Why More Meter Data Doesn’t Always Mean Better Utility Performance

With AMR deployment, utilities often see an explosion in available data.

However, many struggle to convert this data into measurable operational improvements.

The issue lies not in data collection, but in data application.

Typical problems include:

• Data collected without predefined use cases

• Operational teams overwhelmed by dashboards

• Alerts triggered without clear response workflows

Successful utilities reverse the process:
They begin by identifying operational priorities — such as reducing non-revenue water, minimizing billing disputes, or improving response time — and then configure data collection and analytics accordingly.

Best practices include:

1. Mapping data points to specific operational decisions

2. Reducing alert noise through prioritization

3. Aligning analytics with existing workflows

4. Training teams to trust and act on data

When data serves operations — not the other way around — AMR systems begin delivering sustainable value.