Focus on today, but never turn a blind eye to tomorrow.

A meter data management system (MDMS) is a tool for achieving business objectives. So before selecting an MDMS, utilities must make sure they understand their goals and document them. In many cases, an MDMS can accomplish far more than most utilities need or want – at least initially.

But keep in mind, the MDMS is more than a technology solution. You’re establishing a partnership with the team that built it. So not only do you want a solution that will expand with new requirements; you want a great team with the capacity to visualize tomorrow’s opportunities.

The MDMS will greatly shape what your utility can offer in the years and decades to come. It is essential that a utility meld current needs with future objectives. Then match that list to the MDMS options and the team behind it. It's a significant undertaking to implement an MDMS once. It's an even larger task to convert from one MDMS to another.

Choose wisely, and start with the MDMS and the team that can, and will grow to meet all your needs.