Utility Meter Reading and Billing Software

Software Specification Document Project Overview Project Name: Headend Meter Communication and Billing System Version: 1.0 Release Date: 6/10/23 Table of Contents Introduction Project Objectives System Architecture Functional Requirements Non-Functional Requirements User Interfaces Data Storage and Management Security Billing and Tariff Engine Reporting API Integration Mobile Application Future Enhancements Technology Stack Testing Strategy Project Timeline Conclusion 1. Introduction The Headend Meter Communication and Billing System is a web-based software application designed to manage and communicate with various types of meters, including EDMI and SATEC meters, using different communication protocols such as command line and Modbus. The system is intended to provide meter reading, billing, and customer management functionalities for multiple buildings. 2. Project Objectives The primary objectives of this project are as follows: Communicate with EDMI and SATEC meters using command line and Modbus protocols. Support the addition of new meters as they become available in the market. Schedule and store meter readings for billing purposes. Provide a web-based user interface with billing capabilities, rate plans, and customer portal. Allow customers to view invoices, pay bills, and access usage graphs. Manage multiple buildings and customize billing templates for each customer. Implement a versatile tariff engine capable of handling various billing scenarios. Support prepayment STS tokens with smart prepayment capabilities. Enable custom report generation through a drag-and-drop interface. Provide dashboards for both the main software portal and user portal. Allow text messaging to customers. Implement secure registration and disconnection forms. Ensure data integrity and accuracy in the billing process. Allow for future feature additions without affecting existing functionality. Develop the system using a secure and established programming language, preferably PHP. 3. System Architecture The system will follow a modular architecture to support scalability and flexibility. It will consist of the following main components: Meter Communication Module: Responsible for interfacing with various meters using different protocols. Billing and Tariff Engine: Manages billing calculations, rate plans, and tariff configurations. Customer Portal: Provides customers with access to invoices, payment options, usage graphs, and reports. Admin Portal: Allows administrators to manage buildings, meters, billing templates, and system configuration. Database: Stores meter data, customer information, billing records, and configuration settings. Security Layer: Ensures data privacy and system integrity through user authentication, encryption, and access controls. Reporting Module: Enables the creation of custom reports and dashboards. 4. Functional Requirements 4.1 Meter Communication Communicate with EDMI and SATEC meters using command line and Modbus protocols. Support the addition of new meter types and communication protocols. 4.2 Billing and Tariff Engine Calculate bills based on time of use, flat rate tariffs, daily supply charges, once-off charges, rebates, and prepayment STS tokens. Allow customization of tariff configurations. 4.3 Customer Portal Provide customers with access to their invoices, usage graphs, and payment options. Enable customers to update their contact information. 4.4 Admin Portal Manage multiple buildings and their associated meters. Customize billing templates, email templates, SMS templates, and look-and-feel for each customer. Define and configure rate plans and tariffs. Access reports and dashboards. 4.5 Reporting Module Create custom reports using a drag-and-drop interface. Display key metrics on dashboards for the main software portal and user portal. 4.6 Security Implement user authentication and authorization. Encrypt sensitive data in transit and at rest. Implement access controls and audit logs. 4.7 Messaging Send text messages to customers for notifications and alerts. 4.8 Onboarding and Disconnection Provide secure registration and disconnection forms for customers. 4.9 API Integration Develop a RESTful API with endpoints for meter data retrieval, billing inquiries, and customer management. Implement authentication mechanisms for API access. Provide API documentation for integration partners. 4.10 Mobile Application Create a user-friendly mobile application for iOS and Android platforms. Allow users to log in, view invoices, make payments, and receive notifications. Display usage graphs and access custom reports. Implement secure user registration and profile management. 5. Non-Functional Requirements Scalability: The system must handle a growing number of meters and customers. Performance: Ensure fast response times for meter readings, billing calculations, and report generation. Reliability: The system should have minimal downtime and ensure data integrity. Usability: The user interfaces should be intuitive and user-friendly. Security: Protect customer data and system functionality from unauthorized access. Compatibility: Support modern web browsers and mobile devices. Maintainability: Codebase should be well-documented and modular for easy maintenance. Flexibility: Allow for the addition of new features and meter types without disrupting existing functionality. API Performance: Ensure that the API can handle a high volume of requests from third-party systems. Mobile App Usability: The mobile application should offer an intuitive and responsive user experience. Mobile App Compatibility: Support a wide range of mobile devices and screen sizes. 6. User Interfaces Main Software Portal: For administrators to manage the system. User Portal: For customers to access their accounts online and on an mobile application. Billing and Rate Plan Configuration: Interfaces for configuring billing parameters. Reporting and Dashboard: Interfaces for creating reports and displaying key metrics. Registration and Disconnection Forms: Secure forms for onboarding and disconnection API Documentation: Create clear and comprehensive documentation for API integration. Mobile App UI: Design user interfaces for the mobile application, ensuring a seamless user experience. . 7. Data Storage and Management Store meter readings, customer information, billing records, and configuration settings in a relational database. Implement data backups and disaster recovery mechanisms. Ensure secure data transmission between the mobile app and the server. Implement token-based authentication for the mobile app. 8. Security Implement strong authentication mechanisms. Encrypt data using industry-standard encryption algorithms. Enforce access controls and audit logs. Protecting sensitive data in transit and at rest for the mobile application. Implementing secure user authentication in the mobile app. Safeguarding API endpoints from unauthorized access. 9. Billing and Tariff Engine Implement billing logic for various billing scenarios. Allow customization of tariff configurations. 10. Reporting Develop a drag-and-drop reporting module. Create dashboards for monitoring key metrics. 11. API Integration Introduce a RESTful API to enable third-party integrations with the system. 12. Mobile Application Create a mobile application for users to access the system's features on iOS and Android platforms. 13. Future Enhancements Plan for future feature additions, such as integration with new meter types, advanced analytics, and energy management capabilities. Plan for future enhancements, including additional features, optimizations, and integration possibilities with smart devices. 14. Technology Stack Programming Language: PHP (Preferred for its security and flexibility) Database: MySQL or PostgreSQL Web Framework: Laravel (or equivalent) Front-end Framework: React or Angular Messaging: Twilio (or equivalent) Security: SSL/TLS, OAuth2, JWT API Development: Use a suitable framework for API development (e.g., [login to view URL], Django Rest Framework). Mobile App Development: Choose a cross-platform framework like React Native or Flutter. 15. Testing Strategy Conduct unit testing, integration testing, and user acceptance testing. Implement automated testing frameworks where applicable. Perform security assessments and penetration testing. Incorporate testing procedures for the API and mobile application in addition to the existing testing strategies for the web-based application. 16. Project Timeline Define a project timeline with milestones, including design, development, testing, and deployment phases. 17. Time frame 3 months 18. Budget Please quote as a full project including bug fixes 19. Conclusion This Software Specification Document outlines the requirements, architecture, and key aspects of the Headend Meter Communication and Billing System. It serves as a foundation for the development process, ensuring that the software meets its objectives and provides a robust, secure, and user-friendly solution for managing meters and billing customers