M-Bus installation tool Wizard from ACRIOS

Configuring M-Bus devices is often more complex in practice than the physical wiring itself. Although M-Bus is a stable and standardised protocol, its use alongside modern IoT networks such as LoRaWAN or NB-IoT places high demands on correct configuration. For this reason, ACRIOS has developed a new M-Bus installation tool, ACRIOS Wizard, designed to simplify and clarify the entire configuration process for our converters.

ACRIOS has long focused on M-Bus to LoRaWAN and M-Bus to NB-IoT converters. These converters are typically used in retrofit projects where existing meters need to be connected without replacement. In such installations, we repeatedly encounter the same issues: addressing multiple meters on a single line, excessively long M-Bus telegrams, unclear causes of communication failures, and difficult on-site troubleshooting.

Why we developed the ACRIOS Wizard installation tool

The original configuration of our devices was script-based. This approach offered high flexibility but required knowledge of M-Bus telegram structure, addressing, and data transmission principles in LoRaWAN or NB-IoT networks. In practice, this meant that installations were often handled only by experienced integrators, while less technically oriented technicians required support or repeated interventions.

The objective behind developing the M-Bus installation Wizard was to reduce the knowledge required for initial device setup, shorten installation time, and minimise configuration errors. At the same time, we wanted to retain the possibility of advanced adjustments for users who require them. The M-Bus Wizard therefore generates the same configuration script in the background as would be created through manual setup, but without the need for direct editing.

What the M-Bus installation tool Wizard enables

The M-Bus installation Wizard is a web application that guides the technician through device configuration step by step. After connecting to the converter, it enables automatic detection of meters connected to the M-Bus line, including their primary and secondary addresses. This eliminates manual address identification and reduces the risk of input errors.

The next part of the configuration focuses on data selection. M-Bus telegrams often contain more values than are necessary for a specific project. Using the M-Bus Wizard, the specific quantities to be transmitted can be easily selected, while the device applies VIF/DIF filtering directly at the hardware level. The result is shorter messages, more efficient transmission, and lower energy consumption; particularly important for battery-powered devices and for networks with limited payload capacity, such as LoRaWAN.

The ACRIOS M-Bus Wizard also allows selection of an appropriate data fragmentation strategy, configuration of transmission intervals, and setup of backend integration.

Experience from deployments

In practice, the M-Bus Wizard is most commonly used in installations with one to three meters, for example in heat exchange stations or main water meters. In these cases, correct configuration of M-Bus communication previously proved time-consuming. With the M-Bus Wizard, most installations can be completed during the first visit without the need for subsequent adjustments.

Newer devices also include extended M-Bus bus performance of up to 16 unit loads, providing greater margin when connecting multiple meters or combining them with additional devices. More accurate monitoring of energy consumption using a Coulomb counter enables realistic battery status estimation and improved planning of service interventions.

The role of ACRIOS' M-Bus Wizard within the overall solution

The M-Bus installation tool Wizard is not a standalone product but a natural part of the ACRIOS converter ecosystem. It is designed to simplify initial installation and minimise the need for on-site interventions. Configuration changes can still be performed remotely via downlinks, which is particularly advantageous for devices installed in hard-to-reach locations.

For customers, this means lower installation and maintenance costs. For integrators, it means more predictable project execution and reduced load on technical support.