Reading meters by hand means someone walking the property every billing cycle, knocking on doors, working around residents' schedules, and writing down numbers that are only as accurate as the person recording them. Meters end up placed wherever a reader can reach them rather than wherever they make the most sense. Every month, the property pays for that process.
Automated meter reading takes the walk out of the equation. This guide explains what AMR is, what to think through before choosing a system, why running more than one AMR network on a property causes problems, and how the NextCentury AMR solution we install handles hardware and software under a single network.
What Is Automated Meter Reading (AMR)?
Automated meter reading (AMR), also called automatic meter reading, is the ability to read meters remotely without physically collecting readings from the meters themselves. Each meter sends its data over a wireless network to a central collection point, so no one has to visit the meter to get a reading.
That saves time and money on every billing cycle. It also frees up meter placement. Because no one needs to reach a meter to read it, meters can be installed in the most convenient locations without intrusive access into units.
AMR is a well-established technology. U.S. Energy Information Administration data shows electric utilities alone reported more than 19 million AMR meters in service across the country in 2024.
Two Questions to Answer Before Choosing an AMR System
The most important part of picking an AMR solution happens before any equipment is ordered. Start with two questions:
Will your site need additional metering now or in the future?
What types of meters does your site need to cover: water, gas, electric, BTU, or a combination?
Skipping these questions is how properties end up with a patchwork. We regularly see sites running several different AMR systems because metering decisions were made in phases, or by different groups, without anyone considering how those systems would work together.
Why Multiple AMR Systems on One Property Cost More
Running more than one AMR network on a single property creates problems and supportability issues down the road. The two biggest are maintenance and infrastructure costs.
| Factor | One AMR Network | Multiple AMR Networks |
|---|---|---|
| Technical training | One system to learn | Separate training for each system |
| Software and tools | One platform and one tool set | Different software, tools, and support for each |
| Infrastructure | One set of cellular or Ethernet charges and 110V outlets for the RF network | Duplicate upfront and recurring costs for every system |
| Maintenance plan | Simple and consistent across all meters | Fragmented, with higher installation and service costs |
Maintenance Costs Multiply
Each AMR system requires its own technical training, software, tools, and support. Every additional system drives up the cost of installation and service. With one AMR solution on every meter, the property gets a cleaner, more predictable maintenance plan.
Infrastructure Costs Stack Up
Supporting one AMR network costs very little: cellular or Ethernet charges plus 110V outlets for the RF network. Add a second or third system and those upfront and recurring costs multiply quickly.
Our objective is to offer one strong solution that works with many meter types under a single AMR network. The NextCentury AMR solution does exactly that, and it adds installation and service tools along with outstanding analytics.
How the NextCentury AMR Solution Reads Every Meter Type
NextCentury is a radio frequency (RF) AMR solution that works with a wide range of water, gas, electric, and BTU meters on the market. A BTU meter measures thermal energy, the heating or cooling a unit actually uses, so a single NextCentury network can cover nearly every utility a property bills for.
The system also runs on non-proprietary software. Anyone can work with it without expensive software, specialized tools, or long-term contracts, which gives property owners flexibility that closed systems do not.
NextCentury AMR Hardware: How the Network Is Built
The RF network is built around a Gateway, which serves as the central data collection point, and Repeaters installed throughout the site to carry readings back to the Gateway. A typical installation follows four steps:
The Gateway is installed in a secure area and connected using Ethernet, Wi-Fi, or built-in cellular (cellular charges apply), along with 110V power.
Repeaters are installed throughout the site using standard 110V power.
A transceiver is installed on each meter to send its data over the wireless network back to the Gateway.
Devices are scanned with a smartphone app for simple programming and service.
The Gateway, Repeaters, and transceivers work together as one network, passing every reading back to the Gateway for data collection. For more on how submeters and transceivers fit into a property's overall setup, see our submetering basics guide.
NextCentury AMR Software: Everything in One Web Portal
The NextCentury web-based software is built for functionality and ease of use. Data access, report scheduling, and troubleshooting all happen in one portal with no software licenses required. All you need is web access. From the portal, property teams can:
Access meter data through the web portal
Set up notifications for leak detection, freeze detection, low battery, power loss, and more
Schedule automated reports
Create and store custom report templates
Notifications are where the software earns its keep day to day. A leak or freeze alert gives maintenance staff a head start on a problem that would otherwise surface on the next bill or as water damage. Our guide to water leak detection for multifamily properties explains how that early warning fits into a broader detection strategy.
One Network Makes Service and Support Simple
By standardizing on the NextCentury solution, we can install a wide variety of meter types under one network. That eliminates the compatibility and support issues that come with mixed systems and keeps service simple for the life of the installation.
Talk to Integrity Meter About AMR for Your Property
Integrity Meter designs, installs, and services NextCentury AMR networks for apartment communities, HOAs, commercial properties, and RV and mobile home parks. Learn more about our submeter installation services and submeter maintenance, browse Gateways, Repeaters, and transceivers in the NextCentury shop, and contact us to plan a single AMR network for every meter on your site.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is automated meter reading?
Automated meter reading (AMR) is technology that reads utility meters remotely. A transceiver on each meter sends readings over a wireless network to a central Gateway, so no one has to physically visit meters or enter units. AMR saves time and money on every billing cycle and allows meters to be installed in the most convenient locations.
What is the difference between AMR and AMI?
The U.S. Energy Information Administration describes AMR as meters that collect data for billing and transmit it one way, from the meter to the collector. Advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) adds two-way communication and more frequent interval data. Both eliminate manual meter reading, but AMI supports more real-time interaction between the meter and the system.
Can one AMR system read water, gas, and electric meters?
Yes, if the system is built for it. The NextCentury AMR solution works with a wide range of water, gas, electric, and BTU meters on one RF network. Running every meter type on a single network avoids the added training, software, and infrastructure costs that come with operating multiple AMR systems on the same property.
Does AMR software require a license?
Not with NextCentury. Its web-based software runs on non-proprietary technology, so there are no software licenses, expensive tools, or long-term contracts required. Property teams access data, schedule reports, set up notifications, and troubleshoot from a single web portal using any device with web access.
What alerts can an AMR system send?
The NextCentury AMR software can send notifications for leak detection, freeze detection, low battery, power loss, and other system events. Alerts give maintenance teams a chance to respond before a small issue turns into water damage, lost revenue, or a gap in billing data.