Gorodenkoff - stock.adobe.comMinol provides the interim consumption information either in its own applications – or transfers it directly to existing tenant portals and billing solutions of the customers.
Interim consumption information (uVI) has become standard practice for many property managers and companies. Those who bill for heating and hot water costs must regularly inform their tenants about their current consumption – provided the property is equipped with remotely readable metering technology. And this will soon become standard: by the end of 2026 at the latest, all existing buildings must be retrofitted accordingly.
To ensure that the data can be easily provided and processed, Minol offers two practical solutions:
[Variant A:] The Minol direct customer portal provides landlords and property managers with quick and intuitive access to consumption data via eMonitoring. They can also grant each resident access rights, thus enabling secure access to individual consumption information – either via a web browser or using the Minol app, which offers extended functions.
[Variant B:] For landlords and property managers with their own tenant app or platform solution, data exchange can be automated via a cloud-to-cloud interface. Here, the measurement data is transferred directly from the Minol cloud to the in-house management software, entirely without manual intervention. This ensures that the data is quickly, securely, and seamlessly integrated into existing systems such as tenant portals or billing programs.
Communication Consultants GmbHHow does consumption data get into the system?
[Step 1:] Remotely readable measuring devices transmit consumption data from water meters, heat meters, and heat cost allocators wirelessly via LoRaWAN® (Long Range Wide Area Network) to a central gateway in the building. This gateway automatically and in compliance with GDPR sends the data directly to the Minol Cloud, where the information is made available for further use. Each measuring device has an identification number that allows the readings to be assigned to the correct properties.
[Step 2, Variant A:] Within the Minol network, the received consumption data is clearly presented and can be accessed by residents via a web browser through the customer portal in eMonitoring or using the Minol app. Thanks to clear charts and graphs, tenants gain a quick overview of their consumption patterns and other helpful information.
[Step 2, Variant B:] If landlords and property managers prefer their own systems for displaying consumption data, data transfer takes place via a cloud-to-cloud interface. The connection is based on the bved standard web service developed by the German Association for Energy and Water Data Management (bved), which meets particularly high security requirements. The consumption data is provided in a structured JSON format and can be easily integrated into individual applications.
New version available
The current version 1.2.1 of the Minol cloud-to-cloud web service offers numerous enhancements that are particularly helpful for quality assurance:
Overview of all properties in the Minol portfolio, including:
- Last available month of the uVI
- Time since data became available
- Notes regarding missing radio equipment
- Information on data retrieval contracts
Detailed information on consumption data:
- Broken down by heating energy, hot and cold water
- Notes on estimated values
The result: better management, fewer inquiries from tenants and a better overview, especially for larger real estate portfolios.
Conclusion: Digital data transmission. Processes with substance.
Buildings are far more than just structures made of concrete and brick. They are veritable data sources. Consumption data for heating and water, as well as other sensor data, provide valuable information for digital building management. With the right technology, this data can be transformed into useful applications for residents and managers.
Cloud-to-cloud solutions provide the ideal foundation: They enable efficient processes, ensure greater transparency, and thus contribute to energy efficiency in the housing industry. Digitalization is not an end in itself. It unfolds its value where it simplifies everyday processes, automatically fulfills legal requirements, and integrates seamlessly into existing system landscapes.
In short: With Minol, providing information on consumption throughout the year is not a chore, but offers real added value in terms of modern, digital building management – and all without significant effort.
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