LAISON walk-by AMR solution for efficient and reliable water meter reading

With the rapid advancement of digital technologies and the growing demand for smarter infrastructure, utilities are increasingly adopting modern approaches to improve operational processes and embrace digital transformation. However, in many regions, water utilities still rely heavily on manual meter reading as the primary method for collecting meter data.

This traditional approach is labour-intensive, time-consuming, and vulnerable to errors, often leading to delayed billing, inaccurate data, and inefficient resource management.

To overcome these challenges, LAISON’s Walk-by Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) Solution offers a smart, cost-effective alternative that requires no fixed network infrastructure such as DCU or gateways. Designed as an entry-level digitalisation tool, it enables utilities to modernise meter reading operations with minimal investment while building a foundation for future upgrades.

The LAISON Walk-by AMR Solution allows meter readers to automatically collect water meter data while walking along streets using a Mobile Data Collector (MDC) and Mobile Data Terminal (MDT). Compatible with a range of LAISON LoRa water meters, it can capture readings up to 300 meters away and transmit them via 2G/3G/4G or Wi-Fi to the HDMS platform for processing.

This solution offers a range of features designed to make meter reading more efficient, accurate, and reliable, supporting streamlined operations and actionable data insights.

• GIS Tracking: Collects meter GIS information and displays meter and meter reader locations in real time for easy positioning.
• Daily/Monthly Reading: Supports daily or monthly meter reading schedules, enabling management of billing cycles and analysing regional water losses.
• Automatic Data Collection: Enables automatic meter reading via LoRa short-range communication, supporting offline and online modes for continuous operation.
• On-site Billing: Provides on-site billing and generates printed payment notices, reducing the billing collection period.
• Fault Reporting: Supports fault meter photo capture and fault reporting, enabling quick localisation for maintenance.
• Data Analysis: Provides meter consumption data analysis, identifying abnormal usage and regional water losses.

Building on these features, the Walk-by AMR Solution provides tangible improvements across multiple aspects for utility operations and customer service compared with traditional manual meter reading:

• Operational efficiency: Faster meter reading with less manual effort.
• Accuracy and reliability: Reduced human errors through automated data collection.
• Cost control: Lower labour costs and fewer losses from missed or incorrect readings.
• Management support: Streamlines operations and guides decision-making.
• Customer service: Minimises home visits while providing faster and more accurate service.

As utilities increasingly embrace digital technologies and smarter infrastructure, LAISON Walk-by AMR Solution provides a practical first step in digital transformation. With its proven experience serving utilities in more than 30 countries, LAISON continues to empower water companies worldwide to achieve intelligent, efficient, and sustainable water management.