With the new catalog of requirements for the secure supply chain (Silke) the focus is shifting to a topic that is of central importance for energy suppliers and metering point operators for the smart meter rollout: How can digital electricity meters be transported, stored and installed securely, seamlessly and in compliance with the law?
What is Silke and why is it important?
Silke stands for „Sichere Lieferkette“ and was developed by the German Federal Office for Information Security (BSI) in collaboration with the Network Technology/Network Operation Forum at the VDE. The aim is to ensure the integrity of smart meter gateways – i.e. the communication units of intelligent metering systems - across the entire supply chain
This means that there must be no possibility of tampering, from the manufacturer to logistics, storage and installation at the end customer. Especially in times of growing cyber threats, the BSI wants to ensure that the communication infrastructure of the energy transition remains reliable and tamper-proof.
The Federal Network Agency's catalog of security requirements sets out detailed requirements for the operators of telecommunications and data processing systems as well as for the processing of personal data. Silke (secure supply chain) ensures that smart meter gateways are protected against manipulation along the entire supply chain - from the manufacturer to commissioning at the customer's premises. The requirements include:
✅ Integrity check: for incoming goods, storage and assembly.
✅ Safe delivery: Protection of the devices during the entire transportation process.
✅ Documented acceptance: Check for functionality and integrity.
✅ Transparent storage: with inspection and tracking mechanisms.
✅ Re-check during commissioning: including integration into configuration management.
These requirements underline the need for seamless tracking and testing of smart meters throughout their entire life cycle.
With the Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG), the German government has created the framework for an accelerated smart meter rollout. The aim is to drive forward the digitalization of the energy transition - for more transparency, grid stability and consumer-friendly electricity supply.
Important deadlines in accordance with the law
The Metering Point Operation Act (MsbG) defines clear deadlines for the installation of smart meters depending on the consumption or generation class:
| Kategorie | Pflicht zum Einbau von Smart Metern |
|---|---|
| Consumers with 6,000 - 100,000 kWh/a | From 2025 |
| Producers with 7 - 100 kW output | From 2025 |
| Big consumers with > 100.000 kWh/a | From 2028 |
| Producers with > 100 kW installed capacity | From 2028 |
| Private households < 6.000 kWh/a | Not mandatory, but voluntary possible |
| Replacement by mME (digital meters) | Mandatory from 2032 |
Challenges for energy suppliers and metering point operators
Even if the main responsibility lies with the manufacturers of the smart meter gateways, all parties along the chain - in particular the metering point operators (MSBs) - must meet special requirements. This concerns:
- Transport logistics and transfer points for the meter stands
- Storage locations and access management
- Device management, serial number tracking
- Rollout planning and documented assembly processes
The practical implementation of the Silke requirements means high organizational and technical effort. Energy suppliers are therefore faced with the challenge of mapping these processes in a way that is not only legally compliant but also economically viable. A key aspect of this is ensuring the integrity of smart meters from storage to acceptance and commissioning, including during installation by external service providers.
The solution: Silke-compliant processes with mx.ERP
With mx.ERP energy suppliers receive a reliable software solution that systematically maps all the requirements of the secure supply chain (Silke) – and at the same time helps to efficiently structure and digitize internal processes. The most important functions are:
✅ Seamless tracking: mx.ERP enables detailed tracking of each smart meter throughout its entire life cycle. For instance, if the installation is carried out by an external service provider, the software tracks the devices until they are handed over to the installer and records the installation after notification by the service provider.
✅ Integrated quality inspection: The mx.ERP quality inspection module supports network operators in the acceptance of meters. The software enables the storage of test values and documents the results (accepted/not accepted) to ensure operational and defect-free testing in accordance with the requirements of the Federal Network Agency.
✅ Automatic reading of electronic delivery bills
✅ Track & Trace functionality from goods receipt to meter installation.
✅ Complete documentation: Who brought and installed which device where and when?
✅ Secure user and rights concept for all players in the supply chain.
✅ Logging of every serial number, every transport and every assembly - fully traceable and legally compliant.
💡Example from the field: Silke-compliant rollout at Enervie Vernetzt
One successful example is the use of mx.ERP at Enervie Vernetzt,a regional energy supplier in North Rhine-Westphalia with a 1,000 km2 network. The mx.ERP was successfully implemented there in 2022, integrated into the existing SAP infrastructure and now providing:
- the complete goods receipt & warehouse process.
- the safe use of devices by authorized fitters. berechtigte Monteure.
- the complete Silke-compliant documentation.
Becoming Silke-compliant - with mx.ERP
With mx.ERP, you not only digitize processes, you also secure the future of energy supply.
The smart meter rollout is progressing, but only those who also meet the requirements of the secure supply chain are truly fit for the future. mx.ERP is your complete solution for the legally compliant, digital rollout process - from delivery to installation.
👉 Arrange a non-binding initial consultation and find out how you can make your meter logistic Silke-compatible with mx.ERP – efficient, legally compliant and completely digital.
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