GBCS Stack for Embedded Devices

Devices entering the UK’s smart meter network must be compliant with a series of specifications, including the Great British Companion Specification (GBCS). Software developers therefore need to ensure that their software can communicate using this standard, despite it being complex and often misinterpreted. 

Critical Software has played an integral role in the evolution of GBCS, alongside the Data Communications Company (DCC), since 2014. Using this comprehensive experience, we developed a GBCS stack providing a low-risk way to improve time-to-market speeds, all the while benefiting from the stack’s synchronisation with GBCS updates. This is more important now than ever before, with Standalone Auxiliary Proportional Controllers (SAPC) – enabling load control directly by users - soon becoming mandatory within the UK smart metering network. 

In this case study, learn more about: 

• The ever-shifting nature of specifications including GBCS 
• How integrating stacks into smart devices is low-risk and can promote time-to-market benefits
• Our experience in developing fully compliant software stack solutions
• Testing tools and solutions developed by us and available to smart meter manufacturers