Electric Meter Reading electricMeterReading_25022015

This application streamlines the process of reading electric meters by utilizing NFC tags for accurate identification. These tags are cost-effective and prevent errors associated with manually entering meter numbers.

The requirement to enter the meter reading twice significantly reduces the likelihood of incorrect data entry. Once the reading is recorded, the app automatically displays the difference compared to the previous consumption period, allowing users to rectify any discrepancies immediately on-site.

In less common scenarios, users have the option to photograph the meter reading, which minimizes queries from back-office teams and eliminates the need for repeat visits to the same meter during a reading cycle.

Additionally, the app facilitates the assignment of meter groups to specific employees, such as facility managers in property complexes. This ensures that each property’s meters are managed by designated personnel.

By enabling direct on-site recording of readings via a mobile device, the app eliminates the cumbersome and error-prone task of transferring data from paper records to a digital format.

The readings stored in the ginstr cloud serve as a valuable resource for subsequent processing, such as accounting or tenant billing.

While the app also supports barcodes and QR codes, it is advisable to use NFC tags due to their reliability in low-light conditions, as they utilize radio technology for identification rather than a camera.

All user data is continuously synchronized with ginstr cloud, where it can be analyzed, processed, sorted, filtered, exported, and shared with other departments, including accounting and dispatching, through ginstr web — a web-based platform designed for use with all ginstr applications.

Features:

• Setup of properties using an office PC
• Setup of employees using an office PC
• Setup of meters with assignment of unique NFC tag numbers via office PC during property system setup
• Electric meter readings conducted through a smartphone based on pre-existing master data

Data entry can also be accomplished via CSV import, providing an additional method of integration into the system.

Benefits:

• Accurate meter identification using NFC tags, barcodes, or QR codes
• Immediate plausibility checks during on-site data capture
• No need for tedious and error-prone data transfer from paper to digital formats
• Real-time data availability
• No risk of losing reading records during transit
• Usage-dependent invoices can be generated promptly post-reading
• The option to photograph meters for unusual cases or events

The following data is collected:

Properties:

• Property name
• Automatic registration of addresses based on GPS coordinates (where applicable)
• Date and time of data entry registered automatically
• Comments section
• Assignment of one or more meter readers per property

Meter Readers:

• Usernames for app access
• First name and surname
• Date and time of data entry registered automatically

Electric Meters:

• NFC tag number/QR code/barcode number
• Property assignment
• Meter number
• Comments (e.g., installation location in building)
• Date and time of data entry registered automatically

Readings:

• Related property
• Meter number
• New meter reading value
• Differential value from prior readings
• A recordable photo of the meter
• User login records maintained
• Date and time of entry registered automatically
• NFC tag number associated with reading

This application is provided at no initial cost; however, a subscription to ginstr is required for full functionality within the ginstr cloud environment.