Datamatic to Demonstrate RF-Operated Remote Shutoff Valve at DistribuTECH '08.

Automated Valve Will Save Money, Maximize Resources And Aid Conservation

PLANO, Texas -- Officials from Datamatic Ltd., announced that the company will demonstrate the RSV[TM] Remote Shutoff Valve, a radio-frequency operated valve for disconnecting and reconnecting water services, during the DistribuTECH '08 Exhibition in Tampa, Fla., on January 22-24, 2008. Datamatic has been a leading supplier of enterprise meter reading solutions since 1980.

"Most water utilities spend thousands of man-hours each year disconnecting and reconnecting delinquent and inactive accounts," said Datamatic CEO Ken Kercher. "Many of those hours are spent trying to gain access to customer premises and dealing with awkward encounters when people don't want their water shut off. No one wants to be the 'bad guy', which can also be a dangerous proposition today.

"RSV now makes it possible to perform shutoffs/reconnections via radio frequency, saving money and enabling utilities to redeploy field service resources into areas that will proactively improve operations and customer service. And by preventing theft from inactive services, utilities can reduce unbilled and wasted water."

Datamatic can integrate the capabilities of an RSV into its MOSAIC mesh network. This adds even more value to a customer's investment in their data collection platform.

Business Development Manager Rich Sanders added, "We're also excited to offer the RSV as a stand-alone system to utilities who aren't currently using our AMR platform. These customers can perform automated shutoffs and reconnections via a radio-frequency handheld computer and integrate the RSV system with a MOSAIC AMR network later, if they wish.

"The RSV will cut field service costs, reduce the number of trucks rolled, lower liability exposure, make workers safer and save water. Its development and integration demonstrates Datamatic's commitment to providing our customers with the tools they need to effectively manage their resources wisely and their businesses better."

RSV's have both disconnect and reconnect capabilities, which can eliminate two field service calls each time they are used. Theft from inactive services can be virtually eliminated. In most cases, disconnection also expedites customer payment and simplifies collection.

Datamatic's RSVs can operate in both pit and non-submersible settings and are available with "Complete" or "Life Support/Trickle" shutoff options. The "Life Support/Trickle" setting allows a small amount of water to pass through the service, which is enough to drink but not enough to run appliances, sprinklers or showers. This option is ideal for utilities whose charter or local laws do not permit them to completely disconnect customer water services.

An integrated Datamatic RSV solution is now available from Datamatic and its authorized distributors. Those interested in further information should contact their local distributor or Datamatic at [phone].

About Datamatic, Ltd.

Datamatic provides flexible data collection solutions to utilities worldwide. The company's innovative ideas virtually created an industry when it installed the first electronic meter reading system in 1980. For more than a quarter of a century, Datamatic has been an innovation leader in the design, implementation and support of advanced data collection solutions for water, gas and electric utilities. Additional information about Datamatic for the media is available by calling Scott Black at [phone] or on the Web at www.datamatic.com.