AP Systems

AP Systems is a leading supplier in M2M solutions with a strong focus on Energy Management Systems. It operates with a working team of more than 130 employees across five offices in Italy and two international branches.

Challenges

AP Systems required a solution that would allow its customers, including some of the biggest names in the Italian energy market, to efficiently concentrate the data flowing from their energy meters and to remotely manage these meters from a central location.

For its Multi Metering Management system, AP Systems were looking for an architecture that would allow reducing the complexity of the system. This has been possible with the AirPrime WMP100 embedded wireless module that integrates the CPU and the 2G modem into a single device.

Solution

Working with Sierra Wireless, AP Systems developed its M3–C concentrator. Designed for the simultaneous remote management of gas, electricity, water, heat and street lighting, the M3–C can manage data from different types of devices in a single infrastructure using cellular, low power RF or power line carrier connections.

Combining the benefits of GPRS or EDGE wireless connectivity and embedded CPU functionality, the Sierra Wireless AirPrime WMP100 module was selected to power the M3–C concentrator. The surface mount form factor and dedicated IOs are suited for automated component placement, and enabled AP Systems to optimise its total system cost.

The innovative architecture of the AirPrime WMP100 removes the need to have different components for the modem and the microcontroller on the Printed Circuit Board (PCB), reducing the overall Bill of Materials (BOM) cost for AP Systems and delivering a highly compact, robust and simple solution.

AP Systems has long been a strong proponent of using Sierra Wireless’ Embedded Application Framework for developing the software used to run its M2M applications, and the solution plays a key role in operating the M3–C concentrator.

It benefits AP Systems by bringing to bear an innovative operating system that is specifically customised to M2M as well as a range of building blocks and toolkits which accelerate the application development process, thereby allowing AP Systems to bring products to market faster and reduce development costs.

AirPrime WMP100 and its Embedded Application Framework benefit AP Systems’ M3–C concentrator by:

• Enabling quick time to market
• Reducing BOM cost
• Reducing complexity and improving in-field repair times
• Increasing return on investment for current and future investments in Sierra Wireless technology
• Delivering robust units with a life-span of between 15-20 years – ideal for use outdoors where weather conditions can be difficult