Leverkusen, June 15, 2022 | In Germany, municipal utilities are responsible for recording the meter readings of the consumption meters in their supply area. A meter reading is carried out annually and has so far usually been done by an employee of the municipal utility or by mail. Due to the Corona pandemic, some things have changed in the communication between energy suppliers and citizens. With the service of dicomsys GmbH, a subsidiary of the dimater group, the meter reading can be transmitted via SMS in a customer-friendly way.
Many network operators remind their customers by post before the end of the contract year to report the meter reading. In many cases, this can also be reported online, e.g. via a contact form, a customer portal or by e-mail. WhatsApp has also become a popular means of communication. 70% of consumers now transmit meter readings digitally.
Access to the meter reading portal via SMS
Energy suppliers can use the messaging service of dicomsys GmbH to send reminders via SMS to their customers about the annual meter reading. This is done via a simple integration of the REST API into the existing CRM systems of the energy suppliers. Due to the direct connection of dicomsys GmbH to all German mobile phone providers, the sending is accurate to the second. The messaging solution is DSGVO-compliant and the customers' personal data is protected.
The SMS procedure is analogous to the established e-mail-based meter reading request: Consumers can access the https-secured and mobile-optimized meter reading portal via the link in the SMS, where the meter readings can be entered into a mask. In addition, it is possible to verify one's own data via a "proof photo" using image transmission. The aim of the procedure is to automate processes and reduce costs. Another advantage is that personnel-based meter reading can be minimized and digital processes established.
Customer self-reading still important
Smart metering does not replace customer self-reading. By digitizing the processes, it will remain an important tool for consumption metering in the residential sector in the long term. With the integration of Internet of Things (IoT) technologies for radio-based remote reading of electricity, gas, water and district heating meters, dicomsys is also ensuring that traditional and smart metering can grow together in the future.
Press contact
Denise Ingenlath
Head of Marketing & Communication
M: +49 151 220 35 996
d.ingenlath@di-mater.com
Background
dicomsys GmbH stands for forward-looking customer-oriented communication solutions. Using a uniform REST API, companies can communicate with their customers - and vice versa - conveniently, quickly and securely on all important channels, whether via one of the popular messenger services, e-mail or SMS. The cloud-based multi-channel platform of dicomsys GmbH, newly developed under the dimater group, is specifically designed to support companies with innovative individual solutions to address their relevant target groups.
Through long-standing connections with all German mobile network operators and other global partnerships, dicomsys always guarantees worldwide reach at the best possible quality. Since all systems and employees are based in Germany, compliance with all data protection regulations is guaranteed at all times.