Data exchange files let you easily configure DMA Zones by entering Supply_Meter_IDs and Demand_Meter_IDs.
Before you begin, we strongly recommend creating a diagram of each DMA Zone in your utility. Catalog each meter and its role in the zone. This will help streamline the process of creating a Data Exchange file for modeling DMA Zones in BEACON.
To configure DMA Zones, do the following:
- Name the DMA Zone.
Tip: Use meaningful names to help you quickly differentiate metering areas. - Add two columns to your existing Data Exchange files:
• Supply_Zone_ID
• Demand_Zone_ID
Leave the rest of the information unchanged.Click to download a DMA Sample File and use it to help jumpstart your DMA zone configuration.
To designate a meter as a Supply meter:
- After adding Supply_Zone_ID and Demand_Zone_ID columns to your existing Data Exchange files, enter the DMA Zone name in the Supply_Zone_ID column.
- Leave the Demand_Zone_ID column blank.
Meter_ID …All the other data
fields in your Data
Exchange file…Supply_Zone_ID Demand_Zone_ID 11111 … … … … … Lodge 1
To designate a meter as a Demand meter:
- After adding Supply_Zone_ID and Demand_Zone_ID columns to your existing Data Exchange files, enter the DMA Zone name in the Demand_Zone_ID colum
- Leave the Supply_Zone_ID column blank.
Meter_ID …All the other data
fields in your
Data Exchange File…Supply_Zone_ID Demand_Zone_ID 22222 … … … … … Lodge 1
To designate a meter as a Supply meter in one zone and a Demand meter in another zone:
- After adding Supply_Zone_ID and Demand_Zone_ID columns to your existing Data Exchange files, enter the DMA Zone name in the Supply_Zone_ID column.
- Enter a different DMA Zone name in the Demand_Zone_ID column.
Tip: Do not enter the same DMA Zone name in the Supply_Zone_ID column and the Demand_Zone_ID column. If you do, the row will be rejected during Data Exchange validation.Meter_ID …All the other data
fields in your
Data Exchange File…Supply_Zone_ID Demand_Zone_ID 33333 … … … … … Lodge 2 Lodge 1
- Repeat as needed.
- When finished, name and save the file.
- Drop it onto the Assets page System Sync Import drop zone.
To designate a meter as a Sewer meter, enter S in its Service_Point_Type column.
