We answer all your questions

Remote Metering and Communications

What is its purpose?

Smarkia displays the information stored by metering devices and offers a set of functionalities that can easily manage your organization's energy consumption.

How does Smarkia obtain the information stored by my metering devices? Do I need to send it?

Smarkia periodically connects remotely to the information source, where your measurements are stored, and copies them so you can subsequently monitor them. This entire process occurs automatically without any action required from your side.

Who establishes communications, i.e., initiates the calls for information transfer?

Smarkia always queries your devices to obtain the information, without the user needing to perform any action.

Is Smarkia's data reading process automatic, or do I need to initiate it?

The process is fully automatic. The user does not need to do anything to access all of the organization's energy information and consult it through Smarkia.

Can Smarkia connect directly to my metering equipment without requiring any additional hardware installation?

Yes, provided that your equipment is prepared for remote metering, uses a compatible communication protocol, and stores the data you need to monitor.

What is required for a device to be ready for remote metering?

Basically, three conditions are required: That the device has a channel or port enabling external communication. That it has access to a wired or mobile communication network. That it possesses the appropriate communication unit to link with said network or channel through which the information will be transmitted.

I have a meter that cannot be remotely read. Is there a way to transfer this data to Smarkia for monitoring?

Yes. In such cases, Smarkia provides users with an Excel template to input the measurements they wish to monitor. This file can be attached with a single click. From that moment on, the user can visualize the information exactly as if it were obtained via telecommunication.

Do I have any option for Smarkia to extract information from my devices if they use an incompatible protocol?

Yes. Smarkia is a multi-protocol platform aiming to communicate with an increasing number of devices. Therefore, we can integrate the protocol you require or, if not feasible, explore communication methods through additional hardware.

Can I use Smarkia to monitor a pulse counter, a probe that measures instantaneous values, or any other meter that does not store recorded measurements over time?

Yes, provided that an intermediate device is used, to which Smarkia can connect, and which stores the values indicated by the meter at the frequency programmed by the user (e.g., every fifteen minutes).

Which of these intermediate devices, measurement concentrators, gateways, or dataloggers are compatible with Smarkia?

Any device that uses a communication protocol supported by Smarkia or provides an XML file output. The most commonly used by our clients are those from CIRCUTOR, ADVANTICSYS, KROMSCHROEDER, and ZIV.

Can Smarkia extract the information I want to monitor from my SCADA, BMS, or similar system?

Yes, provided you utilize a compatible database and grant us direct access to it, either directly or via a Web Service. Alternatively, you may provide the information in a flat file format on an accessible FTP server.

What data does Smarkia require to establish a remote connection with my metering infrastructure?

It depends on the communication method, whether via an analog telephone network, an IP address, a 3G card, an FTP server, etc. Regardless, the data we require is minimal, and you will typically be able to commence using Smarkia within a few hours.

Commercialization

Can I use Smarkia for a trial period to ascertain if it meets my operational requirements?

Smarkia is offered through annual subscriptions, enabling you to subscribe for one year and subsequently decide whether to renew or discontinue the subscription based on your operational needs.

What is the pricing for an annual Smarkia subscription?

The price can be readily calculated from our rate card, taking into account the following factors: The specific product you intend to procure. Any additional modules of interest (Smart Billing and/or Advanced Reports). The number of devices Smarkia will connect to for extracting the measurements to be monitored. The frequency at which Smarkia should connect to these devices to update the information (daily or hourly).

For subscriptions encompassing a higher number of metering points, is there a reduced cost per monitored metering point?

Yes. Smarkia's pricing structure incorporates economies of scale, meaning the unit price per monitored metering point decreases as the number of points within the contracted tier increases (e.g., 1, 5, 15, etc.). Currently, I need to monitor 5 metering points, but in a few months, I will require monitoring for additional points.

Is it possible to initially contract a 5-metering point subscription and subsequently expand it as required?

Yes. You can upgrade your subscription to a higher tier at any time. I have 5 temperature probes collecting data at various points within my facility, with all data consolidated in a single measurement concentrator.

How many metering points would I need to procure?

In this scenario, it would constitute a 1-metering point subscription (from which Smarkia extracts the information), not 5. Each metering point represents a single device to which Smarkia connects to extract data for up to 10 distinct parameters.

If Smarkia is to connect to a single device that contains data from more than 10 distinct signals, what is the required number of metering points for my subscription?

The calculation is straightforward: 1 metering point is allocated for every 10 signals (rounding up if the total number of signals is not a multiple of 10). This calculation determines the appropriate metering point tier for your subscription. For example, for 37 signals supplied by a single device, you would need to contract the 5-metering point tier.

What is the distinction between subscribing to a daily reading plan versus an hourly reading plan?

The reading type indicates the frequency at which Smarkia connects to your devices to capture data. This defines how often the information in the Smarkia database is updated for your review.

If I opt for daily reading, will I be limited to viewing only one data point per day for the signals I am monitoring?

Even with a daily reading subscription, you can access all data stored on the device Smarkia connects to for information retrieval, such as measurements recorded every fifteen minutes.

What is the procedure for purchasing Smarkia?

If you are already acquainted with one of our partners, you may contact them directly. Alternatively, you can reach us by calling 902 070 903 or by utilizing our contact page.

Does Smarkia engage in direct sales?

At Smarkia, we consistently sell our products through our dedicated partner channel. Our partners will assist you in acquiring the Smarkia module best suited to your requirements and in leveraging it to achieve maximum operational benefit.

Does Smarkia offer hardware or metering devices for sale?

We exclusively specialize in software solutions. However, we can connect you with one of our partners who can provide expert advice and supply the necessary hardware.

Does Smarkia sell energy consulting services?

Smarkia is not an energy consultancy; its core function is to provide the platform and its associated support. Should you require consulting services, we can connect you with one of our partners who aligns with your needs and can offer the necessary services.

Is Smarkia a third-party acquired development?

Smarkia comprises a suite of functionalities entirely designed and developed by our team, granting us complete independence to undertake new developments in response to your concerns and requirements.

Will I receive support once I have acquired the platform?

Absolutely. Once you have contracted Smarkia, you will receive personalized training to familiarize yourself with the platform. Subsequently, the Smarkia support team will address any questions or incidents that may arise.

Products

What is the purpose of the Smart invoice module?

The Smart invoice module enables you to generate your own invoices independently of the energy retailer, applicable to both fixed and indexed markets. Furthermore, you will have access to power and tariff optimizers, allowing you to simulate and calculate optimal power and tariffs based on your historical consumption data.

What functionalities does the advanced reporting module offer?

Smarkia adapts to any type of report the user needs to generate. If you already utilize a specific report template, Smarkia will execute it automatically.

Cloud

Do I need to install Smarkia on my computer or any of my servers?

Smarkia is a Cloud platform; therefore, it requires no installation. You can easily access it via the Internet using your username and password.

Do I need to purchase a license for each computer from which I wish to use Smarkia?

Smarkia does not operate under a licensing system; we only utilize access credentials. You can use Smarkia from any device with Internet access.

Can I use Smarkia from my tablet or mobile phone?

Yes. Smarkia is designed for use on any device, whether it be your computer, tablet, or smartphone.

Do I have to pay for version updates implemented in Smarkia?

Any functional enhancement will be available for your use from the moment it is implemented, without any additional cost.

Multi-energy and Multivariable

Is Smarkia equipped to monitor all types of energy?

Yes. Smarkia is a multi-energy platform, enabling you to monitor your consumption of electricity, gas, water, or any other energy source you utilize.

We answer all your questions

Remote Metering and Communications

Commercialization

Products

Cloud

Multi-energy and Multivariable

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Smarkia among the top companies developing advanced solutions for industrial energy management

Analysis based on the Verdantix Smart Innovators: Industrial Energy Management Software report, July 2024.