An innovative m‐utility management and billing system
Abstract
Purpose
Aims to provide a new wireless design for utility management and billing systems using GSM networks that can be used by large utility sites.
Design/methodology/approach
Traditional energy and water meters are replaced or enhanced to produce digital readings. A hardware interface is designed and then connected via the GSM network to a server at the utility headquarters. The new system is compared with traditional utility systems.
Findings
A prototype for the proposed systems was implemented. It was tested using a real GSM network in the United Arab Emirates. The performance of the systems was acceptable, with high accuracy results when compared with the existing systems.
Research limitations/implications
Applying the system in large buildings with multiple subscribers is not a straightforward task; the system may need some modifications.
Practical implications
This is a very useful system for utility companies which are interested in better management and billing systems. The system can be implemented easily at low cost.
Originality/value
This work utilizes a mobile network to provide a practical system for utility companies. It is an integrated system with complete hardware, software, and database implementation.
Keywords
Citation
Al‐Rousan, M. and Al‐Ali, A.R. (2006), "An innovative m‐utility management and billing system", Journal of Enterprise Information Management, Vol. 19 No. 2, pp. 136-147. https://doi.org/10.1108/17410390610645049
Publisher
:Emerald Group Publishing Limited
Copyright © 2006, Emerald Group Publishing Limited