For remote reading

Taking remote readings of consumption levels in terms of measuring instruments has become standard practice. It is something that is also supported by European directives, but is primarily the wish of consumers themselves. The remote reading of consumption levels guarantees the fair distribution of resources. The greatest problem in terms of accounting is the failure to receive readings on time from consumers, which in turn can lead to miscalculations and can also encourage the growth of debt or fraudulent behaviour. Water meters are often located on the ceiling where they are difficult to access and people simply do not want to climb up there to read them. Even when such water meters are easily readable, not everybody can remember to record the readings and forward them to the administrator when they are supposed to. Today we can offer other solutions for this problem which include taking remote readings of consumption levels using a server solution in which the readings are downloaded in a self-service web environment, or where remote readings are taken by means of a hand terminal, in which case all operatives will have their own units that they can use to download monthly readings without having to enter the apartment. The remote reading of consumption levels takes place ‘through the air’ using equipment that has a radio module and eliminating the need for cables. Nevertheless, this solution may not be suitable for everybody, particularly in buildings that are constructed in thick reinforced concrete where the transmission of radio signals is obstructed. This is why it is very important to think about centralised solutions for receiving consumption readings as early as the design process of new buildings. The smartest choice in this area is to establish an M-Bus network in which all equipment is cable-connected as this guarantees the reliable transmission of all readings.