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 over 40% of the United States. Since 1999, we have served the utility industry by providing metering solutions that enhance the delivery of utility services and improve customer satisfaction.
As a SOC 2 certified company, we adhere to rigorous industry best practices to safeguard and manage utility and customer information and ensure critical data is handled with the highest standards of security, confidentiality, and privacy.
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 highly proficient in the management of complex AMR/AMI projects. When managing projects, we also lean heavily upon our versatile technical staff of 70+ associates.
Who is Itron?
Combining experience and innovation to deliver results
Itron enables utilities and cities to safely, securely, and reliably implement 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 communities 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 with approximately 30% Water, 80% Gas, 65% Electric, and is #1 in overall advanced metering market share. Founded in 1977, the company employs more than 9,000 across 70 global locations (13 in North America), and regularly reports annual revenues exceeding $2 billion.
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 detailed 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 Intelis Gas Meter is a convenient metering and ERT system all in one. Using ultrasonic technology, it accurately measures gas flow and includes a wide variety of self-diagnostic and state-of-the-art safety features to protect your customers.
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, ERT 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.”
United Systems Project Management
Enhance the way your utility interacts with customers while gaining operational efficiency! United Systems’ Project Management services include scope, scheduling, budget management, and deployment specifically tailored to your goals. Our Project Managers possess the expertise, experience, and tools to guide each utility’s project toward business transformation.
These projects typically involve integrating smart meters and modern analytical software solutions to improve service delivery, enhance customer satisfaction, and implement conservation initiatives for stakeholders. Throughout the project, our Project Managers:
- 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 obtaining local permits, joint use, and intergovernmental agreements
- Develop 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 delivers 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 provide 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 your field workforce 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. In many instances, the platforms can leverage existing communications infrastructure for backhaul communications and utilize Itron field assets already deployed. Two-way communications with the meter and time-synchronized interval data collection enhance system functionality. 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 deliver the advanced functionality desired by utilities, combined with Itron’s proven product reliability and low total cost of ownership. With a single endpoint, utilities gain the flexibility to collect meter data in both mobile or AMI fixed network environments. This dual-mode capability sets Itron apart from competing solutions. Additionally, they are compatible with meters from all leading manufacturers.
Contact Us
Ready to Optimize Your Operations?
When you have the right tools for the job, everybody wins — especially your customers. Unlock your utility’s potential, reduce or eliminate pain points for your staff, and dramatically increase operating efficiency. Fill out our contact form or call 800.455.3293 to learn more about our suite of integrated solutions.