Automatic meter reading or AMR is the technology for automatically collecting consumption data, diagnostics and status of water meters or energy metering devices (gas, electricity) and transfer them to a central database for billing, solution of problems and analysis. This technology primarily saves utility providers spending periodic trips to each physical location to read one meter. Another advantage is that billing can be based on consumption in real time and not on estimates based on past or forecast consumption. This timely information, along with the analysis, can help both utilities and customers better control the use and production of electricity, gas consumption or water consumption. AMR technologies include handheld, mobile and network technologies based on telephony platforms (wired and wireless), radiofrequency (RF), or powerline transmission.