Will smart metering help?

by Uwe Meding

Energy information companies are applying the latest automation technologies to enhance smart monitoring and analysis capabilities.

The idea is to optimize daily operational methodologies. State-of-the-art technologies have redefined how companies manage real-time data, automated workflows, analytical decision-making and corporate key performance indicator tracking.

With the advent of real-time automation technologies, smart-metering of energy allows building automation and facilities managers to look at assets in a new light, which helps in making informed decisions while reducing risks. Such methodologies will not only improve overall operations, but will also allow companies to adapt data-driven operating models. However, the big question remains: how will these real-time data-driven models and new technologies shape the future of energy management?
Developments in informational and operational technologies have been groundbreaking in the past decade. Our generation has witnessed this, with the average human easily adapting to the newest, state-of-the-art smart phones.

This same philosophy is finding its way into daily business practices in the energy management sector. Companies have readily invested in such technologies and are now reaping the results.

Development of smart sensors, telemetry and data communication systems are the new tools of the energy monitoring companies. IT teams within a company will be responsible for providing data management and will assist with software and collaboration projects. All stakeholders will then play key roles in bringing together the building blocks to construct a smart field model that best meets the company’s unique requirements.

With the availability of real-time data and new insight in daily operations, oil and gas companies are now looking into further enhancements to automate — to some extent, if not all — key optimization tasks. The development of innovative ideas resulting from present smart sensor initiatives will pave the way for new technological advances, which will define the future of energy monitoring.