An automated integrated monitoring (IM) algorithm that automatically puts data from a utility monitoring system into context by temporally aligning the data to a common reference point and by identifying the location of each monitoring device in a hierarchy relative to other devices. Frequency variation data is received from all meters. The data is automatically aligned to a common reference point, such as a precise zero crossing, using a cross-correlation algorithm to determine the time delay at which the data is most correlated. Once the data is aligned, power data is received from all meters in a hierarchy, and the monitoring system layout is auto-learned using a correlation algorithm to determine which two meters are most likely correlated with one another based upon their historical power readings. Once the layout is complete, additional decisions regarding hardware and software configuration can automatically be made by the IM algorithm.