System Comparison
WATERfactor is the superior choice
INFRASTRUCTURE COMPARISON
The WATERfactor wireless node has been specifically designed to exploit the fact that in medium and high density housing units multiple touch pads are located in close proximity to each other. Most AMR / AMI systems require a single wireless node for each touch pad. Each WATERfactor node can service up to 6 water meters, making the WATERfactor system significantly cheaper to implement in medium and high density housing complexes, where touch pads are in very close proximity. In some municipalities, this encompasses 20% or more of the total installed meter base.
The smart alternative to AMR and AMI systems.
Compare the infrastructure required to service 1000 individual water meters by a mobile AMR system, a fixed AMI system and the WATERfactor system below:
Mobile AMR System
Water Factor System
THE SUPERIOR SOLUTION
Fixed AMI System
1000 Water Meters
1000 Wireless Nodes
1 Mobile AMR Vehicle
Download data
Troubleshoot communication issues
Return to recapture units that did not report
Return to sites to troubleshoot issues
Repair / replace units Resources Required
Resources Required
- Water meter nodes (1000)
- Reading frequency (weekly, monthly)
- Additional personnel
- Additional vehicles with AMR reading system mounted on the vehicle
1,000 Water Meters
167 Wireless Nodes
1 Gateway
1 Internet connection
Processing data for billing
No Additional Resources Required
1,000 Water Meters
1,000 Wireless Nodes
1 Wireless Repeaters
1 Tower
1 Cellular or Lan connection
1 Ethernet
1 Server
Personnel for infrastructure management and training
Resources Required
- Wireless nodes (1000)
- Wireless Repeaters (100+)
- 1 Tower
- Reading frequency (hourly)
- Additional personnel to manage the system
- Additional vehicles
FEATURE COMPARISON
Feature Set |
 WATERfactor |
Itron | Neptune | Senus | Badger/ Elster |
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| Capable of 8 digit meter reading resolution |  |
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| Tampering alarms |
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| Leak alarms |
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| Reverse flow detection | |
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| Data logging capability |
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| Time-synchronized hourly readings |
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| ISM 902-928 Mhz unlicensed band |
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| 20 year battery life |
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| Capable of over the air updates |
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| AES security encryption of wireless data |
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| Reliable data delivery and system management |
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| Optional remote valve shutoff and control systems |
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| Optional 2-wire readings |
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| Optional branch pressure monitoring |
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| A single node can read from multiple meters |
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| Inexpensive gateway installations |
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| Fixed network does not require repeaters |
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| Fixed network does not require tower infrastructure |
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| Low installation cost |
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| Managed network and billing services included |
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| Lifetime network maintenance and software management |
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