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AMR/AMI ImplementationLessons Learned An Installation Vendor¶s Perspective

Kirk Prevost

VSI Meter Services

Program Manager 

Sales and Marketing

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Table of Contents

Major Categories of Lessons Learned

Company Overview

Contracting Strategy-RFP Pre-Deployment Planning

Logistics/Scheduling

Customer Communications

Information Technology and Data Transfer  Field conditions ± What to expect.

Conclusion

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 Aston, PA headquarters

Founded in 1990

 Acquired by Asplundh Tree

Expert Co. June 2003. Premier metering services:

Completed over 9 million meter andendpoint installations for electric, gas andwater meter products.

Largest deployments: SDGE (2.4M)

PECO Energy (2.1M) BGE (1.2M)  Alliant Energy (1.4M)

SW Gas (500k)

Cincinnati Water (230K) City of Atlanta Water (160K) City of Kansas City Water (150K)

City of San Francisco Water ( 67K)

Experience ± Reduces Risk 

VSI Meter Services ~

Overview

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Contracting Strategy - RFP

G etting the Best Deal ± Quality and Cost.

Detailed Scope of Work with Requirementsand Responsibilities clearly defined.

Comprehensive Terms and Conditions Detailed Meter Data

Total # of each type of meter 

% of Inaccessible meters

Geographic Meter Density Breakdown (meters/sq.mile or Urban vs. Rural)

Realistic Deployment Timeframe

 Adequate Proposal Timeframe (6-8 Weeks)

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Pre-Deployment Planning

Critically Important Phase of the Project

It is important to involve all key stakeholders. Meter Reading, Field Services, Billing, Customer Service,

Information Technology, Inventory, Technology andInstallation Vendors

Create Detailed Project Plans and Process

Flows.

Provides the Framework for Project Execution,and;

Provides On-going Project Documentation

Promotes Partnership

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Logistics/Scheduling

Coordinate with Existing Meter Reading andBilling Schedule Understand the impact to the existing operation

Manage Meter Reading and Back Office Resource Needsand Reductions.

 Anticipate Potential Attrition ± plan for it.

 Allow for Black-out Windows based on Route andSchedule release

Plan for Geographic Constraints Schedule the Deployment by ³Routes´

Consider Travel Times ± ³windshield´ time from CrossDocks and Staging Locations.

Coordinate Material Deliveries and Network Deployment.

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Customer Communications

Develop a clear message

Purpose of the program

Impact to the customer (positives)

 Answers to Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Prepared Scripts for Call Center and Field Tech¶s

Communicate early and often

Multiple forms of communication media Mailers, postcards, bill inserts, cable ads, community

groups, politicians, police, commercials, website, etc.

Celebrate Milestone Successes ± Continue to Generate

Project Enthusiasm.

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Information Technology and

Data Transfer  Existing Meter Data - How accurate is it?

How do you want to handle discrepancies found inthe field. (Digital Images, Data Overrides)

Electronic data transfer is the standard. Develop the transfer process and test it prior to

deployment.

Reduce data entry with bar coding on Handhelds

Develop data ³scrubbing´ routines and criteria. Insist on data security and encryption.

Paper back up can provide an audit trail to trackpotential errors.

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Field Conditions

What you could encounter.

HazardsDogs

Poor lighting

Parking difficulties

Common obstructions (cars over boxes)

Corroded piping

Pre-existing Leaks

Theft and Tampering

Critically Important to Insist on theProper Personal Protective Equipment!

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Safety Program

Safety Program

Staff Safety Professionals.

Organizational Safety Meetings ( DailyTailgates, Weekly Executive Safety Mtgs.)

Standard Communications (Bulletins, ACEReports, Accident Notifications).

Behavioral Approach to Safety ± Auditsare performed.

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Personal Protective Equipment

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Safety First

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Hazards

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Hazards

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Hazards

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Hazards

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Problem?

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Problem?

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2/16/2011What could be the problem?19

Theft

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Conclusion

The field deployment is where the

³rubber meets the road´

The ultimate success or failure occurs inthe field

Daily Customer Interaction

Daily Data Transfers

Safety Hazards - (and, theft and tamper)

Therefore,

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Conclusion

Thorough:

Planning and Testing,

Tracking (Project Reporting ± Daily, Weeklyand Monthly),

Process Documentation and Controls,

Organizational Involvement = Teamwork,

and

Safety Policies

Will Yield a Successful Project!

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Questions

???

Thank you!