Overview & Installation Steps

Next Century Submetering System

Congratulations on your new Submetering System! 

Your new Next Century System is a top-tier product that will provide you with cloud-based access to your metering data via the Next Century App (web or mobile).

This package is designed to be plug-and-play. Everything has been preconfigured according to the specifications provided with your order. All that’s left is to install it! 

What’s In the Box

• Meter(s)

• Connection Sets (if applicable)

• Transceiver(s) (connected to Meters)

• Gateway with Power Supply, Ethernet cable, Cellular Antenna

For more information about what's in the box, visit this article.

How Your System Works

Meters will be installed on the supply to each unit. Every meter has a Transceiver connected to it by a small wire. As the Meter counts it sends a signal through the wire to the Transceiver.

The Gateway will be connected to power and internet. The Transceiver wirelessly transmits the data to the Gateway. The Gateway stores the data, and pushes it to the Cloud via an ethernet connection. Historical data becomes available via the Web Portal or Phone App.

Repeaters (if needed) may be used to boost the localized wireless signal for the Transceivers and Gateway, but are typically only used for large properties or high-rise building.

Meters

Specific meter installation instructions have been provided with your order. 

IMPORTANT: Meters MUST be installed in the units they are labeled with in order for the data to be accurate. The Transceiver connected to each Meter is labeled with a specific unit number. 

Gateway

The Gateway is preconfigured in order to be plug-and-play. It simple needs to be (1) connected to Power using the provided Power Supply, and (2) connected to the Internet via one of the options below.

The Gateway can be mounted to the wall using the stick-back plate and drywall screws provided.

Internet Connection

There are three options for connecting your Gateway to the Internet

1. Ethernet (recommended)

A hardwired ethernet connection is recommended. Connect the Gateway to your Modem or Router with an ethernet cable. 

2. Wifi (not recommended)

A Gateway can be connected via Wi-fi, however, it is not recommended as Wifi can be unstable, and the connection can be lost when passwords change. 

If you would like to set up Wi-Fi anyway, please follow the instructions in this article. 

3. Cellular (subscription required)

Your Gateway can be connected via Cellular if no ethernet or wifi is available on-site. The Gateway has a built-in cellular sim that can be turned on at any time. 

If requested upon placement of your order, Cellular will already be turned on when you plug the Gateway in. 

If you would like to request Cellular Service for your property, please submit a ticket at: www.submetersolutions.com/ticket

How do I know my system is online?

There are two ways to know if your Gateway is online:

1. Lights. The left-most light will turn Blue. 

1. Note: This may take up to 10 minutes when first connected

2. Web Portal. The Gateway icon next to your Property Name will turn Blue

Accessing Your Data

Cloud-based Data is accessible via the Next Century Web App or Mobile App.

The email associated with your order was added as a User at the time of system configuration. 

An email from Next Century to “set up your account” should have been received. Follow the prompts to establish a login for your account. Once established, log in to the Web or Mobile App and your property will automatically be associated with your account. 

If you did not receive this email or would like to request access to an account, please submit a ticket at: www.submetersolutions.com/ticket

Web App

The web application is accessible at https://app.nextcenturymeters.com/login

Mobile App

Billing Services

We offer a full suite of Monthly Billing Services. Our standard Billing Services contract has a one-year term. Billing Service fees are noted below. These fees typically are included with the tenant’s bill and therefore are paid by the tenant.  Services include (depending on service level):

• Full service utility billing provider for both submetered + RUBS properties (water, sewer, trash, etc.)

• Suite of reports for managers detailing utility consumption and tariff details

• Integration with management software - AppFolio, Yardi, Rent Manager, etc.

• Monthly comprehensive submetering system health report

• Online access to web based billing software for managers and residents

• Billing accounts assigned to a specific Utility Billing Specialist

• Assistance to insure billing program is in compliance with local regulations

• Utility bills sent via mail or email each month

• Property can set up for in-house collections or collections provided by us

• Residents may pay via check, ACH or credit card

For more information please visit www.submetersolutions.com/billing-reporting

Need Support? 

If you have any questions or need assistance with installation or troubleshooting, please submit a ticket at: www.submetersolutions.com/ticket