MARS Company, a leader in water meter testing solutions and meter performance analytics, has announced the launch of M3 Cloud, an optional analytics and reporting enhancement for its M3 platform. The new offering is designed to make meter test data more accessible, actionable, and usable across utility operations by extending insights beyond the test bench environment.
M3 Cloud is designed to address a key challenge in utility operations: meter test data is often confined to testing facilities, limiting its use by decision-makers across departments. By introducing a connected analytics layer, M3 Cloud enables utilities to extend access to performance data across operations, finance, and management teams.
The platform allows authorized users to review meter testing insights remotely, helping organizations better understand trends in meter performance, billing accuracy, and operational efficiency.
The core function of M3 Cloud is to transform raw meter test bench data into structured analytics that support decision-making. Utilities can use the platform to identify performance trends, evaluate potential revenue recovery opportunities, and make more informed decisions regarding meter replacement and maintenance programs.
By improving visibility into testing outcomes, the system supports better planning and more efficient resource allocation across utility operations.
"Our goal was to help utilities get more value from the meter testing data they already collect," said Dave Corey, CEO of MARS Company. "By extending the M3 platform with flexible analytics and reporting capabilities, we are giving utility leaders, meter shop teams, and decision-makers a clearer view of meter performance, testing activity, and potential revenue recovery opportunities without disrupting their existing test bench workflows. With the development of M3 Cloud, this is another step in MARS Company's commitment to helping utilities improve accuracy, efficiency, and responsible water management."
M3 Cloud is designed as an extension of the existing M3 platform rather than a replacement for on-premise testing systems. It preserves established meter testing workflows while enabling broader access to reporting and analytics across utility organizations.
The platform supports flexible data synchronization and upload capabilities, allowing utilities to align the system with their existing IT infrastructure and operational requirements. This approach ensures that organizations can adopt cloud-based analytics without disrupting core testing processes.
Beyond reporting, M3 Cloud is positioned to help utilities identify opportunities for revenue recovery and operational optimization. By analyzing meter accuracy trends and testing performance data, utilities can improve billing accuracy, reduce inefficiencies, and enhance long-term meter program planning.
The platform also supports internal discussions around meter maintenance schedules, replacement strategies and customer service inquiries by providing more transparent access to performance data.
M3 Cloud is built with flexibility in mind for utilities operating under strict IT and security requirements. Rather than offering a standardized deployment model, the platform supports customized data workflows tailored to each organization’s operational and compliance needs.
This ensures that utilities can adopt cloud-based analytics while maintaining control over how data is stored, accessed and shared across teams.
MARS Company will showcase M3 Cloud at the AWWA ACE 26 Trade Show in Washington, D.C., where it will demonstrate how the platform enhances meter testing operations through advanced analytics and reporting capabilities. The solution is expected to become available later this year.
MARS Company provides water meter testing equipment, M3 software, and related testing solutions for utilities, municipalities, and meter shops. For over 38 years, MARS Company has supported the waterworks industry with custom-designed meter testing systems, enterprise software, performance analytics, reporting tools, and solutions that enable revenue recovery, operational efficiency, accuracy, compliance support, and responsible water management.