Advanced Metering systems or infrastructure includes state of the art digital and electronic software and hardware which combine remote communications with interval data management. These systems make it possible to collect time-based information and measurement details and enable the transmission of the data to various parties. Advanced metering infrastructure refers to the complete measurement and collection system that is installed at the customers site and the complete communication network that serves as a connection between the service provider and the customer. The customer is provided with advanced solid state meters that furnish time based data. The data is transmitted from the site meter to the AMI host system and is finally forwarded to the meter data management system that manages the data retrieved from the system. An advanced meter infrastructure makes it possible for a two-way communication.
AMI is slowly gaining in popularity. These meters are mostly deployed by electric cooperatives and are closely monitored by investor owned utilities. There are a number of issues that need to be addressed for increasing the installation of AMI systems. These include the cost and benefits of installing such a system. The costs involved in the installation of the system include the software and hardware costs involved in network infrastructure, meter modules and network management software for the system.
The data is provided at both the customer level and also at the level of the service provider either on a regular basis or as and when required. An AMI network will transfer this data to a central location and will help to sort and analyse it for various purposes such as outage response, customer billing and demand-side management. An AMI network comprises a variety of components and these include:
- A network management software
- Meter and modules
- A meter data management application
- A communications link
In most countries efforts have been undertaken and there have been sufficient investment in the sector to upgrade electrical grids and to increase their capabilities. This holds true for regions where attempts have been made for implementation of new power management functionality, increasing network communications and also for automated and remote management of network elements.
When it comes to
advanced meter infrastructure jobs , there is adequate scope for such employment. There are even openings for advanced meter infrastructure consultancy jobs. The workforce in this case is divided into three distinct sections namely technology consulting, management consulting and systems integration consulting. The job may involve looking into various spheres of activity including resource industry applications, systems integration consulting and industry applications.
The job responsibilities would include :
- Developing functional requirements by adding to application design
- Planning and subsequent execution of data conversion tasks
- Supervising functional design activities and processes
- Driving test planning and execution
- The development and testing of detailed functional designs
When it comes to
AMI jobs prior experience in the field comes in handy. It also pays to be acquainted with utilities stand applications such as Oracle Utilities Suite, SAP ISU, CRM and ERP. It is a combination of sound technical knowledge and professional skills that help to make a successful career in the field.
