AI reads the number on a meter photo
In the Staff app, photograph a meter and the AI fills in the number for the reader to confirm. Readings tenants send with a photo are checked by the AI just after they arrive, and a photo that shows another number is flagged.
PLANSFrom Growth
The problem it solves
- Readers type the wrong digit, and the tenant's bill is wrong for a month.
- Tenants send readings with a photo, and someone compares each one by eye.
- A photo of the neighbour's meter goes unnoticed until there is a dispute.
How it works
- On a Growth or Scale database the AI action is installed with the plan. To use it, switch the feature on in Lease > Configuration > Settings (it starts off). Your administrator switches AI on for each person in Administration > AI > AI Users.
- In the SmartMy Lease Staff app, open Operations > Maintenance > Utilities > Meters and tap a meter to read it.
- Take the photo first. The AI reads the number and fills it in; any note, such as an unclear display, shows on screen.
- The reader confirms or corrects the number and saves the reading with its photo.
- When a tenant sends a reading with a photo from their web page or app, the AI checks it in the background.
- On the web, select readings with photos and press Check Photos with AI to check them on demand. A reading whose photo shows another number is marked AI Reads Another Number.
Everything it does
Reading from a photo
- The AI is given the meter number, kind and last reading with its date
- It gives the number on the display, how sure it is, and a note
- Red or smaller last drums are read as decimals
- If the photo shows another meter number, the note says so
- Photo up to 8 MB
Checking readings
- Read by AI, Checked by AI, AI Reads Another Number and an AI note on each reading
- A mismatch is a difference of more than 0.1 % of the reading or 0.5, whichever is larger
- Tenant readings are checked after they are saved, so the tenant never waits; a failed check leaves the reading as it was
What stays the same
- The reader always confirms the number; the AI never saves a reading by itself
- Unusual use, confirming and billing work as for any reading
Who uses it
Meter reader or caretakerPhotographs meters in the Staff app and confirms the number.
Lease userChecks flagged readings before confirming and billing.
TenantSends a reading with a photo from the web page or the app.
Lease ManagerSwitches Meter reading by AI on for the Entity.
Where you use it
- The SmartMy Lease Staff app: Operations > Maintenance > Utilities > Meters (built and in testing, not in the app stores yet)
- Web: readings list, Check Photos with AI; filter AI Reads Another Number
- Web: Lease > Configuration > Settings, Meter reading by AI
- Tenant web page and the SmartMy Lease app: tenants send readings with a photo; they do not see the AI check
What you control
Settings
- Meter Reading by AI: off to start with, per Entity
- AI per person for staff: off until an administrator switches it on; tenant checks run as the system and need no person switched on
Questions
Is the AI in my plan?
It comes with Growth and Scale, not Starter. On those plans the AI action is installed. It runs once your administrator switches AI on for the people who use it, and the feature's switch is on. Each use takes AI credits from the plan's monthly allowance.Does the AI save readings by itself?
No. In the Staff app it fills in the number and the reader confirms it. Tenant readings are only checked and flagged.What happens when the AI cannot read the meter?
It says so in the note and gives a low confidence. The reader types the number as usual.Do tenant readings use AI credits?
Yes. Each reading sent with a photo is checked once, which takes credits from the plan's allowance, when Meter reading by AI is on.Is the Staff app in the app stores?
Not yet. It is built and in testing.Related features
OPERATIONSMeters, sub-meters and readings with unusual use flaggedKeep every meter and sub-meter of a building, with readings from staff, from tenants and from move-in and move-out checks. Each reading is checked by staff, and a sudden jump in use is flagged to the property manager.OPERATIONSUtility tariffs with slabs, recharged to tenantsSet your tariff once, with a fixed part and slabs or one price per unit. A confirmed reading is priced by it and added as a charge to the tenant's lease, billed with the next rent.OPERATIONSThe SmartMy Lease Staff appProperty managers, leasing agents, inspectors, maintenance, housekeeping and the front desk run the day from a phone. The app opens on Today and its Menu holds the same places as the web's Lease menus.TENANTSThe SmartMy Lease app for tenants, owners, members and guestsOne phone app for everyone you serve. Tenants see their home, bills and repairs; owners their units and statements; co-working members their check-ins and credits; guests their stay and door code.REPORTS AND AIAI spots damage and suggests repair costsAt move-out or an inspection, press Spot Damage with AI. The AI compares each new photo with the same angle from the previous check and adds new damage. Suggest Costs with AI then gives a typical repair cost for each new damage line, ready for deposit deductions.
See your buildings on it.
Tell us how many properties and units you have, whether you let your own or manage for owners, and how rent is paid today. We will set up your portfolio with you on SmartMy Lease.