Allied Engineering Works Pvt Ltd (AEW) has more than four decades of experience in original design and manufacturing of electronic solutions, including over 24 years in energy meters. In this interview, we have Ashutosh Goel, Managing Director, Allied Engineering Works Pvt Ltd, sharing insights on his company’s journey in the energy metering business, and its future plans. Goel is confident that thanks to initiatives like the Revamped Distribution Sector Scheme (RDSS), the future looks extremely promising for AEW as India undertakes this monumental smart meter rollout.
Let us start by understanding the various energy meters that AEW produces. In particular, do you make all types required for a typical smart metering project under RDSS?
AEW produces a comprehensive range of energy meters tailored to meet the requirements of a typical smart metering project under the RDSS. This includes 1-Phase, 3-Phase, LTCT Consumer and DT (distribution transformer). Our portfolio ensures that all necessary components for a robust smart metering infrastructure are covered.
Tell us about the various measures that AEW has been taking to increase to “smartness” of its smart meters.
AEW has been at the forefront of enhancing the intelligence of our smart meters. We use advanced communication technologies like 4G, 2G, NBIoT, BLE and RF. We are one of the first smart meter manufacturers to have dual communication 4G/2G + BLE for improved performance and ease of use by AMISP, utility and consumer. This makes our smart meters a future-ready solution. They send accurate data analytics, allowing for predictive maintenance and energy management and real time data for accurate load forecasting and fault detection.
Tell us in brief about your understanding of overall Indian distribution sedctor and your presence in terms of geographical spread.
AEW has been present in over 40+ discoms since last 24 years and thus have very wide and deep understanding of Indian distribution sector. It is pertinent to note that while RDSS specifications are same for all the projects but Utility wise understanding is very important for making any project successful. Having supplied over 25 Million meters to Indian utilities, AEW has that relevant understanding and experience to deliver the right fit for each utility. We have a robust order book spanning across various states in India, including Punjab, Haryana, Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Assam, Andhra Pradesh among others.
AEW already provides AMISP services. Given this, do you plan to grow as an AMISP under the RDSS programme?
AEW is successfully executing AMISP project in PSPCL with total quantity of around 12 lakhs 1Phase and 3Phase smart meters since last more than 2 years. The project is highly successful with one of the highest SLA performance and very fast execution track record. While this success is testimony of our expertise in the domain, however AEW shall explore further opportunity for Advanced Metering Infrastructure Service Provider (AMISP) under the RDSS programme on case to case basis ensuring its strategic alignment. AEW is already emplaned as AMISP from REC for RDSS projects.
Given that there is a huge domestic demand for smart meters under RDSS, is AEW planning any capacity expansion in the medium term? What is AEW’s current annual capacity?
AEW is one of the leading smart meter manufacturers and is already supplying to major AMISPs in multiple utilities. We are fully backward integrated unit having state of art facility for PCB assembly using SMT lines, Tool room with plastic moulding facility, sheet metal, automated meter assembly and testing facility. While we already have production capacity of around 7 million meters, we are planning significant capacity expansion to meet the increasing domestic demand under the RDSS and other business plans of the company. We firmly believe that our meters meet highest quality standards and exceed the customer requirement. Thus, all expansions are being planned keeping quality in highest priority.
AEW has a standing of over 40 years. How has the journey been?
Our unique value proposition as a one-stop solution provider encompasses complete hardware, software, mechanical, testing, and production services. With 24+ years of experience in manufacturing energy meters, a team of over 1,000 professionals, and a state-of-the-art manufacturing facility spanning 250,000 square feet, we are well-equipped to meet diverse client needs.
To date, we have served over 40 distribution companies, installed more than 25 million meters, and supplied over 1.5 million smart meters conforming to IS16444 standards including significantly large volumes of smart energy meters to EESL (Haryana Project) and PSPCL (Punjab Project), respectively.
How does the thrust on R&D help give you a competitive edge in the market?
Research & Development (R&D) plays a pivotal role in maintaining our competitive edge in the market by driving innovation and ensuring we remain at the forefront of industry advancements. Our R&D facility, recognized by the Department of Scientific & Industrial Research (DSIR), reflects our commitment to cutting-edge research and technological development.
Our in-house R&D is equipped with a team of highly skilled professionals for comprehensive product design and development. With years of experience in their respective fields, our team brings deep expertise and a track record of innovation to every project. This extensive experience enhances our ability to develop and refine products effectively and efficiently. We constantly strive for providing high agile support to our customers which is only possible due to our in-house highly skilled R&D team.
We take pride in having the largest base of LTCT meters with digital input/output, which is a testament to the success and capabilities of our R&D team. Our comprehensive in-house competency spans mechanical design, electronics hardware/firmware, and software development, Simulation software enabling us to deliver advanced solutions that meet the evolving needs of our clients. By leveraging our full spectrum of expertise and experience, we continue to lead the industry with innovative, high-performance products.
How does your infrastructure contribute to maintaining high standards in your products and services?
Our state-of-the-art manufacturing facilities have dust-proof, air-conditioned assembly and testing lines. We have fully automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) lines with Automated Optical Inspection (AOI) and Solder Paste Inspection (SPI) System. With our fully automated Surface Mount Technology (SMT) line from industry-leading brands Yamaha and Fuji.
We are NABL and ISO certified, and IATF certified, demonstrating our commitment to the highest standards in the industry. Our in-house HALT and other type testing facilities using test benches from ZERA etc along with rigorous statistical control, ensure that every product meets stringent quality and reliability criteria.
We have a fully equipped tool room utilizing cutting-edge simulation softwares. And we boast the largest manufacturing capacity for DT meters, making us a leader in this segment. Our extensive production capabilities allow us to meet large-scale demands while maintaining superior quality and timely delivery.
What are your company’s future plans for expansion and innovation?
Our company is focused on expanding our product portfolio and driving innovation in the near future. We plan to venture into the development of gas meters and water meters, broadening our offerings in utility measurement solutions. Additionally, we are investing in expanding our expertise in Energy Management Systems (EMS), aiming to provide comprehensive solutions that enhance efficiency and sustainability. These initiatives reflect our commitment to addressing emerging market needs and leveraging new technologies to drive growth and innovation.
How do you maintain consistency and reliability across your product range?
We maintain consistency and reliability across our product range through several key practices. Our in-house Highly Accelerated Life Testing (HALT) and rigorous testing procedures ensure that each product meets the highest standards of durability and performance under various conditions. Additionally, we utilize advanced chamber and storage techniques to protect our products and maintain their quality throughout the manufacturing and distribution process.
Our extensive experience at the component level, accumulated over the past 21 years, further sets us apart. This deep-rooted expertise allows us to refine our processes continually and address any potential issues proactively, ensuring that every product consistently meets our stringent quality benchmarks.
How do you see the years ahead for AEW given that India has embarked on what could be the largest smart meter rollout programme in the world’s history?
The future looks extremely promising for AEW as India undertakes this monumental smart meter rollout. We are well-positioned to leverage this opportunity with our innovative products, robust manufacturing capabilities, and strong market presence. AEW will continue to focus on technological advancements, capacity expansion, and strategic partnerships to support India’s vision of a smarter, more efficient energy infrastructure.
All industrial photographs seen in this interview relate to AEW’s products and facilities.
