Analysis of Collaborating Systems - Telenor Cinclus` System for collecting automatic Meter Readings.

Abstract

This thesis investigates how one can find and use a research method in order to analyze Telenor Cinclus system for delivering automatic meter readings.By evaluation of differentresearch methods that are often used in software engineering research, a research method suited for analyzing the Telenor Cinclus system is found. The method bestsuited to analyze Telenor Cinclus' system is then used to make a detailed description of the system and to identify problems associated with the Telenor System. Based on the research, a list of improvementsuggestions for the Telenor Cinclus system are made.The key finding of this thesis is that the research interview is the method best suited for analyzing the Telenor Cinclus system. Furthermore 12 key problems are identified. Thefour most important are: (1) information sharing, (2) installation of meters, (3) lack of process descriptions and (4) insufficient ATOS functionality. The information sharing problem can be improved by introducing an intranet where shared documents, procedures, processes, tasks, important information and decisions are uploaded and maintained. Meetings, where it is on the agenda to share information, can be used as a supplement.The installation of meter terminals can be improved by rechecking the installations 15 minutes after the primary installment or by creating more specific contracts with the company that install meter terminals. To improve the lack of process descriptions and documentation, one can analyze the use of documenting vs. cost, and start by identifying and documenting the most important processes. Insufficient ATOS functionality can, as information sharing, be improved by an intranet, where wished functionality and present status is registered.