All Utilities use telemetry to monitor and control their remote assets. Traditionally, telemetry consists of a “Field Device” which is linked to a “Master Station” using a variety of telemetry protocols and communication methods. This provides data and information for the purpose of monitoring and controlling the process and the associated plant.

Increasingly, utilities are placing more reliance on telemetry to provide the required data both to improve their operational efficiency and customer service.

So there is an increasing need to have common standards for telemetry such that the required data can be collected in the most efficient manner.

The issue facing the utilities industry is that telemetry standards have been driven by individual companies working with their own suppliers. This has led to a wide variety of standards, with equipment from one supplier not being able to communicate with equipment from another.

© 2014 WITS Protocol Standards Association