Development Update - March 2022
It's funny how certain themes seem to develop around a particular month. The theme for March has most certainly been one of security. It helps that one of our founding directors has been compulsively security-obsessed since day dot and it's something that is heavily ingrained into everyone within the team.
We've made great strides this month with our progress in offering 2-factor authentication on all accounts. Separate from this, we've continued our integration with Microsoft authentication services. Not only can you now force your users to ONLY use Microsoft credentials to access UtilityClick, but you'll also be able to use any associated Microsoft email account to send official system notifications.
Read on to hear more about this and the other bits and bobs as we look at the dev releases from March...
Multi-Factor Authentication
You'll soon be able to add an additional layer of security to your UtilityClick account (together with all user accounts) by switching on 2-Factor-Authentication. When applied, you will be sent a code to a preregistered mobile device that you will need to use along with your normal password. This feature will be rolled out over the coming weeks and we strongly recommend deploying it for added peace of mind.
Send System Emails With Your Microsoft Account
Email notifications sent from within the system can now be sent from a user's email address, instead of from your central company email address. When switched on, this feature will allow you to log in using your Microsoft credentials and then have notifications (such as tenders or LOAs) come directly from your email. Please contact your account manager to have this activated within your account.
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Force Microsoft Authentication On Your Account
We've been integrated with Microsoft authentication services for some time (allowing users to use their Microsoft 365 credentials as well as their UtilityClick one) but this recent update allows admin users to force ALL account users to only use their Microsoft credentials.
The Ability To Edit Or Delete Activity Notes
We've overhauled the notes section within the Activities component. You can now edit or delete notes as you see fit. Note that only Super Admin users have the ability to edit or delete notes that were not created by them.
Built for: PRO CRM
Support for Multiple Commission Rates
This is an optional feature that allows for different commission levels to be set for different meter rates. E.g. If you require a different commission set for meters with a varying day and night rate. This optional feature is only available when adding manual bespoke quotes and is available upon request.
Built for: PRO CRM
Vendor Agreements Linked to Customer References
It was already possible for vendor agreements to be linked to Sites/Locations, Meters/Accounts, Contacts, and Contracts. This latest update now makes it possible to also link vendor agreements to Customer References.
Built for: PRO CRM
Quick Access to Supplier Products When Reviewing Quotes
We've added a handy link to quickly view supplier product details when reviewing quotes within the Procurement component. From the quote results screen, simply click "Go" and "View Product".
Built for: PRO CRM
Parent Company Added To Portfolio Export
Within the Analytics component, when exporting Portfolio data, we've added a new column where you can now see 'Parent Company' information.
Built for: PRO CRM
Multi-Select for Export Data
Previously, when exporting data through the Analytics module, you've been able to select precise singular criteria of which data to include. For example, you could export Accounts that were managed by one particular account manager but you were unable to select multiple managers (without exporting all the data at once). We've added multi-select fields to many of our data export screens, so you can now quickly select multiple configurations within each export.
Built for: PRO CRM
Total Cost and Total Annual Cost Added At Meter Level For Tender Export
When exporting tender information (via the Tenders - Export Data screen), the Total Cost and Total Annual Cost is now included within the export on a per meter basis.
Built for: PRO CRM
Checkbox Added To Skip Redirect After A Data Import
When importing data into the system, you're helpfully redirected to the upload results screen after each successful import. There are instances where it's preferable to stay within the data import screen post upload. As such, we've added a checkbox so you can choose whether to remain on the data import page or move on to review the results.
Built for: PRO CRM
That’s it for this month.
Our software evolves at such an exciting rate so please feel free to get in touch to discuss any of the functionality we’ve added since you last saw it. We’ll be more than happy to arrange a demo to show you around!
Bill Val 2.0 With Advanced Validation
What does it do?
(and who are William & Valerie?)
William & Valerie (or Bill & Val for those just catching on) is the nickname for our latest fantastic product – BILL VAL. With it, you can upload batch data files directly from suppliers straight into our system.
Once uploaded our system systematically examines each entry to ensure it’s correct. Upon completion, results are broken down and summarised, enabling succinct reporting back to your customers.
Key Features
Instant Imports
Raw format imports for EDI/XLS/CSV.
Beautiful Presentation
Analyse pass/fails in a clear, understandable format.
Custom Thresholds
Set your own pass tolerances at customer or global level.
The Best Reporting
Stop sending emails to your clients. Present all types of reports within your very own white-labelled customer portals.
Instant Usage Analysis
Import day Day+1 HH / AMR data straight from the Data Collector.
Customer Portal
Present data to your clients with ease. Allow them to submit meter reads for instant validation.
Why do you need this?
As an energy broker, you know that the world is changing and you need to offer your customers more than just ‘the best price’. You’ve seen the evolution in our sector; your customers now demand more than procurement only services.
Did you know?
"...as many as 1 in 5 utility bills contain errors that cause the recipient to overpay."
* Source: www.energylivenews.com
This all sounds expensive?
For all of this functionality it’s not as much as you would think. And no other system offers more ‘value’ than our Bill Val product. Unlike other systems, we do not price per meter/invoice validation, which can become incredibly expensive. With BILL VAL by UtilityClick you pay one set monthly fee, no matter if you validate one thousand bills or one million.
Free UK support
It doesn’t matter how good our software is if you don’t know how to use it. We’ll get you started by talking to you and your team in a language they understand. What’s more we offer phone support FREE with every subscription, should you need prompting down the line.
Is there anything it doesn't do?
Possibly! But we’re confident we’ve built a bill validation product that is better than anything that’s come before it. If there is a useful feature that doesn’t exist and is integral to your workflow, there’s a very good chance we’ll build it… And the good news is we build fast, really fast (take a look at our monthly updates from the development team to see how much we add, every single month).