Tips and Tricks with Itron’s Temetra and MC4-Core Mobile Collector
To configure Itron Temetra for monthly gas meter consumption collection in Canada, where the meters log data at 8:00 AM on the 1st of every month, but the drive-by collection is done 2–3 days later using an MC4 mobile collector, follow this step-by-step process:
1. Set Up Meter Reading Schedule in Temetra
In Temetra, configure a monthly reading schedule that aligns with your utility’s billing cycle. Set the scheduled read date and time for 8:00 AM on the 1st day of each month. This timestamp is used as the logical read date, ensuring consistency across billing records.
2. Configure the Meter Profile (if applicable)
Ensure each gas meter’s logging and data retention settings can store interval or register reads for at least 3–5 days. Most ERT-based or pulse-counting gas modules retain daily or hourly data. Confirm that the meter is set to record a daily snapshot or interval register at 8:00 AM.
3. Prepare the MC4 for Drive-by Collection
The MC4 Mobile Collector does not need to be operated exactly at 8:00 AM on the 1st. It collects stored consumption data from the meter’s memory. Import the scheduled route into the MC4 from Temetra, 2–3 days into the month. When performing the drive-by, the MC4 retrieves: The latest available data The stored read for 8:00 AM on the 1st, if available in the meter buffer
4. Collect Reads
Drive the assigned route with the MC4 unit. As long as you’re within RF range of each gas meter, the MC4 will capture the correct backdated read from memory. If a meter fails to provide the exact timestamped read, Temetra may interpolate or flag it depending on the configuration.
5. Upload and Review in Temetra
After collection, upload data from the MC4 to Temetra. Temetra will: Match collected data to the scheduled read date Populate reports with reads stamped as of 8:00 AM on the 1st, even though collected later Flag any anomalies (e.g., missed reads, time mismatches).
Summary
This process ensures consistency and accuracy in billing, leveraging the data storage capability of gas meter modules and post-dated collection via the MC4. You get the benefit of logical meter reads on a fixed schedule without needing to collect them precisely at that time.
About the Author:
Michael Martin is the Vice President of Technology with Metercor Inc., a Smart Meter, IoT, and Smart City systems integrator based in Canada. He has more than 40 years of experience in systems design for applications that use broadband networks, optical fibre, wireless, and digital communications technologies. He is a business and technology consultant. He was a senior executive consultant for 15 years with IBM, where he worked in the GBS Global Center of Competency for Energy and Utilities and the GTS Global Center of Excellence for Energy and Utilities. He is a founding partner and President of MICAN Communications and before that was President of Comlink Systems Limited and Ensat Broadcast Services, Inc., both divisions of Cygnal Technologies Corporation (CYN: TSX).
Martin served on the Board of Directors for TeraGo Inc (TGO: TSX) and on the Board of Directors for Avante Logixx Inc. (XX: TSX.V). He has served as a Member, SCC ISO-IEC JTC 1/SC-41 – Internet of Things and related technologies, ISO – International Organization for Standardization, and as a member of the NIST SP 500-325 Fog Computing Conceptual Model, National Institute of Standards and Technology. He served on the Board of Governors of the University of Ontario Institute of Technology (UOIT) [now Ontario Tech University] and on the Board of Advisers of five different Colleges in Ontario – Centennial College, Humber College, George Brown College, Durham College, Ryerson Polytechnic University [now Toronto Metropolitan University]. For 16 years he served on the Board of the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), Toronto Section.
He holds three master’s degrees, in business (MBA), communication (MA), and education (MEd). As well, he has three undergraduate diplomas and seven certifications in business, computer programming, internetworking, project management, media, photography, and communication technology. He has completed over 50 next generation MOOC (Massive Open Online Courses) continuous education in a wide variety of topics, including: Economics, Python Programming, Internet of Things, Cloud, Artificial Intelligence and Cognitive systems, Blockchain, Agile, Big Data, Design Thinking, Security, Indigenous Canada awareness, and more.