Author: ClubAntreprenor.ro
Through a project in Sibiu County, Homplex is testing the first “smart metering” system dedicated to energy operators for monitoring methane gas consumption.
Homplex, a provider of complex engineering and technology solutions, has started testing the first smart metering equipment for methane gas meters for energy operators. It automatically transmits meter readings to a proprietary digital platform, eliminating the need for monthly manual gas meter readings. The project, implemented in a locality in Sibiu County, represents a significant step in digitizing natural gas distribution processes and streamlining the operations of utility providers. This innovative solution contributes to increased transparency and efficiency in consumption data management.
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Our smart metering solution is an important step in the digital transformation of the energy industry, responding to the current needs of operators by integrating modern technologies that simplify and streamline the monitoring of natural gas consumption. By eliminating/reducing the number of manual readings from each meter, the Homplex solution brings significant savings in time and resources. At the same time, the platform offers the possibility to analyze consumption data in an intuitive web interface, accessible from the cloud or from our own servers”, said Bogdan Panainte, CEO and co-founder of Homplex.
The equipment tested in Sibiu county combines a mechanical gas meter with a smart metering device entirely developed by Homplex. The AMR2407-D model, available in four versions (with/without display and with/without external antenna), uses NB-IoT technology for data transmission. It allows gas suppliers to monitor daily or even several times a day the consumption of each household customer, to receive alerts on signal strength, possible fraud attempts, unauthorized meter replacements or vibrations indicating illegal tampering. In addition, the device helps to optimize operational processes, enabling suppliers to better forecast gas demand and quickly identify network losses.
The equipment is configurable and allows for remote upgrades, which significantly reduces maintenance costs and increases system lifetime to over 8 years.
The project, part of a €500,000 investment program, demonstrates Homplex’s commitment to innovation, as the company aims to produce 20,000 such devices by 2025. In fact, Homplex allocates up to 5% of its annual turnover to R&D and innovation. In the industrial segment, Homplex is investing in the smart metering area, while for residential customers it continues to invest in offering a complete package of internet-connected products, all developed in Romania.
The Homplex intelligent platform not only monitors but also supports providers in digitizing their infrastructure. This modular and configurable solution offers flexibility, security and efficiency in monitoring gas consumption and is ideal for customers looking to optimize costs and improve the security and transparency of their energy infrastructure.
“Digital transformation is the engine that will drive the utility market towards a more efficient and innovative future. With this solution, Homplex strengthens its position as a trusted partner for gas operators and end consumers. All information is centrally stored and can be accessed via a web platform, where operators can view consumption history, analyze data and more easily negotiate prices with suppliers. The smart metering device takes data from the meter and sends it to the server. It is configurable, detects tampering and sends low battery alerts, and can be quickly adjusted, including remotely or locally via the mobile app developed by Homplex for Android and Windows operating systems. The platform enables automatic updates, provides real-time alerts and facilitates integration with other systems, making gas consumption management more efficient and safer for operators,” said Bogdan Panainte.
Homplex ended 2023 with a 37% increase in turnover, from RON 32.5 million to RON 44.5 million, consolidating its position on the market and demonstrating the effectiveness of its development strategy. For 2024, Homplex is targeting an average growth of 20-23%, which could be exceeded thanks to investments in new product development and capacity expansion.
Despre Homplex
Homplex was founded in 2013 by entrepreneurs Bogdan and Tudor Panainte, initially as a distributor of thermostats and gas detectors. The company started with an initial capital of several hundred thousand euros, and has now become a manufacturer, supplier and integrator of smart home solutions and innovative equipment for the gas and water industries.
Homplex has a portfolio of more than 1,500 products, import and own products, which are distributed, both through direct contracts with major gas operators and through intermediaries, specialized home&deco retailers.
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