Pietro Fiorentini: Overcoming Global Roaming Challenges in Natural Gas

In a Machina Research (now part of Gartner) report, permanent roaming was identified as critical to global Internet of Things (IoT) growth. Permanent roaming applies to IoT devices, including mobile phones, and is based on roaming agreements between networks. GSMA defines roaming as follows:

“Roaming enables a mobile subscriber to automatically make and receive voice calls, send and receive data or access other services when travelling outside the geographical coverage area of their home network by means of using a visited network.”

Machina Research stated that regulatory permanent roaming prohibition (i.e., the ability for a device to maintain connectivity anywhere) would be essential to enterprise growth.

Many organizations are still unaware of current roaming restrictions — until unexpected charges rack up. Most often, it is the result of cell phone use outside a home country. This usage is one of the reasons why unlimited or free roaming and SMS data are attractive features.

It’s essential to read the fine print. Some plans offer unlimited text and data in multiple countries. However, the provider may rely on partner networks not bound by the offer. In other words, it is the responsibility of the end user to research roaming rules and rates, as well as additional surcharges and taxes that may apply.

Ensuring Connectivity and Continuity for the Natural Gas Supply Chain

Managing Critical Data from the Field

Pietro Fiorentini offers a solution made of smart devices and a web-smart platform to enable customer field data collection and management. International and national roaming capabilities are critical. Accurate gas metering is a primary requirement for the energy sector. Pietro Fiorentini provides a complete range of solutions for residential, commercial and industrial applications, including:

• Gas meters
• Volume correctors
• Turbine and rotary meters

The new service to business (S2B) cloud platform enables:

• Electrical parameter viewing
• Cathodic protection systems management
• Simple, complete installations from remote and non-remote field data loggers

The state-of-the-art Kairos-β datalogger interfaces natively with the S2B web platform. It enables continuous remote monitoring of the cathodic protection electrical parameters, including EON/EOFF measuring cycles. With the capability to be externally powered (by means of the 230 V ac, for instance), Kairos-β datalogger benefits installer personnel in all the test post-conditions, including transformers/rectifiers or drainage cabinets. Moreover, the inner communication module can connect up to 4G/LTE network technology (with fallback to 2G/GPRS).

Choosing a Partner for Proactive Solutions and Support

Recognizing the need to switch providers, Pietro Fiorentini chose Telit for its total international and national roaming coverage. This coverage ensures its customers always have the measurement data they need even under the harshest conditions.

In addition to SIM cards for IP connection, Telit provided SMS capabilities through Telit connectivity. Pietro Fiorentini can monitor and manage its IoT deployment through one intuitive dashboard. This web-based interface enables real-time views and drill-down features that provide cost-saving benefits:

• Streamline IoT Device Connectivity and Control
  Telit’s web-based connectivity management tools offer granular control, from one SIM to the whole IoT deployment.
• Optimize Business Intelligence
  One dashboard provides a view of every deployed device in detail. In addition to activating and deactivating devices, businesses can:
  • Analyze connection quality
  • View data usage and connection status
  • Set optimal provisioning parameters
• Complete Visibility from One Device to Millions
  Telit enables end-to-end, module-to-cloud device and connectivity management from one interface. Businesses can optimize everything from visibility to performance for their mission-critical deployments. They can free their staff from managing multiple carriers.
• Monitor and Analyze Service and Usage Data across Wireless Networks
  Regardless of IoT deployment size or scale, Telit’s IoT connectivity management enhances performance and improves end-user satisfaction. It provides data overage mitigation and cost management optimization.
• Reduce Costs and Increase Productivity
  Telit OPTIMUS, an intelligent IoT billing solution, enables enterprises to analyze each device’s data usage. OPTIMUS can automatically assign each SIM to the most cost-efficient rate plan and apply it at the billing cycle’s end.

Pietro Fiorentini is expanding its technology and solution offerings and focusing more on renewable energy projects. Having national roaming will continue to decrease the intervention percentage in the field thanks to Telit’s superior network coverage.

Organizations will have varying needs as the demand for industrial-grade IoT devices increases, especially in the low-power wide-area (LPWA) market. Some needs can be met by simple, off-the-shelf solutions that are low-cost and efficient. Others will require more complex solutions. The best action is to first consult with an IoT enablement expert like Telit to tailor the right solution to the business need.