How does NEM-Watch keep up to date?
NEM-Watch presents NEM data in a very simple, easy to understand, geographically based interface.
However, do not be dissuaded by this apparent simplicity, for the NEM is truly a complex market. We have taken significant steps to make a robust update process for NEM-Watch.
The Update Process
For instance, the update process works as follows:
-
Every 5 minutes, NEMMCO publishes a new
dispatch data set containing a huge range of data with respect to the
dispatch interval (see our glossary
of terms to understand what a dispatch interval is). NEMMCO makes this dispatch
data update freely accessible on the internet - but they do not see it as their role
to make it user-friendly.
If you don't believe us, see for yourself how complex the data set is, as published by NEMMCO - the most recent dispatch file updates are located here:
http://www.nemweb.com.au/Reports/CURRENT/DispatchIS_Reports/
- We run several independent NEM-Watch Product Servers
in different locations (for redundancy) that apply advanced filtering and processing to these
regular CSV files to create a file that is
readable by NEM-Watch, incorporating the data you really want to analyse, in a
usable format. These files are published to our multiple independent data servers
for download by NEM-Watch.
- Note that the scope of the NEM-Watch Product Servers covers much more than simply
processing NEMMCO files, as they also process WEPI data
(published by d-cyphaTrade) and weather data (published by the Bureau of
Meteorology). Effectively our Product Servers operate continuously, scanning for
new data published in a number of different locations, and then puts all this data
together in a format that makes sense to your copy of NEM-Watch. This has the added
benefit of keeping your internet bandwidth usage low, consuming less than 10 MB a month.
- NEM-Watch checks the data servers at a time
interval you specify (by default each minute) for new files, or for up to 24
hours of history if NEM-Watch has been off for a period of time. Whenever new
data is found, NEM-Watch processes this and updates the relevant graphs, charts,
diagrams and tables so that you get the most accurate and up-to-date display at
all times.
Ensuring Quality of Service
While we have no direct control of the data that is published by NEMMCO, we have several safeguards in place to ensure that you have the most reliable service possible based on NEM-web data (i.e. from the site linked above). To keep NEM-Watch reliable, we run two separate data servers (located in Australia and in the USA).
As an added level of redundancy, we have developed (and are significantly enhancing in 2007) an independent application that continuously monitors the data feed to the 2 independent data servers and alerts us the moment anything is amiss.
You can feel confident that if NEMMCO publish it, NEM-Watch displays it within minutes.
What does this mean for you?
We have done the hard work to make the NEMMCO data simply understandable through the NEM-Watch interface.
Through NEM-Watch, we've provided you a wealth of information, AND in a format you can readily understand - one that you can easily explain to those around you (your customers, your colleagues, your management and your Board).
NEM-Watch has been continuously developed since 2000, and we will continue to build in enhancements to the package to take account of changes that occur in the market and to increase the functionality and usability of NEM-Watch itself.
How can I use this data without constantly monitoring NEM-Watch?
As an added advantage, we've even included in NEM-Watch several ways in which you can stay informed of the latest market updates, even if you are not actively watching the NEM-Watch screen all of the time.
-
Your copy of NEM-Watch can
run continuously on your PC, even when you are not actively watching it. Just
minimize NEM-Watch and it will run happily in the task-tray. If you have
set up any Local Alarms to be checked whenever each new data set arrives,
NEM-Watch will prompt you (with audible, email or visual cues, depending on
what you have configured).
-
Should you need the important information (current spot price and demand for each
region), NEM-Watch give you the ability to view this in a small tile while you are
working on other things. This combines the advantages of running the full-screen
version of NEM-Watch with the flexibility of using the PC for other purposes
at the same time.
- As an added piece of value, NEM-Watch Platinum Model also allows you to configure SMS Alarms, which are checked continually, remote from your copy of NEM-Watch (even if your copy is not running), and then alerts you via SMS (wherever you are around the country) if your criteria are met.
Finally, note that you are
able to analyse most of the data updated by NEM-Watch at your convenience (up
to 30 days worth of history is stored in the local Access database in the
install directory).
