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Plans & Tariffs Management - FAQs

Getting Started & Dashboard Overview

Q1: How do I access the Plans & Tariffs Management module in Smart360?

 A: Log in to Smart360 and go to the "Utility Setup" section.Click on any configured utility to view its details. In the side navigation panel, you’ll find the option to access Tariffs and Plans Management.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q2: What key metrics are displayed on the Plans & Tariffs dashboard? 

A: The dashboard provides several critical metrics:

  • Total Plans: Complete count of all plans in the system
  • Total Tariffs: Total number of tariff structures
  • Active Subscribers: Current subscriber count with growth percentage
  • Status Distribution: Active vs. inactive breakdown for both plans and tariffs
  • Growth Metrics: Percentage change indicators (e.g., +7.2% subscriber growth)
  • Recently Updated: Chronological list of recently modified plans and tariffs

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q3: Who can access and manage plans and tariffs in Smart360? 

A: Three primary user roles have access:

  • Utility Administrator: Can view overview, manage status, and coordinate between departments
  • Billing Manager: Can create, configure, and update tariff structures with version control
  • Billing Specialist: Can view tariff details, access sample calculations, and explain structures to customers

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Tariff Management & Configuration

Q4: What types of tariff rates can I create in Smart360? 

A: Smart360 supports five different rate types:

  • Flat Rate: Single unit rate applying to all consumption levels
  • Slab Rate: Multiple consumption tiers with different rates per tier
  • Fixed Rate: Consistent unit rate regardless of consumption volume or time
  • Seasonal Rate: Different rates for specific seasons or date ranges
  • Time-Based Rate: Variable rates based on time periods (peak/off-peak hours)

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q5: How do I create a new tariff in Smart360?

 A: Follow the guided tariff creation process:

  1. Navigate to the tariff management section
  2. Click "Add New Tariff" or similar button
  3. Enter unique tariff name (must be unique within utility type)
  4. Select utility type (Water, Gas, Electricity)
  5. Choose rate type (Flat, Slab, Fixed, Seasonal, Time-Based)
  6. Set validity dates (start date required, end date optional)
  7. Configure rate structure based on selected type
  8. Review and save the tariff

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q6: How do I configure slab-based tariffs?

 A: For slab rate configuration:

  1. Select "Slab" as the rate type
  2. Define consumption tiers with "From" and "To" ranges
  3. Set unit rates for each tier
  4. Ensure first slab starts from 0 units
  5. Avoid overlapping ranges between slabs
  6. The highest slab can have "No limit" as upper bound
  7. Example: 0-100 units at $0.08, 101-500 at $0.10, 501+ at $0.12

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q7: Can I have overlapping validity periods for different tariffs? 

A: No, Smart360 prevents overlapping validity periods for tariffs of the same utility type and rate type. For example, if you have an electricity flat rate from Jan-March 2025, you cannot create another electricity flat rate from Feb-July 2025. This prevents billing conflicts and ensures clear tariff application.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Plan Management & Configuration

Q8: What is the difference between a plan and a tariff in Smart360? 

A:

  • Tariffs: Define the actual rate structures and pricing mechanisms (how much customers pay per unit)
  • Plans: Bundle tariffs with additional services, charges, and customer categories (complete billing packages for customers) Plans reference existing tariffs rather than creating new rate structures, allowing you to combine multiple tariffs across different utility services.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q9: How do I create a new utility plan? 

A: Use the 4-step wizard process:

  1. Basic Details: Enter plan name, short name (max 15 characters), description, billing frequency, tax information, and validity dates
  2. Consumer Categories: Select main categories (Residential, Commercial, Industrial) and corresponding subcategories
  3. Utility Services: Choose utility services and associate rate types and tariff names
  4. Service Charges: Define common charges and service-specific charges Plans remain in "draft" status until all steps are completed.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q10: What billing frequencies are available for plans? 

A: Smart360 supports four billing frequency options:

  • Monthly: Bills generated every month
  • Bi-monthly: Bills generated every two months
  • Quarterly: Bills generated every three months
  • Annually: Bills generated once per year Select the frequency that best matches your utility's billing cycle and customer preferences.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q11: How do I configure service charges for plans? 

A: Service charges can be configured in two ways:

  • Common Charges: Apply to all services in the plan (e.g., Administrative Fee, Account Setup Fee)
  • Service-Specific Charges: Apply only to specific utility services (e.g., Peak Usage Fee for electricity)

Available charge types include Fixed, Variable, or Consumption-based, with predefined options like Meter Fee, Late Payment, Admin Charges, Security Deposit, and others.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Version Control & History Management

Q12: How does version control work for tariffs and plans?

 A: Smart360 automatically maintains version control:

  • Automatic versioning: Each modification creates a new version with incremented number
  • Change tracking: Records who made changes, when, and what was modified
  • Historical preservation: Previous versions are preserved and cannot be deleted
  • Modification restrictions: Only the most recent version can be modified
  • Documentation: Each version requires a description of changes made

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q13: Can I restore a previous version of a tariff or plan? 

A: You cannot directly restore previous versions. Instead, you must create a new version using the previous version's configuration as a reference. This ensures proper audit trails and prevents accidental data loss while maintaining the ability to return to previous configurations.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q14: How do I view the history of changes for a specific tariff? 

A: Access version history through:

  1. Navigate to the tariff detail view
  2. Click on "Version History" or similar option
  3. View chronological list showing version numbers, dates, users, and change summaries
  4. Compare different versions to see specific modifications
  5. Use this information for audit purposes and understanding tariff evolution

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Status Management & Lifecycle

Q15: What are the different status types for plans and tariffs? 

A: Both plans and tariffs can have three status types:

  • Active: Currently in use and can be applied to customer accounts
  • Inactive: Manually deactivated but can be reactivated if needed
  • Expired: Automatically marked when current date exceeds end date Only active items can be applied to customer accounts for billing purposes.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q16: What happens when a tariff expires? 

A: When a tariff reaches its end date:

  • Status automatically changes to "Expired"
  • Cannot be applied to new customer accounts
  • Existing customers continue on the tariff until their next billing cycle
  • Cannot be reactivated; must create new version instead
  • System notifications sent to administrators about expiration

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q17: Can I delete a tariff or plan that's no longer needed?

 A: Deletion restrictions apply:

  • Tariffs: Can only be deleted if never applied to any customer account
  • Plans: Can only be deleted if not assigned to any customers
  • In-use items: Cannot be deleted to maintain historical billing integrity
  • Alternative: Set status to "Inactive" instead of deletion to preserve audit trails

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Rate Calculations & Customer Impact

Q18: How do seasonal tariffs work and when are they applied? 

A: Seasonal tariffs allow different rates for specific time periods:

  • Define season name and date ranges (e.g., Winter: Nov 1 - Mar 31)
  • Set base rates and optional discounts for each season
  • System automatically applies appropriate rate based on billing date
  • Example: Winter rate $0.09 with 25% discount, Regular rate $0.12 with 0% discount

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q19: How do time-based tariffs handle peak and off-peak hours? 

A: Time-based tariffs support multiple time periods:

  • Off-Peak: Lower rates during low-demand hours (e.g., 10 PM - 6 AM at $0.08)
  • Standard: Regular rates during moderate-demand periods
  • Peak: Higher rates during high-demand hours (e.g., 4 PM - 8 PM at $0.18)
  • System applies appropriate rate based on consumption timing

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Advanced Features & Best Practices

Q20: How do I handle unmetered utility services in plans? 

A: For unmetered services:

  • Select unmetered utility in plan configuration
  • Service charges automatically include unmetered options
  • Rate field displays relevant rate names from utility service
  • Configure fixed charges rather than consumption-based rates
  • Ensure appropriate billing frequency for fixed charges

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q21: What's the best practice for naming tariffs and plans? 

A: Naming best practices:

  • Descriptive names: Include utility type, customer category, and key features
  • Short names: Use concise abbreviations (max 15 characters for plans)
  • Consistent format: Establish naming conventions across your organization
  • Version indication: Consider including version or date information
  • Avoid duplicates: Ensure uniqueness within utility types

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q22: How do I ensure tariffs don't conflict with each other? 

A: Conflict prevention strategies:

  • Review existing tariffs before creating new ones
  • Use system validation to prevent date overlaps
  • Maintain clear documentation of tariff purposes
  • Regular audits of active tariffs
  • Coordinate with billing team before implementing changes
  • Test new tariffs with sample calculations

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Troubleshooting & Common Issues

Q23: Why can't I activate my newly created plan? 

A: Plans cannot be activated if:

  • Not all 4 wizard steps are completed
  • Required fields are missing in any step
  • No consumer categories selected
  • No utility services configured
  • Referenced tariffs are inactive or expired
  • User lacks appropriate permissions Complete all steps and verify all required information before activation.

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility

Q24: I'm getting an overlap error when creating a tariff - how do I resolve this? 

A: Overlap error resolution:

  • Check existing tariffs for the same utility type and rate type
  • Identify conflicting tariff with overlapping dates
  • Options to resolve:
    • Modify start/end dates to avoid overlap
    • End the existing tariff before your new one starts
    • Use different rate type if appropriate
    • Create tariff for different utility type

Video URL - https://www.bynry.com/smart-utility-management-software

Platform URL  - https://platform.bynry.com/onboarding/utility


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