How to use the Manual Read App
Roles: Admins, Manual Readers
Last updated: May 2022
Once a Manual Read property is configured within the NextCentury Web Portal, users can be assigned as Readers to the property. The NextCentury Submetering Solutions (NCSS) mobile app is used to quickly and easily record manual reads at properties. Readers can also view and keep track of due dates, grace periods, number of units, notes, meter locations, and more.
This article outlines how Manual Readers can use the NCSS mobile app to view and record reads. For additional information on Manual Read properties and how they can be configured, see Manual Read Properties.
Recording Manual Reads
For information on downloading the NextCentury manual read app, see NCSS Manual Read App.
Open the NextCentury Manual Read app and sign in using your NextCentury username and password.
Note: Once assigned to a property, an activation email will be sent to the user's email with a link to create NextCentury sign-in credentials. If no email is present, contact your Billing Company or Contractor to verify the email used.
Once signed in, your assigned properties will be displayed.
The color of each property’s due date indicates its status.
Properties will not be listed for Readers unless their user emails have been assigned to those properties. Properties may also not be listed if the current Contractor or Billing Company has had the property transferred away from their portfolio.
If a property is not visible, contact your Contractor or Billing Company for help. For information on how to assign users as Readers to properties, see Manual Read Properties.
Search for a specific property name by using the search bar at the top.
Select a property from the list to begin collecting reads at that site.
Sort the property’s units by unit name or by the pre-programmed route order.
Note: Route Order can be configured for a property on the NextCentury Web Portal. This determines the order in which reads should be recorded. If no Route Order is set, one will be configured automatically based on the order in which the first reads are recorded. For information on configuring Route Order, see Manual Read Properties.
Individual units can also be searched with the search bar when viewing the property as well.
Select a unit and enter the read for that utility meter. Select the camera icon and add or take a new photo of the meter.
Select “Next” to jump to the next meter in the list.
Some units may have multiple utility types. Be sure to submit reads for the correct utility meter.
The NextCentury platform supports several utility types, each indicated with a different icon.
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Icon |
Utility |
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Cold Water |
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Hot Water |
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All Water |
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Commercial Water |
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Electric |
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Gas |
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Runtime |
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Thermal |
Select Can't get a read? if unable to record a read.
Then select the corresponding reason.
|
Reason |
Example |
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Access Obstructed |
Something is blocking access to the meter |
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Tenant Refused Access |
The current resident will not allow you in the unit |
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Unable to Access |
There is no way to reach the meter |
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Equipment Issue/Repair Needed |
Meter or other equipment damaged or faulty |
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Cannot Find Equipment |
Equipment is not where it should be and cannot be found |
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Missing Equipment |
The equipment has been removed or is missing |
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Unit is Closed |
Business/unit is closed and the meter is inaccessible |
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Other |
Use this feature if none of the above applies |
To view additional meter and unit information, select “View Details”. The meter serial number, comments, and previous recorded reads can be viewed here.
To add a new comment, expand the comment section and submit a comment by selecting the “+” icon.
The utility icon will turn green once the read is recorded for that meter. The number of completed meters can be seen in the lower-left corner.
Ensure all meters are complete before leaving the property.
