How does Oblik help to control utility expenses?
In order to control utility expenses - measurements and analysis are required. This is the main function of the Oblik system.
Oblik shows utility costs basing on the latest readings of all meters in user's house. So the user is always aware about the cost of consumed services at the moment. Oblik predicts consumption at the end of the month and a user can see how different is the forecast from the planned value.
Having such information in time, the user can make reasonable decision about reducing consumption or try to find the cause of an overconsumption and fix it.
What notifications are being sent to a user?
Oblik sends different notifications which are grouped according to the following topics: consumption, maintenance, system events and updates.
Consumption notifications are sent when Oblik updates the budget, predicts a budget overrun by the current consumption level, and detects non-typical consumption.
Maintenance notifications inform the user about the need to charge the Reader, check the WiFi connection, etc.
System notifications inform about user account events, such as system maintenance periods or service payments.
Updates inform users about new features, firmware and application updates, etc.
How does Oblik make forecasts?
Oblik uses 2 forecasting models: linear and adaptive.
The adaptive model accounts the consumption patterns of a particular user and it is based on the collected data of previous consumption. This model takes into account cyclicality and seasonality of consumption and it's more accurate. But the adaptive model requires a certain amount of collected data and can't be applied without it.
The linear model is applied when the adaptive model is not applicable because of data shortage or when the current consumption mode looks very different from previous periods.
The linear model uses average consumption of the past days of the current month, but at least of 5 days. If these are the first 5 days of the month, then the last days from the previous month are taken, so as to get data for 5 days.
If there is no data for the previous 5 days, Oblik does not make a forecast.
How accurate is the forecast by Oblik?
The forecast by Oblik does not always equal to the actual consumption at the end of the month because consumption can change by natural causes or by intentional user's actions. Nevertheless, the forecast is more accurate and stable close to the end of the month and less accurate and volatile at the beginning.
What is the payback period of the Oblik system?
The Oblik system is not a substitute for utilities but it helps to consume more consciously. Often consumers can use resources without a real need and clear understanding of how much useless expenses this causes.
We believe that if you faced with the problem of unexpected additional payments for utilities, you would compare these amounts with the Oblik costs. For example, you suddenly had to pay 150 € more than you would normally pay on an annual bill. This must mean that you consumed more and you did not know about it. So, if you had Oblik system, it would inform you about it in advance and you could reduce your consumption in time and prevent additional payment. If, for example, you had 3 Oblik Readers, you would get the payback in less than 1 year.
Is it possible to make utilities payments using the Oblik application?
Unfortunately, the current version doesn't have the payment function. But Oblik helps you to check your utility bill or to pay the bill through another system, using actual readings from the Oblik application.
Does Oblik work with all meter types and brands?
Oblik Reader works with every meter that has a mechanical or electronic display and a place to set the Reader.
Please, watch the Oblik Reader Installation video.
What if I already have a smart meter installed and connected to the supplier's systems. Does this restrict me from using the Oblik?
Oblik works independently from other systems. The main and the only requirement for use is compatibility with meters.
What if I don't have Wi-Fi in my house?
Then you can't use the Oblik Reader. We're sorry(
I have 4 meters - do I need 4 Oblik Readers?
Yes, one meter - one Reader.
What if Wi-Fi network or Internet goes down? How Reader will deliver data then?
Reader will retry to send data until it succeeds. The repetition period will get longer with every attempt - from 5 minutes to 1 hour.
You will be notified about this situation by the application if your phone is connected to the Internet, despite there is no link to your home network.
What is the minimum possible interval of getting meters readings?
Technically it's possible to get pictures even every second, but for Oblik purposes we decided to set the minimal interval to 1 hour that is set automatically for every Reader. We think that 1 hour interval gives good balance between interactivity and autonomy for most user's needs.
For special needs we can unlock this limitation remotely for any existing Reader. We would recommend then to use external power source and subscription price will be higher.
