Greentech Lead India: Kosciusko Rural Electric Membership
Cooperative (REMC) has deployed smart meter exchange solution provided by
Clevest Solutions, a provider of mobile workforce automation software including
smart grid deployment for the utility industry.
REMC is looking at streamlining the utility’s smart meter
deployment for its customers in northern Indiana.
“By using the Clevest solution to shift the
management of smart meter programs to a mobile environment, utilities or the
deployment vendors they engage have a tool that simplifies workflow, improves
data accuracy and expedites project completion by automating the receipt,
assignment, processing and completion of meter exchange orders,” said Doug
Engerman, SVP Global Sales and Marketing, Clevest Solutions.
As part of the deployment, the Clevest solution replaces
the manual meter data capture process with a mobile solution that ensures new
smart meters are installed correctly.
“Our smart meter initiative is part of a larger
vision to enhance member satisfaction. As part of this strategy, we previously
rolled out CLEVEST Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL) for better visibility into
our field operations. When we were ready to upgrade our meter infrastructure,
we turned to Clevest again,” said Curt Barkey, lead systems analysts,
Kosciusko REMC.
The Clevest solution uses customizable tools, best
practice templates and a comprehensive implementation methodology to improve
efficiencies, reduce errors and enhance crew safety during the process of
exchanging mechanical meters for smart meters.
Clevest said utilities can validate new installations by
generating service orders to audit work performed in the field. They can also
decrease error rates and minimize rework by double-checking installations to
identify problems during installation cycles.
Kosciusko REMC is planning to complete its smart meter
deployment by summer of 2013.
Moreover, future plans include implementing CLEVEST
Mobile Workforce Management (MWFM) for additional order types, and integrating
the solution with the cooperative’s current Clevest AVL capabilities.
Clevest Solutions said more than 100 utilities
worldwide have chosen Clevest to transform their field operations by harnessing
the power of our software and deep domain knowledge of mobile computing and
utility operations.