Skip to main content

Manufacturer and Model Management (MX04US02)

1. Problem Statement

For Meter Manager:

  • Repetitive manual entry of technical specifications for each new meter, leading to inefficient workflows
  • Lack of standardized meter models resulting in inconsistent data entry and potential errors
  • No centralized visibility into meter inventory across manufacturers, models, and conditions
  • Difficulty tracking meter performance and condition trends across different models
  • Inability to analyze procurement patterns and make data-driven vendor decisions
  • Time-consuming process of managing individual meter records without bulk operations

For Meter Supervisor (Device Manager):

  • Limited oversight of meter asset lifecycle and condition distribution
  • Difficulty identifying optimal meter models for specific utility applications
  • Lack of predictive insights for meter replacement planning
  • No standardized approach to evaluate meter model performance across the fleet

Core Problem:

The current meter management system lacks a structured approach to meter model standardization and inventory oversight. This results in inefficient data entry processes, inconsistent meter specifications, limited visibility into fleet performance, and suboptimal procurement decisions due to lack of analytical insights.

2. Who Are the Users Facing the Problem?

Meter Manager:

  • Oversees all metering operations and data collection
  • Manages meter reading schedules aligned with billing cycles
  • Coordinates meter installation, replacement, and maintenance programs
  • Ensures data quality for consumption measurements
  • Implements new metering technologies and reading methods
  • Analyzes consumption data for system efficiency

Meter Supervisor (Device Manager):

  • Manages the utility's meter inventory and specifications
  • Oversees meter testing, calibration, and certification processes
  • Coordinates large-scale meter replacement programs
  • Evaluates new meter technologies for potential adoption
  • Ensures meter compliance with industry standards and regulations
  • Develops meter installation and maintenance procedures

3. Jobs To Be Done

For Meter Manager:

  • When I need to add new meters to the system, But I have to manually enter repetitive technical specifications for each unit, Help me leverage pre-configured meter models with standardized specifications, So that I can reduce data entry time by 80% and eliminate specification errors.
  • When I need to understand my current meter inventory distribution and performance, But I lack visibility into meter conditions and model performance across my fleet, Help me access comprehensive dashboard analytics showing inventory metrics by manufacturer, model, and condition, So that I can make informed decisions about procurement and replacement planning.
  • When I need to evaluate which meter models are performing best in my system, But I don't have comparative analytics across different manufacturers and models, Help me analyze meter condition trends, failure rates, and performance metrics by model, So that I can optimize my procurement strategy and reduce maintenance costs.

For Meter Supervisor (Device Manager):

  • When I need to create new meter model specifications for procurement, But I lack a standardized template system that captures all technical requirements, Help me define comprehensive meter models with all technical specifications and smart meter configurations, So that I can ensure consistent procurement standards and enable bulk meter additions.
  • When I need to track individual meter lifecycle and condition changes, But I don't have visibility into meter age, installation history, and current status, Help me access detailed meter tracking with installation dates, age calculations, and condition monitoring, So that I can proactively manage meter replacement schedules and maintenance needs.

4. Solution

The Meter Inventory Management system provides a comprehensive solution for standardizing meter models and managing meter inventory:

Key Capability Areas:

  1. Inventory Dashboard
    • Real-time metrics showing total manufacturers, models, and meters in system
    • Visual breakdown of meter types (Smart, Photo, Manual) with counts
    • Average meters per model calculation for distribution analysis
    • Growth indicators showing new additions and quarterly trends
  2. Meter Model Management
    • Standardized meter model creation with pre-configured templates
    • Comprehensive technical specifications capture including dimensions, flow rates, and materials
    • Smart meter configuration options for communication types and firmware versions
    • Manufacturer and model name standardization with dropdown selections
  3. Technical Specifications Repository
    • Complete technical parameter capture (dial length, count, max flow, connection size)
    • Physical specifications including weight, dimensions, and materials
    • Accuracy class definitions and IP rating configurations
    • Smart meter features including OTA updates, encryption, and API integration capabilities
  4. Meter Condition Tracking
    • Real-time condition monitoring with Normal, RCNT (Recent), and Faulty classifications
    • Individual meter lifecycle tracking with installation dates and age calculations
    • Device number assignment and status management
    • Condition distribution analytics across all meter models
  5. Manufacturer and Model Analytics
    • Manufacturer performance comparison across total meters and conditions
    • Model-specific performance metrics and failure rate analysis
    • Utility type distribution (Water, Gas, Electricity) across models
    • Created by and creation date tracking for audit purposes
  6. Individual Meter Management
    • Detailed meter records with device numbers and installation dates
    • Age calculation in months from installation date
    • Status tracking (Active, RCNT, Faulty) with visual indicators
    • Action capabilities for viewing, editing, and managing individual meters
  7. Bulk Operations and Filtering
    • Search functionality across model names and manufacturers
    • Filter options by meter type, condition, and manufacturer
    • Bulk meter addition based on pre-configured models
    • Mass status updates and condition changes
  8. Smart Meter Configuration
    • Communication type selection (cellular, RF, etc.)
    • Firmware version tracking and update management
    • Battery life specifications and monitoring
    • Security features including encryption and API integration toggles

5. Major Steps Involved

For Meter Manager using the Meter Inventory Management feature:

  1. Access Inventory Dashboard
    • Navigate to the Metering module in SMART360
    • Select "Meter Inventory Management" from the navigation menu
    • View dashboard showing 7 manufacturers, 7 models, 7,890 total meters, and 1,127 average meters per model
    • Review growth indicators showing +2 new manufacturers this quarter and +3 models added this month
  2. Review Meter Model Distribution
    • Examine meter type breakdown showing Smart (3), Photo (2), and Manual (2) models
    • Use search bar to find specific models by manufacturer or model name
    • Apply filters to view specific meter types or manufacturers
    • Review table showing all models with their specifications and current inventory
  3. Analyze Meter Conditions
    • Review condition distribution across models (Normal, RCNT, Faulty counts)
    • Identify models with high faulty percentages for replacement prioritization
    • Compare condition performance across different manufacturers
    • Use condition data to inform procurement and maintenance decisions
  4. Access Individual Meter Details
    • Click on a specific meter model (e.g., "E-Series Ultrasonic" by Badger)
    • View comprehensive model information including technical specifications
    • Review meter statistics showing 650 total meters with condition breakdown
    • Access individual meter list showing 8 meters with their device numbers, installation dates, and current status
  5. Track Meter Performance
    • Monitor individual meter age calculations (e.g., 28 months, 27 months)
    • Review installation dates and track meter lifecycle progression
    • Identify meters approaching replacement age or showing performance issues
    • Use action buttons to view detailed meter information or make updates

For Meter Supervisor creating new meter models:

  1. Initiate Model Creation
    • Click "Add New Meter Model" button from the inventory dashboard
    • Access the meter model creation form with General Information and Technical Specifications sections
  2. Configure General Information
    • Select manufacturer from dropdown or add new manufacturer using "+" button
    • Enter model name in the required field
    • Select meter type from dropdown (Smart, Photo, Manual)
    • Enter optional make code for model identification
    • Select supported utilities by checking Water, Electricity, and/or Gas checkboxes
  3. Enter Technical Specifications
    • Input dial length in millimeters, dial count, and maximum flow rate (m³/h)
    • Select connection size from dropdown and enter weight in kilograms
    • Select accuracy class from dropdown options
    • Enter physical dimensions: length, width, and height in millimeters
    • Describe material composition in text field (e.g., "Brass body, polymer register")
    • Select IP rating from dropdown for environmental protection classification
  4. Configure Smart Meter Features (if meter type is Smart)
    • Select communication type from dropdown (cellular, RF, LoRaWAN, etc.)
    • Enter firmware version information
    • Specify battery life expectancy in years
    • Toggle smart features: "Supports OTA Firmware Updates", "Encryption Enabled", "Enable API Integration"
  5. Save and Activate Model
    • Review all entered specifications for accuracy
    • Click "Save Meter Model" to create the standardized model
    • New model becomes available for bulk meter additions and inventory management
    • Model appears in inventory dashboard with initial zero meter count

6. Flow Diagram

image.png

7. Business Rules

Main Dashboard Overview

Page Title: "Meter Inventory Management"

  • Primary heading identifying the inventory management system
  • Context for meter manufacturers, models, and specifications management

Subtitle: "Manage meter manufacturers, models, and specifications"

  • Describes comprehensive inventory management capabilities
  • Indicates system scope covering all meter-related data

Full Screen Mode Notification

  • "To exit full screen, press 'Esc'" overlay message
  • User guidance for interface navigation
  • Indicates full-screen mode is currently active

Action Buttons

Manage Manufacturers Button

  • Navigation control to manufacturer management interface
  • Enables addition, editing, and management of meter manufacturers
  • Links to manufacturer-specific configuration options

Add New Meter Model Button

  • Blue primary action button with "+" icon
  • Initiates new meter model creation workflow
  • Primary call-to-action for expanding inventory

Summary Statistics Cards

Total Manufacturers: 7

  • Count of registered meter manufacturers in system
  • Blue building icon represents manufacturer entities
  • Growth Indicator: "+2 new this quarter" (green text)
  • Shows recent expansion of manufacturer partnerships

Total Models: 7

  • Count of configured meter models across all manufacturers
  • Purple database icon represents model catalog
  • Growth Indicator: "+3 added this month" (green text)
  • Indicates active model expansion and system growth

Total Meters: 7,890

  • Complete inventory count of physical meters in system
  • Green dial icon represents meter population
  • Coverage Indicator: "Across all models" (green text)
  • Shows comprehensive meter deployment across model types

Avg Meters per Model: 1,127

  • Mathematical average: Total Meters ÷ Total Models
  • Orange speedometer icon represents efficiency metric
  • Indicates distribution density and deployment patterns

Search and Filter Controls

Search Bar: "Search by model name or manufacturer..."

  • Free-text search across meter models and manufacturers
  • Enables quick location of specific inventory items
  • Supports partial matching and keyword searches

Filters Button

  • Opens advanced filtering options for inventory view
  • Funnel icon indicates filtering capabilities
  • Enables complex queries and data segmentation

Meter Type Tabs

All Meters (7)

  • Shows complete inventory regardless of meter type
  • Total count of all configured meter models
  • Default view providing comprehensive overview

Smart (3)

  • Filters to smart meters with IoT/communication capabilities
  • WiFi icon indicates connected meter technology
  • Count shows subset of technologically advanced meters

Photo (2)

  • Filters to meters using photo-based reading methods
  • Camera icon indicates image capture functionality
  • Count shows meters requiring visual reading verification

Manual (2)

  • Filters to traditional manually-read meters
  • Clock icon indicates time-based manual reading process
  • Count shows meters requiring field technician visits

Inventory Data Table

Manufacturer Column

  • Kamstrup | Sensus | Elster | Badger | Neptune
  • Meter manufacturer company names
  • Links to manufacturer-specific product portfolios

Model Name Column

  • MULTICAL 603 | iPERL | V200 | E-Series Ultrasonic | T-10
  • Specific product model identifiers from manufacturers
  • Unique names for technical specification and deployment

Meter Type Column

  • Smart (purple badge with WiFi icon)
  • Manual (blue badge with clock icon)
  • Photo (green badge with camera icon)
  • Reading method classification for operational workflows

Total Meters Column

  • 1,250 | 890 | 2,100 | 650 | 1,800
  • Count of physical meters deployed for each model
  • Inventory quantity tracking for maintenance and replacement

Meter Conditions Column

  • Normal: Operational meters in good condition (green badges)
  • RCNT: Recent installation or maintenance (yellow badges)
  • Faulty: Meters requiring repair or replacement (red badges)
  • Status breakdown with specific counts per condition type

Utilities Column

  • Water (blue badge) | Gas (gray badge)
  • Service type classification for billing and operational purposes
  • Determines rate structures and regulatory compliance requirements

Created By Column

  • John Smith | Sarah Johnson | Mike Wilson | Emily Davis | Tom Anderson
  • User identification for model configuration accountability
  • Audit trail for inventory management changes

Created On Column

  • 2024-01-15 | 2024-01-20 | 2024-02-05 | 2024-02-10 | 2024-01-25
  • Date format: YYYY-MM-DD
  • Chronological tracking of model addition to system

Status Column

  • Active (black badge for all entries)
  • Operational status indicating model availability for deployment
  • Controls whether model can be assigned to new installations

Actions Column

  • View (eye icon): Opens detailed model information
  • Edit (pencil icon): Modifies model configuration
  • Delete (trash icon): Removes model from system

Add New Meter Model Form

General Information Section

Manufacturer Dropdown: "Select manufacturer"

  • Required field (marked with *)
  • Dropdown populated with registered manufacturers
  • Add Button (+): Creates new manufacturer if not listed
  • Links model to specific manufacturer for organization

Model Name Field: "Enter model name"

  • Required field (marked with *)
  • Text input for unique model identification
  • Primary identifier for model selection and management

Meter Type Dropdown: "Select meter type"

  • Required field (marked with *)
  • Determines reading method and operational workflow
  • Available options: Smart, Photo, Manual

Make Code Field: "Optional make code"

  • Optional manufacturer-specific product code
  • Additional identifier for technical specifications
  • Supports internal manufacturer numbering systems

Supported Utilities Checkboxes

  • Required field (marked with *)
  • Water: Water utility service support
  • Electricity: Electric utility service support
  • Gas: Gas utility service support
  • Multiple selections allowed for multi-utility meters

Technical Specifications Section

Dial Length (mm): "0"

  • Numeric input for meter dial measurement
  • Physical specification for installation compatibility
  • Measured in millimeters for precision

Dial Count: "0"

  • Numeric input for number of dials on meter face
  • Reading complexity indicator for field operations
  • Affects reading time and accuracy requirements

Max Flow (m³/h): "0"

  • Maximum flow rate specification
  • Critical for proper meter sizing and installation
  • Measured in cubic meters per hour

Connection Size Dropdown: "Select size"

  • Physical pipe connection specification
  • Determines installation compatibility
  • Standard sizes for utility connections

Weight (kg): "0"

  • Meter weight specification in kilograms
  • Important for installation planning and logistics
  • Affects shipping and handling requirements

Accuracy Dropdown: "Select accuracy"

  • Measurement precision classification
  • Regulatory compliance specification
  • Determines billing accuracy and certification requirements

Length (mm): "0"

  • Physical meter length dimension
  • Installation space requirement specification
  • Critical for meter box and housing compatibility

Width (mm): "0"

  • Physical meter width dimension
  • Installation space requirement specification
  • Affects accessibility and maintenance clearances

Height (mm): "0"

  • Physical meter height dimension
  • Installation space requirement specification
  • Determines mounting and housing requirements

Material Field: "e.g., Brass body, polymer register"

  • Free-text description of meter construction materials
  • Important for environmental compatibility and durability
  • Placeholder text provides format guidance

IP Rating Dropdown: "Select IP rating"

  • Ingress Protection rating for environmental resistance
  • Critical for outdoor and harsh environment installations
  • Standard ratings (IP54, IP65, IP68, etc.)

Smart Meter Configuration Section

(Appears when "Smart" meter type is selected)

Communication Type Dropdown: "Select communication type"

  • Wireless technology specification for smart meters
  • Options: WiFi, LoRa, NB-IoT, GSM, etc.
  • Determines connectivity and data transmission method

Firmware Version Field: "e.g., 1.2.3"

  • Current firmware version identification
  • Critical for compatibility and update management
  • Version format guidance provided in placeholder

Battery Life (Years): "0"

  • Expected battery lifespan for wireless meters
  • Maintenance planning and replacement scheduling
  • Measured in years for long-term planning

Smart Meter Feature Toggles

Supports OTA Firmware Updates Toggle

  • Checkbox indicating over-the-air update capability
  • Enables remote firmware management
  • Critical for security patches and feature updates

Encryption Enabled Toggle

  • Checkbox indicating data encryption capability
  • Security feature for data transmission protection
  • Compliance requirement for secure communications

Enable API Integration Toggle

  • Checkbox indicating API connectivity support
  • Enables third-party system integration
  • Critical for data exchange and automation

Form Actions

Cancel Button

  • Discards all form inputs and returns to main inventory
  • Gray button providing exit option without saving
  • Prevents accidental data loss with confirmation prompt

Save Meter Model Button

  • Blue primary action button to commit new model configuration
  • Validates all required fields before saving
  • Creates new inventory item and returns to main dashboard

Model Detail View (E-Series Ultrasonic)

Header Information

Model Title: "E-Series Ultrasonic"

  • Primary model identification
  • Links to manufacturer (Badger) and type (Photo)
  • Status indicator (Active) shows operational availability

Back Button Navigation

  • Returns to main inventory dashboard
  • Preserves current filter and search state

Basic Information Panel

Manufacturer: "Badger"

  • Manufacturer identification and branding
  • Links to manufacturer-specific models and support

Model Name: "E-Series Ultrasonic"

  • Complete model designation
  • Primary identifier for procurement and deployment

Make Code: "KC603"

  • Manufacturer-specific product identifier
  • Alternative reference for technical documentation

Meter Type: "Photo" (green badge)

  • Reading method classification
  • Camera icon indicates photo-based reading requirement

Created By: "John Smith"

  • User accountability for model configuration
  • Audit trail for inventory management

Created On: "2024-01-15"

  • Model addition date to system
  • Chronological tracking for inventory lifecycle

Utilities: "Water"

  • Service type classification
  • Determines billing integration and operational procedures

Technical Specifications Tab

Dial Length: "165 mm"

  • Precise measurement for installation compatibility
  • Critical dimension for meter housing selection

Dial Count: "8"

  • Number of reading dials on meter face
  • Affects reading complexity and time requirements

Max Flow: "3.5 m³/h"

  • Maximum flow rate capacity
  • Critical for proper sizing and installation applications

Connection Size: "3/4""

  • Standard pipe connection specification
  • Determines compatibility with existing infrastructure

Weight: "1.2 kg"

  • Physical weight for shipping and installation planning
  • Affects handling requirements and mounting considerations

Accuracy: "Class A (+2%)"

  • Measurement precision classification
  • Regulatory compliance and billing accuracy specification

Dimensions (L × W × H): "190 × 105 × 95 mm"

  • Complete physical dimensions for installation planning
  • Critical for meter box selection and space requirements

Material: "Brass body, polymer register"

  • Construction material specification
  • Important for environmental compatibility and longevity

IP Rating: "IP68"

  • Environmental protection rating
  • Indicates submersion and dust resistance capability

Meter Statistics Panel

Total Meters in System: 650

  • Complete inventory count for this model
  • Blue text indicates healthy inventory level
  • Deployment scale indicator for maintenance planning

Meter ConditionsStatus Breakdown (of all the meter in the system of the selected model)

Normal: 600Assigned

  • Operational meters in good working condition
  • Green indicator shows healthy fleet status
  • Majority of deployed meters functioning properly

RCNT: 35Unassigned

  • Reading Canot be taken
  • Yellow indicator shows transitional status
  • Requires monitoring for stabilization

Faulty: 15Disposed

  • Meters requiring repair or replacement
  • Red indicator flags maintenance attention needed
  • Small percentage indicates good overall reliability

Edit Meter Button

  • Black action button for model configuration changes
  • Pencil icon indicates editing functionality
  • Opens model modification interface

Individual Meters List

Section Title: "Individual Meters (8)"

  • Shows sample of deployed meters for this model
  • Count indicates partial list view
  • Detailed inventory tracking at individual meter level

Individual Meter Table Columns

Meter No Column

  • WM001234 | WM001235 | WM001236 | WM001237 | WM001238 | WM001239
  • Unique meter identification numbers
  • Sequential numbering system for inventory tracking

Device Number Column

  • DEV-KS-001234 | DEV-KS-001235 | DEV-KS-001236 | etc.
  • Technical device identifiers
  • Format: DEV-[Manufacturer Code]-[Sequential Number]

Installation Date Column

  • 2023-01-15 | 2023-01-20 | 2023-02-01 | 2023-02-10 | 2023-02-15 | 2023-03-01
  • Date format: YYYY-MM-DD
  • Chronological deployment tracking for warranty and maintenance

Age (Months) Column

  • 28 months | 28 months | 28 months | 27 months | 27 months | 27 months
  • Calculated field showing meter age since installation
  • Important for maintenance scheduling and replacement planning

Status Column

  • Active (green badge): Operational meters
  • RCNT (yellow badge): Reading Cannot be Taken
  • Faulty (red badge): Meters requiring attention
  • Individual meter condition tracking

Action Column

  • View (eye icon): Opens detailed individual meter information
  • Links to meter-specific maintenance history and readings
  • Enables meter-level management and troubleshooting

Business Rules and Workflow

Model Creation Workflow

  1. General Information: Basic model identification and classification
  2. Technical Specifications: Physical and performance parameters
  3. Smart Configuration: Advanced features for smart meters only
  4. Validation: Required field verification and data consistency
  5. Deployment: Model activation and availability for assignments

Inventory Management Rules

  • Models must have unique names within manufacturer
  • Required fields must be completed before saving
  • Smart meters require additional configuration parameters
  • Meter conditions are tracked automatically based on status reports
  • Individual meters inherit model specifications upon deployment

Status Management

  • Active: Model available for new installations
  • Inactive: Model deprecated but existing meters remain tracked
  • Draft: Model under configuration, not yet deployable

Integration Points

  • Manufacturer data links to supplier management
  • Model specifications integrate with installation planning
  • Individual meter tracking connects to billing and maintenance systems
  • Smart meter configurations enable IoT platform integration

Manufacturer Management

  • The list view should consist of Name, country, website, contact, and actions for editing and delete
  • All the fields mentioned are available in the add manufacturer form too
  • Should be able to search by manufacturer name
  • should be able to filter by country

8. Sample Data

Dashboard Metrics:

  • Total Manufacturers: 7
  • Total Models: 7
  • Total Meters: 7,890
  • Average Meters per Model: 1,127
  • Growth Indicators: +2 new this quarter, +3 added this month
  • Meter Type Distribution: Smart (3), Photo (2), Manual (2)

Meter Model Examples:

  1. Kamstrup MULTICAL 603
    • Type: Smart
    • Total Meters: 1,250
    • Conditions: Normal (1,180), RCNT (45), Faulty (25)
    • Utility: Water
    • Created by: John Smith on 2024-01-15
    • Status: Active
  2. Sensus iPERL
    • Type: Smart
    • Total Meters: 890
    • Conditions: Normal (850), RCNT (30), Faulty (10)
    • Utility: Water
    • Created by: Sarah Johnson on 2024-01-20
    • Status: Active
  3. Badger E-Series Ultrasonic
    • Type: Photo
    • Total Meters: 650
    • Conditions: Normal (600), RCNT (35), Faulty (15)
    • Utility: Water
    • Created by: Emily Davis on 2024-02-10
    • Status: Active

Technical Specifications Sample (E-Series Ultrasonic):

  • Manufacturer: Badger
  • Model Name: E-Series Ultrasonic
  • Make Code: KC603
  • Meter Type: Photo
  • Dial Length: 165 mm
  • Dial Count: 8
  • Max Flow: 3.5 m³/h
  • Connection Size: 3/4"
  • Weight: 1.2 kg
  • Accuracy: Class A (±2%)
  • Dimensions: 190 × 105 × 95 mm
  • Material: Brass body, polymer register
  • IP Rating: IP68

Individual Meter Records (E-Series Ultrasonic model):

  1. Meter No: WM001234, Device: DEV-KS-001234, Installed: 2023-01-15, Age: 28 months, Status: Active
  2. Meter No: WM001235, Device: DEV-KS-001235, Installed: 2023-01-20, Age: 28 months, Status: Active
  3. Meter No: WM001236, Device: DEV-KS-001236, Installed: 2023-02-01, Age: 28 months, Status: RCNT
  4. Meter No: WM001237, Device: DEV-KS-001237, Installed: 2023-02-10, Age: 27 months, Status: Active
  5. Meter No: WM001238, Device: DEV-KS-001238, Installed: 2023-02-15, Age: 27 months, Status: Faulty

9. Acceptance Criteria

  1. The system must display accurate dashboard metrics showing total manufacturers, models, meters, and average meters per model
  2. The system must provide visual categorization of meter models by type (Smart, Photo, Manual) with accurate counts
  3. The system must support creating new meter models with all required general information fields
  4. The system must validate that manufacturer and model name combinations are unique within the system
  5. The system must require at least one supported utility selection (Water, Electricity, Gas) for each model
  6. The system must capture comprehensive technical specifications including dimensions, flow rates, and materials
  7. The system must show Smart Meter Configuration section only when meter type is selected as Smart
  8. The system must validate that all numeric fields accept appropriate data types and ranges
  9. The system must automatically populate created by and created on fields with current user and timestamp
  10. The system must display real-time meter condition statistics (Normal, RCNT, Faulty) for each model
  11. The system must calculate individual meter age in months from installation date to current date
  12. The system must provide search functionality across manufacturer and model names
  13. The system must support filtering by meter type, manufacturer, and condition status
  14. The system must display individual meter details including device numbers, installation dates, and current status
  15. The system must prevent deletion of meter models that have assigned individual meters
  16. The system must maintain accurate condition count totals that equal the sum of Normal + RCNT + Faulty meters
  17. The system must support bulk operations for managing multiple meter records
  18. The system must log all meter model changes with user identification and timestamp for audit purposes
  19. The system must validate smart meter configurations for compatibility before saving
  20. The system must display growth indicators showing new manufacturers and models added by time period

10. Process Changes

Current Process

New Process

Impact

Manual entry of technical specifications for each individual meter added to system

Create standardized meter models once, then bulk assign meters based on pre-configured models

80% reduction in data entry time; elimination of specification inconsistencies

No visibility into meter inventory distribution across manufacturers and models

Comprehensive dashboard showing manufacturer, model, and condition analytics with real-time updates

100% visibility into fleet composition enabling data-driven procurement decisions

Reactive approach to meter replacement based on individual failure reports

Proactive replacement planning using condition analytics and age tracking across models

40% improvement in planned vs. reactive maintenance ratio

Limited ability to compare meter performance across different manufacturers

Detailed condition and performance tracking by manufacturer and model with comparative analytics

Enable vendor performance evaluation leading to 25% improvement in procurement ROI

Manual tracking of individual meter installation dates and lifecycle information

Automated age calculation and lifecycle tracking with condition monitoring integration

Complete meter asset lifecycle visibility reducing manual tracking effort by 90%

Inconsistent meter specifications leading to procurement and installation errors

Standardized technical specifications repository with validation rules

95% reduction in specification-related errors and installation issues

Time-consuming search for specific meter information across multiple systems

Unified search and filter capabilities across all meter models and individual units

70% reduction in time spent locating meter information

Limited insight into smart meter configuration and feature utilization

Comprehensive smart meter feature tracking with configuration management

Enable optimization of smart meter investments and feature utilization analysis

11. Impact from Solving This Problem

Metric

Improvement Impact

Data Entry Efficiency

80% reduction in time required to add new meters through standardized model templates

Specification Accuracy

95% reduction in meter specification errors through validated model configurations

Inventory Visibility

100% real-time visibility into meter distribution by manufacturer, model, and condition

Procurement Decision Quality

60% improvement in vendor selection decisions through comparative performance analytics

Maintenance Planning Efficiency

40% shift from reactive to proactive maintenance through condition trend analysis

Asset Lifecycle Management

90% reduction in manual tracking effort through automated age calculation and condition monitoring

Search and Information Access

70% reduction in time spent locating specific meter information through unified search capabilities

Compliance and Audit Readiness

100% audit trail capability with automated logging of all model changes and meter assignments

Smart Meter Optimization

50% improvement in smart meter feature utilization through configuration tracking and management

Overall Operational Efficiency

45% improvement in meter management processes through standardization and automation

12. User Behavior Tracking

Event

Properties

Metrics

Insights

Dashboard_View

user_id, session_duration, metrics_viewed

Dashboard access frequency, Time spent reviewing metrics

How frequently are managers monitoring inventory metrics?

Model_Create

user_id, manufacturer, meter_type, creation_duration, smart_features_enabled

Models created per period, Average creation time, Feature adoption rates

Which meter types and features are being standardized most?

Model_Search

search_term, results_count, selected_model, user_id

Search effectiveness, Common search patterns

How are users finding specific meter models?

Model_Filter

filter_type, filter_value, results_count, user_id

Filter usage patterns, Most common filter combinations

What criteria are most important for model selection?

Model_View

model_id, user_id, view_duration, sections_accessed

Model popularity, Detail consumption patterns

Which models are being reviewed most frequently?

Individual_Meter_Access

model_id, meter_count_viewed, condition_analysis, user_id

Individual meter tracking usage, Condition monitoring frequency

How deeply are managers analyzing individual meter performance?

Condition_Analysis

model_id, condition_type_focused, analysis_duration, user_id

Condition monitoring patterns, Alert response times

Which condition types receive the most attention?

Technical_Specs_Update

model_id, field_updated, old_value, new_value, user_id

Specification change frequency, Most updated fields

Which technical specifications require the most maintenance?

Smart_Config_Enable

model_id, feature_enabled, user_id, timestamp

Smart feature adoption, Configuration trends

Which smart meter features are being utilized most?

Bulk_Operations

operation_type, record_count, user_id, success_rate

Bulk operation usage, Efficiency gains

How effectively are bulk operations improving workflow efficiency?

Performance_Compare

models_compared, comparison_duration, decision_outcome, user_id

Comparative analysis usage, Decision patterns

Which models are being compared for procurement decisions?

Export_Data

export_type, model_selection, user_id, timestamp

Data export patterns, Reporting needs

What meter data is being shared outside the system?

Questions answered by tracking:

  1. What is the correlation between meter model standardization and reduction in data entry errors?
  2. Which manufacturers and meter types are preferred based on model creation and usage patterns?
  3. How effectively are managers using condition analytics to drive maintenance decisions?
  4. What is the adoption rate of smart meter features and which configurations are most valuable?
  5. How does inventory visibility impact procurement timing and vendor negotiation outcomes?
  6. Which technical specifications require the most updates and why?
  7. What is the relationship between model complexity and user adoption rates?
  8. How are bulk operations improving operational efficiency across different user roles?

Wireframe