Smart Metering

Empowering utilities and consumers to manage energy and water resources for a sustainable future.

Itron AMR and AMI Systems

Be Resourceful

United Systems is one of the nation’s most accomplished Itron partners, currently operating territories covering approximately 40% of the United States. Since 1999, we have served the utility industry by providing Itron solutions that enhance the delivery of utility services and improve service for their consumers.

United Systems is currently recognized as an Itron Engage Expert Channel Partner along with being certified by Itron in the delivery of network AMI solutions. By utilizing proven project management principles, we are very proficient in the management of complex AMR/AMI projects. When managing projects, we also lean heavily upon our multi-disciplined technical staff, which is currently comprised of over 70 associates.

Who is Itron?

Combining experience and innovation to deliver results

Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely, and reliably deliver critical infrastructure solutions to communities in more than 100 countries. With a portfolio of smart networks, software, services, meters, and sensors, Itron helps customers better manage water and energy for the people they serve. In short, Itron is dedicated to creating a more resourceful world by helping to improve the quality of life, ensuring safety, and promoting the well-being of people around the globe.

Itron serves 8,000+ water and energy utilities worldwide with data collection and communication solutions, including automated meter reading (AMR) and advanced metering infrastructure (AMI). These solutions are complemented by meter data management (MDM) and related software applications, as well as project management, installation, and consulting services.

Itron (NASDAQ: ITRI) leads in market share over the entire market with ~30% Water, ~ 80% Gas, ~65% Electric, and is #1 in overall advanced metering market share. The company was founded in 1977, employs more than 9,000 across 70 global locations (13 in North America), and regularly reports annual revenue in excess of $2 billion.

VISIT ITRON.COM

OUR SMART METERING SOLUTIONS

AMI/FIXED NETWORK

Itron’s AMI Network platforms offer comprehensive data collection and system management consisting of three different topologies – Cellular, Gen5 Mesh, and traditional Star networks. All offerings deliver software components for managing your network of devices, network health, long-term network performance, and collected data with access to comprehensive hourly interval data.

WATER ENDPOINTS

Gather readings remotely using Itron’s water endpoints. The 100 and 500 series endpoints both offer advanced two-way meter collection compatible with AMI fixed network, drive-by, and walk-by systems.

WATER METERS

We offer the latest model of the ultrasonic Hydrus Water Meter, which uses ultrasonic technology to measure flow rate. With no moving parts, these meters have fewer mechanical issues than traditional measuring methods and high accuracy, even over long periods of time. Models are available for any residential, commercial, or industrial application.

GAS ENDPOINTS & METERS

Itron offers gas endpoints compatible with all leading gas meter manufacturers and within RF- and cellular-based formats. Itron’s new Intelis Gas Meter is a convenient metering and ERT system all in one. It uses ultrasonic technology to accurately measure gas flow and features a wide variety of self-diagnostic features as well as state-of-the-art safety features to protect your customers from danger.

ITRON MOBILE

The Itron Mobile Radio is an all-purpose walk-by reader and programmer, for use with Itron’s smart meters and endpoints. Gather information about meters and consumption as well as perform field activities such as shutoffs and reconnects, endpoint installation, programming, resetting devices, and more. Extract 40 days of data from endpoints and collect leak data from water endpoints with acoustic leak sensors. These rugged, dependable devices can also withstand dust, rain, and rough handling.

“With our previous AMR system reaching end of life, CUD began an evaluation of available technologies. The original system was an endpoint and meter from the same manufacturer. This left fewer options from a metering and technology standpoint. With other issues such as staffing, a vast service area (over an hour of travel time from one end of our system to the other), and traffic congestion, we knew a traditional AMI network would not work. The cellular solution offered by Itron checked all the boxes.

With Itron cellular AMI in place, supporting the customer without providing truck rolls is a huge benefit. Also, the Itron solution didn’t require a complete meter lid changeout. We have been able to keep our metallic lids for the most part and still achieve a read rate of almost 99%! We were pleased with the cost of the Itron solution, and having United Systems Support was key. Unlike other vendors, their communication is top-notch. Our calls get answered, and they’re always willing to help. We highly recommend USS.”

Consolidated Utility District (TN)

United Systems Project Management

Enhance the way your utility works with your customers while gaining operational efficiency! United Systems’ Project Management services include scope, scheduling, budget management, and deployment specifically tailored to your goals. United Systems Project Managers have the expertise, experience, and tools to steer each utility’s project into this direction of business transformation.

These projects typically involve integrating smart meters and cutting edge analytical software solutions to provide better service delivery and enhanced customer service, as well as the realization of conservation initiatives for stakeholders. Throughout the project, our Project Managers work to

Analyze and review utility distribution, network propagation, ROI, and financial benefits
Identify the project’s impact on existing resources
Track, report, and respond to scheduling and other project-related concerns
Expedite the process of obtaining local permits, joint use, and intergovernmental agreements
Obtain contingencies for site relocation or interference issues
Conduct recurring lifecycle system checks (remote and onsite troubleshooting, periodic refresher training, system and software updates, etc.)

United Systems manages the entire system implementation, resulting in a comprehensive solution that yields the tangible outcomes your operations require.

United Systems and Software Inc. offers a portfolio of industry-leading smart metering solutions that integrate seamlessly with our Alliance™ Windows Suite or interface with existing software.

Automatic Meter Reading

Convenient, efficient, and cost effective with a migration path to an AMI/fixed network system, Itron’s data collection solutions for water, gas, and electricity provides improved meter reading operations and offer enhanced data collection capabilities. Rugged, portable, radio-equipped handhelds, tablets, and mobile collectors are an easy-to-use and affordable solution for utilities looking to read, program, and/or service endpoints. They allow field workforces to capture, store, and manage deployment data, meter reads, and service information from any meter.

Advanced Metering

Itron’s AMI platforms automate meter data collection using wireless communications to collect meter data – in many instances, the platforms can even leverage existing communications infrastructure for backhaul communications and Itron field assets already deployed. Two-way communications to the meter and time-synchronized interval data collection highlight the system. Itron radio-based endpoints transmit consumption, interval usage, and advanced meter alarm data at regular intervals to a network of collection infrastructure, which backhaul the meter data to the utility offices.

Open Architecture

Itron endpoints for water and gas are designed to provide the advanced functionality desired by utilities combined with Itron’s proven product reliability and low total cost of ownership. With one endpoint, utilities now have the flexibility to collect meter data both in a mobile or AMI fixed network environment. This dual-mode capability sets Itron apart from competing solutions. Additionally, they are compatible with meters from all leading manufacturers.