — but utilities need to prepare for the onslaught or get swamped by it.
Data management basics ...
It didn't take long for vendors large and small to figure out there's a huge market for meter data management (MDM) systems that will organize, clean up, protect and translate all that data into information utilities can use to their own and their customers' advantage. The tricky part is deciding which one has what you need now – and can scale along with your metering initiatives.
To give you a sense of the array of solutions available, we’ve highlighted 10 vendors involved in the MDM space and provided a brief snapshot of what they offer:
· Accenture’s Intelligent Network Data Enterprise (INDE) is a future-friendly framework that gives utilities the blueprint, tools, processes, services, databases, analytics and visualization capabilities needed to transform volumes of Smart Grid data into actionable, intelligent information.
· Aclara Software’s MDM system offers a versatile architecture that performs data integration, validation, estimation and editing (VEE), as well as data storage and management. It can work with CIS, SCADA, GIS, load research and schedule systems, weather and other legacy systems. Learn more >
· Ecologic Analytics provides an expandable MDM system with exception management and work flow, meter data collection and management, real time command and control, advanced billing data, back office data synchronization, VEE and enhanced outage management. Learn more >
· eMeter MDM offerings include automated AMI meter-to-cash processes at scale, a configurable VEE engine, support for TOU and event-based pricing, automated exception management, adaptability for evolving regulatory requirements and configurability for extended enterprises. Learn more >
· Hansen Technologies provides traditional and interval meter data processing capabilities benchmarked to one million multi-register meters per hour. Its solution can accommodate different market and customer-specific rules and integrate with Hansen CIS or an existing system. Learn more >
· Itron MDM solutions streamline IT support and associated expenses while transforming data into useful information. Itron (and others) consider its software for commercial and industrial meter data collection and management to be the standard for utilities. Learn more >
· NorthStar Utilities Solutions offers MeterSense to manage, process and store meter data and events, incorporating them into utility operations with configurable, intelligent work flows. The scalable system also helps identify operating efficiencies and deficiencies, predict system load. Learn more > .
· Olameter provides advanced meter reading and energy services through its MDM systems' VEE and settlement services. It offers multi-vendor MDMS with the ability to collect and manage data from complex metering equipment with analysis of key elements such as data integrity and reliability. Learn more >
· Oracle MDM applications handle customer, supplier, product and financial data with data governance services. Its MDM suite consolidates and maintains master data across the enterprise and shares the master information to all operational and analytical applications as a shared service. Learn more >
· Telvent Conductor MDM provides for processing and assimilation of data from multiple AMI networks, transforming it into useful information than can be leveraged throughout the entire utility operation. It becomes the single point of integration for a full range of meter data. Learn more >
This list is just a starting point, of course. The links below will help you locate additional resources.
Additional SGN Resources …
Smart Grid vendor news and profiles
IDC Energy Insights Forecasts Market for Meter Data Management (MDM) to Grow by Almost 30% to Reach $869.1 Million by 2013 (press release/pdf)
Trends in Meter Data Management Systems Acquisitions (white paper/pdf)
Integration of the CIS System of a Large Western Utility with Multiple AMI Systems and an MDM System (case study/pdf)
AMI and MDMS Deployment Best Practices (white paper/pdf)
Utility Pitfalls: The Disturbing New Face of Smart Grid Vendor Lock-In
Elsewhere on the Web …
Eledtric Light & Power: MDM Shopping? There are Plenty of Factors to Weigh
Intelligent Utility: Are All Meter Data Management Systems Created Equal?
Gartner: MarketScope for Meter Data Management Products
Blakes: AMI System Procurement – Aligning Vendor Interests
PennEnergy: Meter Data Management: Step One to Harnessing the Power of AMI
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