Inserting Readings from Remote Meters

Metered outlets and monitoring sites record flow data in accumulator tags that can be read remotely using a SCADA network. You can use the Meter Reading Entry module to import meter readings from these sites. Meter readings can be collected automatically or polled manually from the Meter Reading Entry module.

To import readings by polling remote meters:

  1. Click Meter Reading Entry to open the Meter Reading Entry module.
  2. Click Insert Readings for Remote Meters

    Note

    If you do not have any remotely read meters, this tool is not available in the toolbar.

  3. Enter the following details, then click OK:
    PropertyDescription

    Area/Group/outlet

    Specify the outlet or outlets for which you want to import readings. You can select all outlets in an area or a group, or select a single outlet.

    To Date

    Enter the latest date for which you want to record readings, or accept the default value of the current date and time.

    Insert readings for zero usage meters

    Select this checkbox to include readings for meters where there has been no usage over the metered period.

    The system will process the remote meters included in your selection and load the readings into the Entries table.

    Note

    This may take some time, depending on how many entries must be processed.

  4. Click Save to save your entries. You will be recorded in the audit table as the party who entered these readings.
  5. If any readings are inconsistent with the estimate, or you have elected to adjust the reading, the Meter Reading Adjustment screen opens where you can adjust or accept each reading in turn. You must give a reason for your choice,

Automatic meter readings

When an outlet is configured appropriately, the meter reading can be taken automatically at the end of an order so that usage is recorded immediately.

To read the meter automatically a site must satisfy the following criteria:

  • The site is on SCADAConnect
  • TCC Mode is set to Yes or Partial
  • The site's Disable Auto Meter Reading attribute is set to No.

DMS then reads the meter when both of the following criteria are met:

  • The order is scheduled to be complete
  • The flow rate has stabilised at zero.

If the meter is shared, and there is no gap between orders, DMS waits to read the meter until all orders are complete and calculates each customer's share of the metered flow based on the metered usage and the volume ordered.

Note

Do not use TCC automatic meter reading for monitoring sites. This is because DMS does not control the gate movement, and cannot determine exactly when to take the reading. Automatic readings may therefore be affected by fluctuations in the flow, resulting in multiple readings.

To turn off automatic meter reading, set the Disable Auto Meter Readingattribute to Yes for monitoring sites. The readings for these sites will still be included as usual when you import remote readings manually.

See also: