The Data Exchange process lets you use CSV-format spreadsheet files to import interval reads that were collected with AMR/AMI solutions from Badger Meter and third-parties.
Use the information on this page to better understand the terms and information called for in the Data Exchange Interval Meter Reads Specification.
Use the steps below to bring interval reads into BEACON:
Before proceeding:
- Verify that your utility has a BEACON account and that your billing and other customer information systems have been synchronized with BEACON
- Verify that the Endpoint_SN and Endpoint_Type match provisioned endpoints in BEACON or the reads will be rejected.
- Download the Interval Meter Reads Specification.
- Open the file using a spreadsheet application such as Microsoft® Excel®.
- Use the details contained in the Interval Meter Reads Specification to guide you through the process of creating and completing a spreadsheet with properly named columns and corresponding data.Note: Supply one read per row in the spreadsheet. For example, one day of hourly reads requires 24 separate rows each of which contains the Endpoint_SN, Encoder_Value, Read_Time and Read_Interval.
- When complete, save the file in CSV format.
- Login to BEACON.
- From Assets>System Sync>Import, drop the file onto the Drop Zone.
- Approve the import.
Understanding the terms in the Interval Meter Reads Specification
The Interval Meter Reads Specification describes the CSV-format spreadsheet file columns and rows needed to bring interval meter reads into BEACON. Like other Data Exchange files, the column names must exactly match the Column Heading shown.
Use the details in this table to better understand the information called for in the specification.
Required fields are color-coded and marked with an asterick (*).
| Column Heading | Column Description | What You Should Do |
| Endpoint_SN* | Serial number of the endpoint providing the automated meter read. | Copy exactly the serial number of each endpoint as it appears in BEACON for the given service configuration. |
| Encoder_Value* | Raw encoder value in whole digits. BEACON will use provisioning data from your Accounts and Assets file to determine the read’s final resolution and unit of measure. | Provide interval reads in this column. Remember to use separate rows for each read. |
| Read_Date* | Date/time stamp at which the read is taken, in utility local time. Report timestamps with the ISO-8601 format YYYY-MM-DDThh:mm:ss | Include each read’s datestamp in this column. |
| Read_Interval_Seconds* | Supported intervals:
• 900 (15 minutes) All reads for each endpoint need to have the same value of Read_Interval_Seconds per import. |
Enter the read interval in seconds for each endpoint. Remember that this value must be the same for every row in the spreadsheet. If you have endpoints with different read intervals, use a separate file to import them. |
| Read_Status_Tamper | Endpoint Tamper Flag: 0 or 1 (0 or omitted means flag not set, 1 means flag is set). | This flag is set either by the endpoint or manual reading device. Pass the information to BEACON. |
| Read_Status_Encoder_Error | Encoder Communication Error Flag resulting in no read: 0 or 1 (0 or omitted means flag not set, 1 means flag is set). | This flag is set either by the endpoint or manual reading device. Pass the information to BEACON. |
| Read_Type | A code indicating if the read was Estimated (E) or Actual (A). If omitted, the read is assumed to be actual. | This code is sent either by the endpoint or manual reading device. Pass the information to BEACON. |
