> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://documentation.kodelabs.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Create and manage manual meters
> 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](/products/kode-os/sites-and-map), 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](/products/kode-os/devices/devices) list.
## Supported meter types
You can create these manual meter types:
* Electric Meter
* Energy Meter
* Water Meter
* Steam Meter
* Gas Meter
## Navigate to Manual Meters
Click **Sites** in the left navigation bar and select the building you want to manage.
Click **Devices** in the building sidebar, then select **Batch Update**. Select **Manual Meters** in the batch update menu.
Use **Search for meters** to find a meter by name. Click **Filters** in the header to narrow the list by connector, meter type, area, or other fields.
## Create manual meters
Manual meters are created in a table-based dialog so you can add one or many meters in a single save.
On the **Manual Meters** page, click **+ Add Meter**.
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.
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 |
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.
### Add optional metadata columns
Click **+ Add Metadata** to show extra columns in the table before you save.
In **Add Metadata**, select the fields you want as columns. Examples include **Location**, **Area**, **Serial Number**, **Identifier**, **Description**, **Vendor**, **Manufacturer**, and **Model**.
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.
## Add readings in batch
Batch entry adds one reading per selected meter in a single save.
On the **Manual Meters** page, select the checkboxes for the meters you want to update.
Click **Add Reading** in the bottom-right corner.
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).
Use **Attachments** (**+ Add**) or the **Notes** column when you need supporting files or context.
Click **Add Readings**.
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.
## Reading rules and validation
These rules apply when you add readings on the web or mobile.
### Date and order
* Each reading's date and time must be **later than** the last saved reading for that meter.
* You can add historical readings up to **six months** before the meter was created.
* When backfilling history, enter readings in chronological order. Start with the earliest month and work forward.
### Values and corrections
* 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.
### Attachments and notes
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.
## Manage a meter from Devices
After creation, each manual meter appears as a device on the main **Devices** list.
Click **Devices** in the building sidebar (not only **Manual Meters**).
Use the search bar or filters to find the manual meter by name. Open the device by clicking its name in the list.
On the device page, select the **Device Details** tab (alongside **Trends** and other tabs).
### Reading logs
The **Reading Logs** section at the top of **Device Details** lists historical entries.
Click **+ Add Reading Log**. Enter **Value** and **Date & time**. Optionally add attachments or notes, then save.
Expand a row to see **Native Reading**, **Conversion Factor**, **User**, **Notes**, and attachment previews.
To correct a mistake, use the delete action on the **most recent** reading only. See [Reading rules and validation](#reading-rules-and-validation) for date, order, and deletion limits.
### Edit or delete the meter
Scroll past **Reading Logs** to the **Device Details** section at the bottom of the tab.
* Click **Edit Device** to change name, location, connector, meter type, conversion factor, serial number, and other metadata.
* Click the **delete** button to remove the meter from the site. Confirm when prompted.
In **Meter Metadata**, **Source Form** shows **Manual** for meters created through this workflow.
## Related topics
Browse, filter, and manage all building devices including manual meters.
Chart manual meter point history alongside other building data.
Create meters and log readings from the Cloud BMS mobile app.