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A universal SMETS2 Meter Asset Tracking (MAT) Android app which will help facilitate validation of the devices has been launched by IT company Cloud KB.

According to Cloud KB the lack of automated validation at the point of commissioning and installation results in lengthy manual checking by head offices.

As a consequence of this, the company claims, instead of six homes a day having their devices installed, meter installations are averaging at less than 2.5.

MATS is designed to facilitate a swift, on-site validation of installed second-generation devices

Kevin Bird, managing director of Cloud KB said: “Meter installers need rapid, automated validation at the point of installation carried out by a single operative on-site.

“MATS does just that – it’s a simple, easy to use smart app that’s fully compatible with all DCC Adapters and all Android devices.”

The smart meter rollout has faced widespread criticism since its conception.

A recent report by the National Audit Office (NAO) warned that the government’s original ambition of offering a smart meter to every home by 2020 will not be met, whilst the cost of the rollout will likely “escalate beyond initial expectations”.

The government also “underestimated” how long it would take to implement the infrastructure of SMETS2 smart meter devices, according to the spending watchdog.