September, 2003 | The Wiglaf Journal

Shifting Paradigm: Automated Meter Reading (AMR)

By Tim J. Smith, PhD | September 17, 2003

The Automated Meter Reading (AMR) industry is big stuff. During the past decade, advances in radio frequency (RF) technology, software, and powerline signal transmission have enabled utilities to change business processes from reading meters manually to downloading meter reads automatically. The potential cost savings for utilities are enormous. Entire workforces that were once charged with…

Prepaid Metering: Clear Value, Clearer Hurdles.

By Tim J. Smith, PhD | September 17, 2003

Pre-paid metering for utility services is a win-win-win proposition. Prepaid meter makers such as AMPY (www.ampy.co.uk) and Landis + Gyr (www.landisgyr.com) directly benefit from the sale. Utilities, such as Louisville Gas and Electric (LG&E, www.lgeenergy.com) and Salt River Project (SRP, www.srpnet.com), are able to supply service to the 15% of their customers with a poor…

Automated Meter Reading (AMR) Market Confusion: Crossed Signals

By Tim J. Smith, PhD | September 17, 2003

When a utility purchases an Automated Meter Reading (AMR) system, they are making a very significant investment. Because of the size of the investment and the potential sale, one might expect vendors of AMR systems to speak directly to the concerns of the purchasing utilities, but this unfortunately was not the case at the 2003…

Illuminating the Market

By Tim J. Smith, PhD | September 3, 2003

Since the invention of the tunable laser, scientists have enjoyed tweaking matter with its luminescence with remarkable control. Without it, our ability to control molecules was limited to little more than heating a sample over a Bunsen burner and observing the outcome. With it, we are able to isolate a specific sample of molecules, control…

Pareto’s Fractal Nature: A Powerful Tool

By Tim J. Smith, PhD | September 3, 2003

Nearly everyone is familiar with “The 80/20 Rule.” Almost as many are familiar with its more accurate name, “Pareto’s Law.” The basic premise emerged from a study of income distribution in Italy by an economist named Pareto. He found that 80% of the wealth in the economy was concentrated in 20% of the population. It…