ami deployment lessons learned
TRANSCRIPT
8/7/2019 AMI Deployment Lessons Learned
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AMR/AMI ImplementationLessons Learned An Installation Vendor¶s Perspective
Kirk Prevost
VSI Meter Services
Program Manager
Sales and Marketing
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Table of Contents
Major Categories of Lessons Learned
Company Overview
Contracting Strategy-RFP Pre-Deployment Planning
Logistics/Scheduling
Customer Communications
Information Technology and Data Transfer Field conditions ± What to expect.
Conclusion
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Aston, PA headquarters
Founded in 1990
Acquired by Asplundh Tree
Expert Co. June 2003. Premier metering services:
Completed over 9 million meter andendpoint installations for electric, gas andwater meter products.
Largest deployments: SDGE (2.4M)
PECO Energy (2.1M) BGE (1.2M) Alliant Energy (1.4M)
SW Gas (500k)
Cincinnati Water (230K) City of Atlanta Water (160K) City of Kansas City Water (150K)
City of San Francisco Water ( 67K)
Experience ± Reduces Risk
VSI Meter Services ~
Overview
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Contracting Strategy - RFP
G etting the Best Deal ± Quality and Cost.
Detailed Scope of Work with Requirementsand Responsibilities clearly defined.
Comprehensive Terms and Conditions Detailed Meter Data
Total # of each type of meter
% of Inaccessible meters
Geographic Meter Density Breakdown (meters/sq.mile or Urban vs. Rural)
Realistic Deployment Timeframe
Adequate Proposal Timeframe (6-8 Weeks)
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Pre-Deployment Planning
Critically Important Phase of the Project
It is important to involve all key stakeholders. Meter Reading, Field Services, Billing, Customer Service,
Information Technology, Inventory, Technology andInstallation Vendors
Create Detailed Project Plans and Process
Flows.
Provides the Framework for Project Execution,and;
Provides On-going Project Documentation
Promotes Partnership
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Logistics/Scheduling
Coordinate with Existing Meter Reading andBilling Schedule Understand the impact to the existing operation
Manage Meter Reading and Back Office Resource Needsand Reductions.
Anticipate Potential Attrition ± plan for it.
Allow for Black-out Windows based on Route andSchedule release
Plan for Geographic Constraints Schedule the Deployment by ³Routes´
Consider Travel Times ± ³windshield´ time from CrossDocks and Staging Locations.
Coordinate Material Deliveries and Network Deployment.
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Customer Communications
Develop a clear message
Purpose of the program
Impact to the customer (positives)
Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Prepared Scripts for Call Center and Field Tech¶s
Communicate early and often
Multiple forms of communication media Mailers, postcards, bill inserts, cable ads, community
groups, politicians, police, commercials, website, etc.
Celebrate Milestone Successes ± Continue to Generate
Project Enthusiasm.
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Information Technology and
Data Transfer Existing Meter Data - How accurate is it?
How do you want to handle discrepancies found inthe field. (Digital Images, Data Overrides)
Electronic data transfer is the standard. Develop the transfer process and test it prior to
deployment.
Reduce data entry with bar coding on Handhelds
Develop data ³scrubbing´ routines and criteria. Insist on data security and encryption.
Paper back up can provide an audit trail to trackpotential errors.
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Field Conditions
What you could encounter.
HazardsDogs
Poor lighting
Parking difficulties
Common obstructions (cars over boxes)
Corroded piping
Pre-existing Leaks
Theft and Tampering
Critically Important to Insist on theProper Personal Protective Equipment!
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Safety Program
Safety Program
Staff Safety Professionals.
Organizational Safety Meetings ( DailyTailgates, Weekly Executive Safety Mtgs.)
Standard Communications (Bulletins, ACEReports, Accident Notifications).
Behavioral Approach to Safety ± Auditsare performed.
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Personal Protective Equipment
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Safety First
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Hazards
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Hazards
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Hazards
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Hazards
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Problem?
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Problem?
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2/16/2011What could be the problem?19
Theft
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Conclusion
The field deployment is where the
³rubber meets the road´
The ultimate success or failure occurs inthe field
Daily Customer Interaction
Daily Data Transfers
Safety Hazards - (and, theft and tamper)
Therefore,
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Conclusion
Thorough:
Planning and Testing,
Tracking (Project Reporting ± Daily, Weeklyand Monthly),
Process Documentation and Controls,
Organizational Involvement = Teamwork,
and
Safety Policies
Will Yield a Successful Project!
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Questions
???
Thank you!