Building Blocks

The Xemex AMR solution is delivered as a plug-in or add-on module for remote registration of any kind of consumption. The solution is built around the following strategic ideas:

1. A modular metering concept hooked-in to the metering devices from leading meter suppliers.
2. M-bus and M-bus wireless connectivity to exchange local data between electricity meter and other meters, e.g. water, gas, heath, smoke, burglary, medical care, etc.
3. GSM/GPRS and Ethernet to exchange data stored in the module with central servers.
4. A customer Info-panel display providing relevant consumption and credit information to the end-user, and allowing the supplier to also send information back to his customer. This information can be shown on a text line of the Info-panel.

The Xemex solution is fully bidirectional, hence well suited for prepaid applications, priority installations, alarm, healthcare and security. It supports load management and remote switching of both gas and electricity if customer moves or has no credit left.
An important advantage of the Xemex solution is its capacity to perform remote software upgrade, hence avoiding costly human on-site interventions.

For the telecommunication gateways, the importance of a modular add-on/plug-in approach versus integrated solutions cannot be overestimated:

1. Network owners want to have meters on the wall for 10's of years
2. Communication tools tend to evolve fast, hence they must be upgradeable
3. Freedom of choice to use the most appropriate communication method required to do the job. Just replace one communication module by another (e.g. evolution from GSM to 3G), while the meter remains on the wall.
4. With integrated solutions the meter needs to be replaced, causing lots of hurdles with on-site visits and CRM related customer complaints & requests;
5. Telco provides will continue to provide backwards compatible mobile communication tools;
6. Telco providers have extensive network management tools, hence they can offer binding SLA's

Major advantages

1. A modular communication platform not integrated in the meter. This allows for easy adaptation to newer communication technologies without having to replace the installed meter, thus avoiding lots of rework and CRM disturbances;
2. Use of the most convenient, open and standardized communication tools: GPRS and CDMA, fully monitored with SLA's by telecoms providers;
3. Possibility to address households in real time for priority installations or for prepaid or other real-time applications;
4. The Xemex module is compliant with the upcoming Dutch NTA legislation.