Reading 

 

Definition

Process that records the status of a counter at a specific point in time.

 

Use

You record readings for the object items of a single contract. A reading records general data, such as the current counter status and the unit of measure. The reading also contains application-specific data, such as the reading origin and an option for entering credits.

You configure the Customizing for readings with the activities in the Implementation Guide (IMG) under Usage-Based Billing ® Counters and Readings.

The system assigns a recorded reading directly to a volume overview, which makes it possible to bill for the usage volume. Once an error-free reading has been recorded, you can no longer change it. You can deactivate it with a cancellation, however.

The transaction type describes the reading type – that is, the business purpose of the reading. The following transaction types are available:

·        Installation

Once the service department has installed the device at the customer’s site, the installation reading is the first reading you record.

·        Dismantling

A device is disassembled before it is removed from the customer’s site. After a dismantling reading, no further readings are possible for the corresponding item.

·        Usage reading

Usage readings are usually performed at regular intervals, for example, by the customer.

·        Change reading

You can only enter a change reading for a new document or a new document item. You create the new document item with a change process, such as a contract extension.

If you change products, please note that you cannot enter a change reading in this case. Instead, enter a dismantling reading for the predecessor item and an installation reading for the newly created item.

 

Structure

A data record for a reading consists of the following data groups:

·        Data for the counter

¡        Unit for the counter

¡        Usage function

Press Counter Details to display additional data on the counter, such as the counter number.

·        Data for the counter reading

¡        Reading date

¡        Current counter reading

¡        Difference compared to previous counter reading

·        Additional Information

¡        Reading origin

¡        Reading number (default setting: not displayed)

¡        Transaction type (reading type)

¡        Credits

The system saves credits as shortfall quantities. Use the usage function category to categorize the type of credit involved.

·        Indicators for

¡        Canceling the reading

¡        Erroneous recording of reading

¡        Allocating the reading to a volume document

¡        Using the reading in estimation procedures (default setting: not displayed)

To apply an estimation procedure, you have to implement it first in the Business Add-In (BAdI) Process Estimation Procedures. For more information, refer to the Implementation Guide (IMG) under Usage-Based Billing ® Record Usage ® Business Add-Ins (BAdIs) ® Process Estimation Procedures.

¡        Using the reading in the credit overview

Credits for the contract appear in the credit overview.

¡        Determining whether or not the reading can be changed (default setting: not displayed)