Badger Meter Introduces BEACON® Software as a Service (SaaS); New Powerful End-To-End Managed Solution For Water Utilities Is ‘Clearly Better'

New solution provides greater visibility to water consumption, reduces technology risks and frees-up utility managers to focus on core competencies

Badger Meter, a leading global innovator and manufacturer of flow measurement and control solutions, recently introduced its new end-to-end managed solution for utility management, BEACON® Software as a Service (SaaS). BEACON SaaS combines the intuitive BEACON SaaS software suite with proven ORION Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) technology using fixed and cellular networks to give utilities greater control, more information and enhanced customer service. With the release of BEACON SaaS, Badger Meter also becomes the first major water meter company to release a cost-effective cellular based solution for system wide deployment.

“Utility managers across the country have told us that while they are experts at running their water utilities, they aren’t as comfortable with managing communications network infrastructure, system maintenance or software, which are continually evolving. BEACON SaaS is the perfect solution because Badger Meter does it all. Our ORION Cellular endpoints, along with fixed network endpoints, minimize the need for costly infrastructure. We also provide ongoing system maintenance and software support. Equally important, the BEACON SaaS software suite provides the decision-making information utility managers need to understand and monitor their water operations and improve customer service,” said John Fillinger, director of utility marketing for Badger Meter.

“BEACON SaaS is a simple and innovative approach that enables two-way communication virtually anywhere and gives utilities the information and analytics they need without the time and expense of managing their own fixed network system. With all of these features and benefits, BEACON SaaS is the ‘clearly better’ solution in the market today,” added Fillinger.

Built around a robust software suite, BEACON SaaS can easily import meter data and utilize the information to improve operations and processes for each specific utility’s needs. The software suite includes a customizable dashboard, the ability to set unique alert conditions, a consumer engagement website and smartphone/tablet app so customers can view their water usage activity, a secure hosted platform, and integration into current utility business systems. Water utility managers can expect faster leak detection, easier revenue management, the ability to quantify the effects of their water conservation efforts, easier compliance reporting, and an enhanced customer service experience.

BEACON SaaS is built on the time-tested ORION system for interval data capture and two-way communication. By utilizing the traditional Badger Meter ORION (SE) Fixed Network endpoints and gateways, along with ORION Cellular endpoints, a fixed network can now be configured to minimize infrastructure requirements and meet the unique needs of individual utilities. These flexible options allow a utility to apply the BEACON AMA managed solution to all services, or to immediately get started with more critical commercial or industrial customers.

BEACON SaaS is available exclusively through a managed service designed to minimize costs for deploying and maintaining the system. This allows utilities to focus their resources on directly managing their water delivery systems. BEACON SaaS comes with the hosted BEACON SaaS software suite with regular updates, fixed network and/or cellular endpoints and long term support and maintenance – all for an affordable one-time activation fee and a monthly per endpoint fee. The BEACON SaaS managed upgrade program is designed to keep utilities in step with the latest technology advancements. Since there is no need for owned infrastructure, BEACON SaaS pilot programs with ORION Cellular endpoints can be implemented quickly.

To help utilities get the most out of a BEACON SaaS system, Badger Meter also offers a comprehensive water meter product line for residential, commercial and fire service applications that are all compatible with BEACON SaaS. All water meters from Badger Meter are also NSF-compliant and are available in a range of functionalities, materials and sizes.

BEACON SaaS is just one more way Badger Meter is Making Water Visible to utilities and their customers. For more information, visit www.badgermeter.com/BEACONAMA.

About Badger Meter
An innovator in flow measurement and control products, Badger Meter serves water utilities, municipalities and commercial and industrial customers worldwide. Measuring water, oil, chemicals, and other fluids, Badger Meter products are known for accuracy, long-lasting durability and for providing valuable and timely measurement data. For more information, visit www.badgermeter.com.