Implementing a pre-payment system

Pre-payment metering in its simplest form refers to the payment of utilities (electricity, gas, and water) prior to the use of the utility. The consumer purchases credit and then may use the utility until such time as the credit has expired. A traditional electronic pre-payment metering system operates on three levels. At the lowest level, are the meters, which are installed at the consumer´s home. The next level being the vending stations, which are placed at the utility´s office or at appointed agents. The communication between the vending stations and the meters is in the form of a token which is used to top up the credit in the meter as well as to transfer or download information to the meter, and in some cases upload information (depending on the token choice) back to the vending station. At the top level is the system master station (SMS) or master client, which is necessary to ensure a common database for reporting as well as to provide for total management, administration, financial and engineering control. The SMS communicates to the various vending stations (vending clients) via modem or other data link. Information on the consumers, tariff changes, etc. are communicated to the vending station and detailed customer sales are communicated back up to the SMS. Success is achieved by pre-planning the implementation of the system and putting in the necessary procedures to ensure a smooth implementation. It is recommended that a checklist of all tasks and decisions be created for a successful implementation. A practical example of such a checklist is given