Meter Channels determine what a meter measures and how those measurements are interpreted. This section is located on the meter detail page under the Registers tab.
Registers are essential because a single meter can measure multiple types of consumption, each with its own characteristics such as measurement frequency, direction (import/export), and tariff structure. Correctly configured registers are crucial for accurate consumption recording, historical tracking, and accurate billing.
Layout
Each row in the table represents one register and contains the following fields:
Description
Name of the register
Data frequency
How often measurement data is expected:
Hourly
Daily
After
Metering type
Measurement type, for example:
No
Energy
Volume
Flow rate
Supply temperature
Return temperature
Difference in temperature
Service
No
Heat
Cooling
Hot tap water
Grey water
Waste water
Water
Electricity
Gas
Rainwater
Services
Direction
Decrease
Injection
Not applicable
Reading type
Way in which values increase (usually Cumulative)
Unit
Unit of measurement
Reference
Optional external reference
Period
Active period of the register (Start date – End date)
Filter tabs
Above the table there are two tabs available:
Active
Shows only registers that are active today
All
Shows all registers, including historical ones
Add/Edit/Delete Registers
Registers are changed through the Reconfigure action on the meter detail page. You choose between two modes: manual or from a model. In both cases the reconfiguration date is required and determines from when the change applies.
Important: some reconfigurations delete existing measurement data. Zero Friction identifies a register by its service, unit of measure, direction, metering type, incrementation type, time of use and external reference. If you change any of these fields, the old register is retired and all of its measurements are deleted, including those from before the reconfiguration date. Consumption is recalculated afterwards.
Export the meter's measurements first and upload them again after the reconfiguration. Changes that do not affect register identification, such as the description or the reset date, keep the measurements. A change of data frequency can also clean up historical measurements.
Manual
Use this mode to add or adjust individual registers, for example to correct a wrong unit.
Open the Meter details page
Click on Reconfigure
Click on +Add
Enter the registration details
Set the Mutation Date
Click Save
Changes always create a new period. Historical data remains linked to the previous period.
Registers are terminated, not deleted, to preserve history.
From model
Use this mode when a meter model already holds the right registers. Zero Friction then takes over that model's register templates, just like when creating a meter.
Open the Meter details page
Click on Reconfigure and choose From model
Select a brand and model, optionally a different one than the current model
Set the reconfiguration date
Click Save
Good to know:
The registers of the selected model, including any reset date, replace the existing registers from the reconfiguration date.
The meter's model is updated: brand and model in the Details card show the new model afterwards.
Reconfiguring from the current model is allowed, for example to apply an updated reset date to this meter.
Models without registers are not offered in the list.
The external reference is not held on the model and therefore stays empty. Fill it in again after the reconfiguration if you use it.
If the new model has a different measurement frequency than the current model (hourly or daily), Zero Friction asks for an extra confirmation. Changing the measurement frequency can clean up historical measurements.
To apply the same model to several meters, use the bulk Reconfigure action in the Meter Overview.
Effect on billing
Billing uses consumption data per register
Rates are matched on:
Service (utility type)
Time of Use
Direction (Collection/Injection)
An incorrect registry configuration can lead to:
Missing consumption
Incorrect invoice amounts
Incomplete invoicing
Problem | Solution |
Inactive registers | Remain visible in the All tab, but do not receive new data |
Register without measurements | Check installation, activation period and data import |
Unit does not match | Ensure that register, measurement data and rates use the same unit |
No registers found | Add or check registers |
Duplicate registry error | Check existing registries with the same configuration |
Register not receiving data | Check active period and identifier |
Billing failed | Check registry configuration and tariff linking |
Register not editable | Check permissions or whether it is a built-in registry |
Historical data is missing | Expected behavior after changing data frequency |
Can I delete a registry?
No, registries are terminated to preserve historical data.
What happens when I change the unit?
A new period is created; rates must match.
Can I have multiple registers with the same name?
Yes, as long as other properties differ.
Why don't I see some registers?
Hidden and built-in registers are not shown by default.
What is the Mutation Date?
The date on which registry changes take effect.
How do I know if a registry is active?
If today falls within the period or via the Active tab.
Can I change from Hourly to Daily?
Yes, but this may clean up historical measurements.
What is the External Identifier?
A system-generated key that associates measurements with registers.
Register (Channel) – Configuration that determines what and how a meter measures
External Identifier – System-generated key that links measurements
Data Frequency – How often measurement data is expected
Time of Use – Time segment for rate differentiation
Mutation Date – Date when configuration changes take effect
Built-in Register – System registry, not editable
Hidden Register – Register hidden in default view
Active Register – Register with a valid period
Inactive Register – Register whose period has ended
Unit – Unit of measurement (kWh, m³)
Incrementation Type – How measurements are incremented
Direction – Import or Export of consumption