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mayankchourasia
Explorer
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In the utility market, the “Meter to Cash” process is an end-to-end procedure that involves providing utilities to customers and receiving payment. The main goal is to generate (produce) and supply utilities to end users (customers) while ensuring a steady revenue stream.

There are several processes to be done for Meter to Cash”.

  • Meter Reading: Collect meter data by recording readings from the meters.
  • Billing: Calculate charges using the meter readings and generate billing documents. Note: Charges are determined by the utility company.
  • Invoicing: Generate and send invoices to customers based on the billing information, including printing the invoices and dispatching emails and messages.
  • Payment Collection and Reconciliation: Upon receiving customer payments, promptly process and record the transactions. Confirm that payments correspond with the invoices and accurately update financial records to reflect the customer’s balance.
  • Customer Service: Resolve any inquiries or concerns regarding billing and payments.
    This process enables a utility company to efficiently manage revenue by converting meter readings into financial transactions, thereby ensuring accurate billing and effective payment processing.

Prerequisites

Before starting, you should be familiar with these SAP ISU terms:

  • Contract Account: The customer's account for utility services.
  • Installation: The location where the utility service is provided.
  • Premise: The exact spot where the meter is installed.
  • Contract: The agreement for utility services between the provider and the customer.
  • MRU (Meter Read Unit): The unit of measurement for meter readings.
  • MRO (Meter Read Order): The request used to record meter readings.

Step 1: Creating a Meter Read Order (MRO)

The Meter Read Order is vital for efficient utility billing and operations. It organizes which meters to read and their specific details, streamlining the reading process and ensuring that field staff can work efficiently. This order helps guarantee accurate and timely meter readings, which are essential for generating correct bills and preventing errors that could lead to customer disputes. Additionally, it supports effective data management by tracking which meters have been read, ensuring no meter is missed. Overall, the Meter Read Order plays a key role in maintaining operational efficiency, accuracy, and customer satisfaction in utility services.

  • SAP Transaction Code `EL01`
  • On the selection screen, enter either the MR unit, Contract or Installation Number, or Device associated with the meter reading. 
    And Meter reason.
  • Choose the Type of MRO from the available options - Periodic Meter Reads for regular intervals, Interim Meter Reads for reads between regular intervals, or Final Meter Reads to close the meter reading period.
  •  After filling in the necessary details, execute the transaction to schedule the meter reading. 

Step 2: Validate the Meter Read Order

  • SAP Transaction code `EL31`. 
  • Enter the same Installation Number or Contract Number used previously and execute the transaction. 
  • We can validate the Billing Order, Meter Reading Order, or Meter Reading Result.

Step 3: Meter Read 

Accurate meter readings are crucial for ensuring that utility bills are calculated correctly. This initial step involves capturing the exact amount of utility consumed by a customer, whether it’s electricity, water, or gas. To determine the correct charge for each billing cycle, utility companies need precise readings from the meters installed at customer locations. These readings provide the fundamental data required to compute consumption-based charges. Without accurate readings, there’s a risk of overestimating or underestimating the amount of utility used, leading to incorrect billing and potential disputes. Therefore, the process of meter reading is essential not only for maintaining financial accuracy but also for upholding customer trust and satisfaction. It ensures that customers are billed fairly based on their actual usage, and it helps the utility provider maintain efficient operations and compliance with regulatory standards. Overall, accurate meter readings form the backbone of the billing process, making them a key component in the meter-to-cash cycle.

  • SAP Transaction Code 'EL28`. 
  • Enter the same Installation Number or Contract Number used previously and execute the transaction.
    Put the Meter reads (consumption of the meter) and if actual readings are unavailable, click on Estimate to allow SAP to generate estimated readings.
  • Then Click on Save.
  •  After recording the readings, revalidate the MRO using SAP Transaction code `EL31` to ensure its status turns green, indicating successful validation. 

Step 4: Generate Billing Document and Invoice

Generating a billing document and invoice is a vital step in utility billing. It involves integrating validated meter readings into the billing system, calculating the total amount due based on consumption and applicable rates, and creating a detailed billing document. This document is then formatted into an invoice, which is sent to the customer through their preferred delivery method. The process also includes storing copies of the invoice for record-keeping and future reference. Overall, this process ensures accurate billing, clear customer communication, and effective account management.

  • SAP Transaction code`EASIBI` Individual Billing/Invoicing.
  • On the selection screen, enter the Billing Dates, Document date, Posting date, Contract or Installation Number, or Contract Account Number. Also, give the Meter Reading Reason.
  • Execute the transaction by selecting Bill and then click on Create Invoice to generate the bill and invoice. 

SAP Transaction Code `EA19' ( If you are not using EASIBI for Bill Option a separate transaction can be used) Bill the account - provide contract and execute

Also, SAP has provided some mass transactions which helps the meter to cash process for utility companies.

SAP Mass Transaction codes 

  • EL09: Mass create meter reading orders.
  • EL18: Estimate MR results.
  • EA38 - Mass Activity Billing.
  • EA26: Mass Processing Create Bill
  • EA29: Printing of invoice

Validation
Verify the billing and invoice documents through transaction code `ES32` Billing Periods Tab → Document to ensure all details are accurate and complete.

Note: This blog does not include any scenarios or other special cases, for such situations, additional steps and transactions might be required. Also, cash flow transactions are not mentioned in this blog.

The above steps are essential to ensure accurate billing and invoicing. First, meter readings are taken to capture the actual utility consumption. Next, the data is validated for accuracy and consistency. Then, this validated data is used to calculate charges and create a billing document. Finally, the billing document is converted into an invoice and sent to the customer. These steps work together to ensure precise billing and efficient invoicing.

In my experience working with a utility company, I’ve seen firsthand how essential steps ensure accurate billing and invoicing. We start by taking meter readings to capture actual utility consumption. Next, we validate this data for accuracy and consistency. Once verified, we use the validated data to calculate charges and create billing documents. Finally, these documents are converted into invoices and sent to customers. This systematic approach is vital for achieving precise billing and efficient invoicing.

The meter-to-cash process offers several key benefits for utility companies. Accurate meter readings help maintain customer satisfaction and reduce billing disputes. Automation accelerates both billing and payment processes, improving overall efficiency and cash flow. I’ve also observed how checks built into the system help prevent fraud by verifying data and identifying irregularities. Timely invoicing and effective payment collection greatly enhance customer service. Overall, the meter-to-cash process is crucial for ensuring accurate billing, smooth operations, and financial stability.

In our daily operations, we handle mass transactions primarily through SAP and other specialized tools. To maintain accuracy in meter readings, we utilize both standard SAP validations and custom validations, which significantly minimize errors and boost billing reliability. Additionally, integrating the Business Process Execution Management (BPEM) process has streamlined our operations.

From my perspective, BPMS greatly enhances the Meter-to-cash process by automating and optimizing workflows. This automation reduces manual errors in key tasks like meter readings, billing, and collections, leading to improved efficiency. BPMS also provides real-time insights, allowing us to monitor operations effectively and quickly address any issues that arise. By streamlining these processes, we can ensure more accurate billing and deliver better customer service.

Thanks for reading.

Thank you, stay safe, stay healthy.

Stay tuned till the next blog.

 

2 Comments
SenthilMurugan23
Newcomer
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Quite an Insight! Thank you for the information. #ISU #Utilities
RBak
Newcomer
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Good story. I have a question: could you elaborate on the connection between a SD order or SD contract and meter to cash? Is there a relationship e.g. are metered orders created with a relationship to the SD contract or are these only financial. many thanks

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