With RouteManager, Alexander’s leverages nearly 60-years of meter reading experience and packaged it. Providing verified accuracy and proven efficiency, this proprietary cloud based meter reading platform is the unchallenged leader among handheld meter reading solutions. Utilizing Amazon Web Solutions (AWS) servers and rugged cellular equipped handheld devices, RouteManager is the cutting edge solution for in-field meter reading.
All Alexander’s software and data are hosted through AWS, with multiple backup locations. Data is secured using encrypted login and controlled transmission.
Dramatically improving productivity and reliability of operations is at the heart of our mission.
RouteManager processes rereads from the field via cellular connectivity. Meter reading supervisors review possible rereads as they occur during the reading process before they arrive at the utility’s billing site. Supervisors determine the nature of the exception, verify the photo taken which contains the actual reading. If necessary, the supervisor can visit the meter or assign those rereads remotely to another meter reader to review. This can then occur well in advance of the data transfer deadline for that day. By using the RouteManager technology, Certified Photos, GPS points and cellular connectivity between the handhelds and the web server, result in an accuracy level of up to 99.98% or greater.
Alexander’s RouteManager provides superior accuracy through the Meter ID Lock feature which is programmed into the handheld application. The handheld meter reading device will not allow meter readers to view any previous read or meter ID number, making it nearly impossible for them to enter an erroneous read.
When a meter reader enters a read, that read must be within the high/low limits set by the billing system. If it is outside of this range the reader must enter the meter’s ID number that can only be found on the meter in question. Once the proper ID number is entered into the unit, it will unlock and show the reader the previous read and the ID number for that meter only. At this point the reader is prompted to reread the meter, taking the previous read into consideration.
This simple function assures integrity during the collection of meter reads in the field by virtually guaranteeing that each read is authentic.
Within the design of RouteManager, Alexander’s has imbedded the Certified Reads feature, where every questionable read is verified and certified to be authentic. RouteManager collects and cross references supplementary data to ensure an authentic read has occurred. These Certified Reads will give you extraordinary accuracy and productivity results from your meter reading crew!
RouteManager can be accessed by personnel through any device having internet access, through very strict and secure login processes. Devices such as a desktop PC, Laptop, iPad, or Smartphone can be given access to the web server. This allows each utility manager to monitor activity regarding rereads, exceptions, trouble meters, and performance of the meter reading crew as the reads take place each day. Each user of the system is given unique credentials designed to allow access only to functions within the system for which they are authorized.
Alexander's will configure a file layout to interface with the billing system that completely matches the current layout. No changes to file structure are required by the utility when implementing RouteManager.
Complimenting RouteManager is DZReader, a mobile handheld application that runs on the latest ultra-rugged Android mobile devices. These units are equipped with fast processors, high resolution cameras, GPS, and “real-time” cellular connectivity to access the host servers. These state-of-the-art handhelds get the work done reliably and efficiently.
With Alexander's RouteManager meter reading software, every questionable read is verified and certified to be authentic. The meter reader utilizes the full benefit of this product while collecting the meter reads in the field. RouteManager software collects and cross references supplemental data, during the original meter visit, to ensure that an authentic read has occurred. This additional effort removes all doubt regarding any questionable read, assuring that they are authentic.
The “Certified Read” feature guides the meter reader to capture the date, time, GPS coordinates and a photo right at the meter.
The benefits of this feature are enormous to the client end user: