This report analyzes meter sources (e.g., Fax, eInfo, Phone, FM Audit, Estimate) used for billed meters over the past months defined by Variable W. Only readings with the “Estimated” box checked are categorized as estimated.
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Overview | Samples | Variables | Alert Functionality | Best Practices & Tips | Related Alerts
Overview
Overview
This report provides an analysis of meter sources used for billing meters, giving insights into which sources (Fax, eInfo, Phone, FM Audit, Estimate, etc.) contributed to billed meter readings. It is helpful for tracking and understanding data accuracy over time by examining various sources and categorizing them accordingly.
How It Works: The report pulls data based on current meter reads in your system, grouping readings by meter source. If a reading’s source changes, or if edits are made to readings, the results will update in the report accordingly. It shows the top 7 meter categories each month and groups other categories as “Others” if they do not rank in the top 7.
Run Schedule: Once a month on the last day.
Type of Output: Email and Crystal Reports
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Sample
Sample
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Variables
Variables
Variable W: Default value is 6 Months
Months Back to Look:
Defines the number of months back for analysis.
Variable X: Default value is MAIN
Branch Number(s):
Enter Branch Number(s) to trigger on, separate by comma, or leave blank for ALL
Variable Y: Default sources are FMAudit, PrintFleet.
Auto Meter Sources:
Specifies meter sources in e-automate that correspond to meters automatically pushed into the system.
Variable Z: Default sources are Web, Web-Suspect.
Web Meter Sources:
Specifies meter sources in e-automate corresponding to readings entered by customers via web portal or similar method.
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Alert Functionality
Alert Functionality
This report analyzes meter sources (e.g., Fax, eInfo, Phone, FM Audit, Estimate) used for billed meters over the last number of months defined by Variable W. It examines all meter readings and specifically segregates readings used for billing. For a meter to be categorized as “Estimated,” the “Estimated” box must be checked.
Purpose: This report provides insight into the sources contributing to billed meter readings, helping track and assess data accuracy over time.
How It Works:
- The report pulls current data from your system based on the latest meter reads, grouping readings by their source (e.g., Fax, eInfo, Phone).
- Only readings where the “Estimated” box is checked will be classified as “Estimated.”
- The report categorizes the top 7 meter sources each month, with any additional sources grouped under “Others.” This categorization is dynamic and may vary month-to-month depending on meter read volumes.
Understanding Discrepancies in Estimated Meters:
If you observe discrepancies in estimated meter readings (see screenshot below), it may stem from differences in how the report interprets estimated data:
- One part of the report looks for a source explicitly labeled as "Estimated."
- Another part relies strictly on whether the “Estimated” checkbox is marked in the meter reads.
Month-to-Month Variability:
- Due to ongoing updates and edits in your database, it’s normal to see slight changes in data from one month to the next, even for the same reporting period.
- This variability can affect category rankings and the “Others” group, as adjustments in the data may cause certain sources to appear in the top 7 one month and be grouped in “Others” the next.
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Best Practices & Tips
Best Practices & Tips
Understanding Month-to-Month Changes:
It’s common to notice differences in month-to-month numbers for the same period when comparing reports over time. The report captures data based on what’s in the system at the time it’s run, so any updates—such as backdated meter entries, changes in meter values, or edits to meter sources—will impact the results. Keep this in mind to avoid confusion when comparing reports, as the data is dynamic and reflects the most recent entries.
Top Categories and “Others” Grouping:
The report shows the top 7 meter categories monthly, with remaining categories grouped as “Others.” Adjustments may cause a category to move in or out of the top 7, changing its visibility in the report. Use the drill-down feature (see #4) to review the "Others" group.
Prompt Data Entry Practices:
Encourage timely data entry to minimize month-to-month fluctuations. Delayed or adjusted entries can cause variations in the same month’s report across different run dates.
Drilling Down on Categories for Deeper Analysis:
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Using the Drill-Down Feature:
Use the Crystal report’s drill-down functionality to explore detailed data within each category. This is particularly helpful for analyzing the "Others" group, as it allows you to view specific meter sources contributing to each category. Access this feature by navigating to Report Console > Custom Reports and selecting the ID151 Meter Source Analysis report. -
How to Drill Down:
- Select the desired meter source from the left panel to view more information.
- Alternatively, you can double-click directly on a meter source within the report to expand and reveal further details.
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Results Available in Drill-Down View:
- The drilled-down results include detailed information such as Equipment, Equipment #, Customer Name, Address, and City. This provides a comprehensive view of the data within each meter category, especially useful for assessing the "Others" group.
- The drilled-down results include detailed information such as Equipment, Equipment #, Customer Name, Address, and City. This provides a comprehensive view of the data within each meter category, especially useful for assessing the "Others" group.
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Troubleshooting:
- If the custom Crystal report is not visible, refer to the Where is my custom report guide and ensure the Custom Reports Folder is correctly configured.
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Related Alerts
Related Alerts
None at this time.
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