The MDMS. Get it in early and start evaluating meter data during AMI deployment.

No one component makes up the Smart Grid. It takes lots of pieces working in unison. However, there is one aspect that operates directly with each component, and links the entire system together. That would be the meter data management system. As such, it should be among the very first items on your punch list to select.

Choosing the right meter data management system (MDMS) will make all the difference. It is, in a very real sense, the foundation to your Smart Grid initiative. It will determine which business objectives you can and cannot achieve. It also affects the scale your Smart Grid system can attain, the scope of its functionality and potentially, which other technologies you will be able to use.

Of course, the Ecologic MDMS is an open system, featuring a service oriented architecture that can work with all Smart Meter technologies, including AMR and AMI systems and even manual reads. So if you didn't choose your MDMS first, you're not out of luck. With Ecologic MDMS, you'll receive a solution that provides great insight, monitoring, validation, presentation, and auditing capabilities for all meter technologies being deployed.

The MDMS provides the utility with the ability to monitor the meter data feeds from the Smart Meter systems, providing continuous benchmarking and evaluation of the performance and quality of meter data – not to mention a faster return on investment. However, if you choose another MDMS option, you may not have that same flexibility.