Pelion and SMS optimize smart meter data collection

The UK utility industry is benefiting from smart meters that are deployed and managed with ease thanks to a collaboration between Smart Metering Systems (SMS Plc.) and Pelion. SMS found Pelion when their current connectivity partner would not facilitate their roaming requirements.

Their development team was concerned by how smart meters would behave once deployed on a network as they had little experience of provisioning internet of things (IoT) enabled devices across the UK in a bespoke roaming solution. There was concerns that deployed devices could deviate from their intended purpose of sending a small 1 to 2kb burst of data on a daily basis.

Whilst sending additional packets of meter readings could be considered inconsequential, it’s not insignificant when you consider how one extra transmission from thousands of devices could consume bandwidth, data plans and budgets in no time at all. Furthermore, there were concerns over how SMS’s devices would exploit Pelion’s unique full un-steered roaming capability

The latent state of these devices also meant that deployed devices were often ‘forgotten’ by cellular masts whilst sleeping, with their idle state often being mistaken for being offline, there were instances of data not being transmitted for extended periods of time.

“The Pelion team took the time to review the business opportunity, come up with a more tailored approach to connectivity management and armed us with the information necessary to make an informed decision.”

Ian Gilchrist, Head of Gas Data, SMS Plc

The Solution

SMS Plc. partnered with Pelion to facilitate the daily collection of smart meter reads, thanks to SIM functionality and VPN infrastructure with high levels of redundancy and resilience built in. They chose Pelion primarily because of the consultative approach offered and the time taken to understand their exact requirements, which could be considered niche by the UK’s major mobile network operators (MNO) who’s ‘One size fits all’ approach to connectivity did necessarily suit SMS’ brief.

Pelion’s consultative approach identified that cost savings could be made by opting for a 2G communications topology that reflected SMS’ low bandwidth, intermittent approach to relaying data packets.

Pelion offers pre-negotiated tariffs with over 600 mobile network operators (MNO) providing competitively priced world-wide coverage and a single bill, regardless of how many networks are used. But Pelion’s Engineering teams went beyond their traditional remit and worked with the SMS device team, and interrogated their firmware code to ensure reliable roaming and guarantee that devices maintained a latent connection with cellular masts even when dormant.

The team also identified that typical deployment location could pose a risk to network coverage and worked with SMS to ensure smart meters could leverage the optimum network to maintain connectivity, even in the depths of a concrete basement.

“Pelion’s technical; support, flexibility and willingness to support our business has been extremely beneficial. Over the past 4 years, Pelion has been, and remains to be a robust partner who we work alongside on a regular basis, and I would not hesitate to recommend them.”

Ian Gilchrist

The resulting solution was an estate of meters that is easy to manage, cost-effective and boasts high levels of redundancy, with thousands of meter feeds consolidated into a single user interface, regardless of network connection.

• Efficient and secure management of remote assets
• Reliable connection to all deployed devices
• Streamlining of processes and data feeds
• Consultative approach to meet bespoke specification