This year’s PPC customer meeting was once again a resounding success – with exciting specialist presentations, productive discussions and over 250 participants from the energy industry. This time, three tracks were used to present, evaluate and discuss how we can work together to drive forward the digitalisation of the energy system.
‘How are you experiencing the smart metering system?’
At PPC, our expertise lies in providing customers and partners with exactly the solutions they need for their rollout. An industry meeting organised by us therefore thrives on the fact that these very partners and their experiences from the rollout make it onto the stage. To report first-hand on the challenges they have encountered in their own fields and how they have skilfully overcome them.
For this reason, PPC decided early on that we not only wanted to give topics related to SMGW, CLS and BPL much more space with three stages, but that we also wanted to make this space available to as many external speakers as possible.
PPC and partners in practice
However, the first day did not start on stage, but at the work tables. At various workshop stations, our partners and ourselves presented technical demonstrations on all aspects of the smart meter system.
How does the physical antenna installation work, how does the installation tool successfully connect a CLS device, and what is the next step in the secure supply chain without a box? The hands-on approach ensured that visitors were able to familiarise themselves with the many facets of the iMSys world at their own pace throughout the morning.
Are you familiar with CarLoS?
Over two days, our CLS landscape took centre stage in ‘All applications. One platform’ and showcased the unique paths that partners and customers have already taken in this area. How is the CLS rollout progressing? How does fast EEBUS pairing work? And what added value does CLS offer as a platform?
One highlight was the extensive panel discussion with participants from the EMS sphere. With representatives from Kiwigrid, Solar Manager, SMA and gridX, we were able to show the audience how energy managers benefit from the advantages of iMSys. And why digital control is the future.
The rollout needs reliable connectivity
No rollout is complete without challenges in data transmission. So it made sense to devote as much time as possible to the topic of connectivity and transmission technologies over the two days. This included presenting the strengths of the new BPL Generation 6 called ‘Nessum’ and holding extensive discussions on selecting the right LTE antenna. With our subsidiary Coms4Grid, we had an implementation partner on hand who was able to provide comprehensive answers to questions about the rollout with the Wan-as-a-Service concept.
The SMGW with that extra something
Although the rollout is right on its way in Germany, it was clear that not everything had been said about the SMGW. Together with Netze BW, we examined how SMGWs can be handled in a mass rollout, while partners such as Octopus, Enpal and Zählerhelden presented the perspective of competitive metering point operators on the rollout.
And then there were the next few years of the Smart Meter Gateway to consider. How would the SMGWplus add value directly to the iMSys? What new functions are already in the pipeline for PPC customers? And what experience had EWE Netz and TMZ already gained in the control rollout?
