What is automatic
meter reading?
Automatic meter reading is a customer self-service which allows customers of energy providers to report their meter readings for billing purposes, either partially or fully automatically by phone or WhatsApp. The software takes over the telephone dialogue with the callers, so that the data is not requested in other cumbersome ways and the information no longer has to be manually recorded and saved by customer service staff. Instead of sending a postcard, for example, customers call the energy provider, identify themselves with their name and customer number, and enter their meter readings either by voice or via the telephone keypad. The service can be provided over the phone as well as for chat and WhatsApp.
The advantages
The processing as a self-service is available 24/7, is fast, much cheaper than, for example, distributing and mailing postcards, and saves employees a lot of time. Self-service also makes it possible to automatically compare current and previous meter readings. If there are significant discrepancies, a call is immediately made to the contact centre to clarify possible causes or errors.
