Network management system monitors smart meter gateways

05.08.2025

Source: E & M powernews

The IT service provider Spine has developed a network management system for monitoring smart meter gateways, which is now in live operation with the first metering point operators.

The pilot project is followed by live operation. The IT service provider Spine has now announced that its network management system for monitoring smart meter gateways has successfully completed the pilot phase at the municipal utilities in Witten and Bocholt. The municipal utility cooperation Smartoptimo, which also acts as gateway administrator, was also on board. After extensive testing, the system has now gone live.

Spine developed the network management system together with smart meter gateway manufacturer Theben Smart Energy. It is a cloud-based platform. Its key functions include central monitoring and, if necessary, error analysis of the gateways. Real-time data on the connection status and signal strength is also available. As a result, the installation process can be shortened, according to a press release issued by Spine in February of this year when the system was presented.

"The successful completion of the pilot project shows that network management is far more than just a technical add-on - it is a strategic lever for speed, transparency and quality in the rollout," says Martin Stötzel. According to the Chief Product Officer at Spine, the partners' experience to date will be directly incorporated into the further development of the system.

The company, which was founded in February 2024, also operates the IT solution and hosts the server infrastructure. The IT start-up also provides the web-based application for metering point operators and their service providers, such as Smartoptimo.

In addition to the network management system, Spine also offers a solution for CLS management to implement Section 14a of the German Energy Industry Act (EnWG) - i.e. for controlling low-voltage consumption systems. The start-up has also developed a home energy management platform to optimize the interaction of PV systems, storage systems, heat pumps and wallboxes for end customers.

Author: Fritz Wilhelm