The Submeter Billing app has taken a turn for the better.
Genea has released an improved version of its Submeter Billing app. The update signifies the most robust change since the app’s release five years ago.
“It looked old and tired,” said Product Manager, Matija Abicic about the previous version. “What we decided was that we’d completely rebuild the app with a new look and feel and new functionalities.”
Over the years, customers would approach Genea saying they liked the app but would mention what Abicic called “pesky” issues that detracted from the overall experience. Genea’s development team closely considered this customer feedback throughout the revamping process.
Features and Enhancements
The Android version of Submeter Billing app hit the Google Play Store in early March. The iOS version is available in the Apple Store as of the first week of April. The decision to completely rebuild the app will allow for even more improvements in the future. Below are the key changes.
User-Friendly Dashboard and Easy Access to Photos
A major addition to the Submeter Billing app is its mini dashboard that allows property teams to view their overall work status. The dashboard functions as a checklist by displaying the already-read and remaining meters, as well as meter data queued for uploading. If a photo of the meter fails to upload, users can quickly view and attend to the matter using the dashboard.
Meter Reading Ranges
One of the most valuable features of Submeter Billing is the warning that gets triggered when a meter reading occurs outside an “expected range.” The expected range is projected by historical meter trends and adjusted seasonally. Before this release, meter readers could not view an expected range. Consequently, no reference point existed. If an outlier occurred during a meter read, personnel could not determine how far the value lay outside a range. With the newest release, meter readers have full visibility of the expected ranges. Additionally, the Genea account manager will receive an alert if an outlier occurs.
Optional Two-step Scanning Process
Genea directs users to place their QR codes on the face of the meter, then take a photo of the code and meter value together. However, this practice becomes difficult for meters located in hard-to-access areas, like basements or ceilings.
“Sometimes there’s no room on the meter to put that sticker,” Abicic said. “There also might not be enough space around the meter to perfectly align the meter-read image with the QR tag.”
The new version of Submeter Billing introduces a two-step scanning process—giving users more flexibility. After the meter reader scans the QR code, the software locates the meter. The meter reader then snaps a photo of the metered value. These new features mean clearer meter records, concrete information to settle tenant-billing disputes, and quicker accessibility for photo audits.
White Glove Approach Included
Genea prides itself on its collaborative approach with customers. Submeter Billing features a Live Help option built into the app. Now engineers and property managers can gain instant assistance with a single click.
“Our goal at Genea is to constantly improve the user experience. The Submeter Billing update does that,” said Genea CEO, Michael Wong. “The innovative solutions our team is bringing to market are making our customers’ lives easier—that’s inspiring to us.”
Schedule a demo to learn more about how Genea can help streamline your submeter reading and billing process, reducing manual work, and improving billing inefficiencies.
