Register offline utility meters, log readings, and manage meter devices in Cloud BMS for trending and analytics
Manual meters is a building-level module. Select a building from the sites list, then open Devices > Batch Update > Manual Meters.
Manual meters bridge automated smart meters and unconnected utility meters that still rely on spreadsheets or paper logs. You create a structured device for offline utility meters, then log readings on the web or mobile. Cloud BMS applies conversion factors so manual data can power dashboards, historical trending, billing workflows, and API access like connected device data.Each manual meter is stored as a device with an accumulator point for its readings. Logged values appear in Reading Logs as a table and in Trends as time-series data. After you create a meter, open it from the Manual Meters list or search for it on the main Devices list.
Manual meters are created in a table-based dialog so you can add one or many meters in a single save.
1
Open Add Meter
On the Manual Meters page, click + Add Meter.
2
Add rows
In the Add Meters dialog, each row is one meter. Click + Add Row to add more rows. Use the row actions to duplicate or delete a row.
3
Enter required fields
Fill in these columns for each row:
Column
Description
Meter Name
Display name for the meter device
Connector
Data connector assigned to the meter device (for example, N4 or jace)
Meter Type
Canonical type (for example, energyMeter or electricMeter)
Unit of Measurement
Storage unit for readings (for example, kWh or BTU)
Conversion Factor
Multiplier applied to native readings (defaults to 1.0). Stored value = native value × conversion factor
4
Save meters
Click Add Meters to create the devices.
The Connector field assigns the meter to a data source in your site. It does not change how readings are captured or stored.
Use Conversion Factor when the physical meter displays a different unit than you want to store. For example, enter a factor that converts watt-hours (Wh) on the dial to kilowatt-hours (kWh) in storage.
The Add Meters dialog supports multiple rows with required meter fields and optional metadata columns
Click + Add Metadata to show extra columns in the table before you save.
Add Metadata lists general and detail fields you can expose as columns in the Add Meters table
1
Select metadata fields
In Add Metadata, select the fields you want as columns. Examples include Location, Area, Serial Number, Identifier, Description, Vendor, Manufacturer, and Model.
2
Enter values and save
Fill in the new columns for each row, then click Add Meters.
Area captures the meter’s space placement when your site uses areas. Location is an additional contextual field depending on how your organization labels floors or zones.
Batch entry adds one reading per selected meter in a single save.
1
Select meters
On the Manual Meters page, select the checkboxes for the meters you want to update.
2
Open Add Reading
Click Add Reading in the bottom-right corner.
3
Enter reading data
In the Add Readings dialog, set Date & Time and Value for each selected meter. Review Value Preview to confirm the stored value (native value × conversion factor).
4
Add attachments or notes (optional)
Use Attachments (+ Add) or the Notes column when you need supporting files or context.
5
Save readings
Click Add Readings.
Select multiple meters on the Manual Meters list, then use Add Reading for batch entry
The Add Readings dialog collects date, value, preview, attachments, and notes per meter
If the entered value is lower than the previous reading for that meter, the Value Preview cell shows a warning (for example, Value is less than the previous one: 320 kWh, please verify.). Confirm the reading on the physical meter before you save.
A warning icon appears when a new value is less than the prior reading for the same meter
Enter the native value shown on the physical meter. Value Preview shows the stored result (native value × conversion factor).
Accumulator readings should increase over time. If a new value is lower than the previous reading, verify the meter before you save. You can still proceed after confirmation.
You can delete only the most recent reading to correct a mistake. Older readings cannot be removed.
There is no limit on how many readings you can add per month.
Add photos, files, or notes with a reading to support verification and audit workflows. On mobile, you can capture a photo as an attachment in the field.