Development Update - July 2022
This month:
It's staggering to see that with July gone, we're now well and truly into the third quarter of 2022. It seems as though it was only last month when we brought news of a brand new look to our software (when in fact it was January). You may have seen that we've now announced another new look, this time for our brand new customer portal.
This is considerably more than a facelift though and will incorporate much of the Efficiency and Carbon Reporting work that we've brought you news of previously. We'll let you know in a later update when it's ready for your customers.
Aside from the progress we've made with the customer portal, we've made good strides with the new API Endpoints module and rather excitingly, we've incorporated it with our new Meter Lookup functionality. Bringing meter lookup data to your own custom applications.
For this and other exciting additions, read on for more of our July Dev Update...
API Endpoint Expansion
We announced the arrival of our new API Endpoints in June and this month we've been expanding the feature to work with all modules. We're delighted to say you can now have your Customers, Leads, Sales, Portfolio, Contacts, Tenders, Contracts, Activities, Commissions and more pushed through to your favourite third-party application.
Built for: API
Meter Lookup With API Functionality
Our brand new meter lookup feature has now been expanded and can be used with our API product, meaning you can push results to your own custom-built application.
As a quick recap, our new meter lookup functionality can also be added to your PRO CRM account and allows you to search and return:
1) The Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN),
2) The meter credentials (profile etc.)
3) The current supplier information.
Please talk to your account manager about adding API to your subscription.
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Engage: An Internal CRM
We've built our own non-specialist, standard CRM! We've nicknamed it 'Engage' and although it won't directly impact our users it will allow us to assist customers better and keep on top of things like custom modules, feature requests and anything else that might help manage your account better. We plan to share more on our progress with a blog post soon, so watch this space.
Built for: INTERNAL
Specify Email Type (365 or SMTP)
If you utilise the Microsoft 365 login for your users then Super Admins can now specify which email type are sent via the user's Office 365 email and which are sent via traditional SMTP. This can be configured under Admin > Email Settings.
Built for: PRO CRM
'Next Action Due' Column Added to Customer Overview
Within the Leads module, there is a column labelled ‘Next Action Due’ which shows the open activity against that lead with the oldest due date. With this update, that column is now also available on the Customer module.
Built for: PRO CRM
VAT Status Added to Customer Import & Export
It's possible to add a VAT status for each Customer that you hold information on (either at 0%, 5% or 20%). This extra piece of information can now also be included as part of a bulk import or exported within any relevant reports.
Built for: PRO CRM
(UK ONLY)
Quick Add Contract Date Accepted Update
Previously when using the Quick Add Contract feature, the Date Accepted field would default to the contract start date. This has been updated to take the date that the contract was created.
Built for: PRO CRM
Referral Commissions Export Updated
We've added the fields 'Invoice Number' & 'Invoice Date' to the Referral Commission export (found in Analytics).
Built for: PRO CRM
USA Wording Changes
We've updated the language used within our software so the vernacular is more appropriate for users from North America.
Built for: PRO CRM
(USA ONLY)
Contracts Export Refactoring
As part of the work for our new API Endpoints, we've restructured the code that made up our Contract Exports. With it completed, contracts now export significantly faster.
Built for: PRO CRM
Submit Contracts By FTP for Instant Quote (optional)
We previously released a feature that allowed the submission of contracts via FTP when pricing through our Procurement Module (this can be useful if your users/sub-brokers submit contracts through an aggregator). We've now expanded this optional feature to allow your users to submit contracts via FTP when using the Instant Quote module as well.
Built for: PRO CRM
USA Wording Changes
We've updated the language used within our software so the vernacular is more appropriate for users from North America (US accounts only).
Built for: PRO CRM
Quick Add Contract Date Accepted Update
Previously when using the Quick Add Contract feature, the Date Accepted field would default to the contract start date. This has been updated to take the date that the contract was created.
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!
Development Update - June 2022
We're especially excited about our June Dev Update. You'll see below that this month definitely falls into the 'less is more' category as we bring news of four particularly powerful additions.
The flagship of which has to be (drumroll please), Meter lookup for electric! With it, users of our software can now directly query crucial information from the MPAS database. It's been a long-term goal with an application process that took many many months and has taken considerable resources; so we're very proud to be able to offer it as a vital customer management tool.
Read on to hear more about this and three other fantastic releases in our June dev update...
Meter Lookup For Electric
You can now use this new service to search for information about every commercial electricity meter in the UK. In particular, it can offer three vital pieces of information. The Meter Point Administration Number (MPAN), the meter credentials (profile etc.) and the current supplier information.
Please contact your account manager for pricing details and to have the service switched on within your account.
API Endpoints For All Exports
Have you ever needed your data to be automatically exported into a third-party service or even a custom-built application? With this latest feature release, you can.
This could be game-changing if you use your own custom reporting system or if you want to have data fed directly into a third-party management service like Salesforce. No cumbersome spreadsheet download/upload, just your data where you need it.
We'll be rolling this out upon request over the coming weeks. Don't yet have the API product enabled? Talk to your account manager about adding it to your subscription.
Built for: API
There's more...
We've also added the following two great features...
Individual User Settings
We've made some helpful modifications that will allow every user to change the way their account looks and functions (unless disabled by a Super Admin user). With it, users will be able to personalise settings such as pagination and optional features via the profile section. We'll be adding more options in the coming months!
Amend Quote Duration
Previously when pricing, our software only allowed the quote duration to be set whilst creating a brand new pricing request. We've now adapted the process so that within each matrix tender the user can select "Tender Tools > Update Tender Durations". Once the revised dates have been selected and saved, the resulting prices will reflect the newly-selected durations.
Recycle Dead Leads By Campaign
We've added an option to our very useful 'Recycle Dead Leads' tool that will allow you to recycle any dead leads that are associated with a specific campaign.
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!
Energy Reporting: 03 Carbon Reporting
Welcome to the future – UtilityClick presents our new Carbon Reporting module...
Energy brokers, you know it's more important than ever to provide additional value to your customers. This is why we've built our carbon reporting module. With it, you can give your customers the analysis they need on their carbon credentials. Take a quick tour:
A Need To Do More
Whether it's from government or consumer pressure, your customers know that over the coming years they'll need to do more to reduce their carbon emissions. But if a business can't track how much carbon it's producing then it's extremely difficult for it to take the steps needed to reduce it.
With this new module you can give them the tools that they're already searching for.
Take a look at some of the key features that our Carbon Reporting offers:
Quickly and easily input a monthly snapshot of any company's carbon metric. Present beautiful carbon reporting for each of your customers. Show a quick snapshot of current carbon performance Vs. previous month. Data is presented in a useful and actionable way. Get month-on-month performance analysis Smart metrics show normalised performance, no matter the growth of the company
At UtilityClick, we recognise that in this ever-evolving energy sector, it’s about more than just procurement. Our solutions cover everything a modern broker needs to service their customer base, from Bill Validation to Energy Management, on top of an industry-leading Pricing CRM system.
Get in touch now for your very own whistle-stop tour of the UtilityClick system.
More Reporting Drilldown
Nothing found.
Development Update - May 2022
This month:
You'll have seen that over the last 6 years, here at UtilityClick we have added many and varied types of useful features to our software. However, this last month has seen what promises to be the most important from a social and ecological standpoint.
We're all very proud and energised to be focusing on a new Carbon Reporting module that we hope will allow you to offer your customers a service that's above and beyond anything they've experienced before. Whatever your thoughts on climate change, it's clear that being more focussed on our environmental footprint has to be good for everyone, so developing a tool that has the potential to make such a difference is a real privilege.
Read on to hear more about this and the other bits and bobs as we look at the dev releases from May...
Carbon Reporting Module
This new module will allow you to record all carbon emissions generated by your customers and their staff. Using a variety of different emissions criteria you can report on elements such as energy usage, travel and accommodation. You can then present the results using our beautiful reporting suite.
This is a stage one release and we have many improvements planned over the coming months (including releasing it into the customer portal so your customers can add and track results themselves). For now, we'd like to invite volunteers to try this new module and feedback on their progress. Please contact your account manager if you'd like further information.
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Restrict Access to Cloud Documents
When uploading associated documents to a customer within the PRO CRM you can now select which user level has access to view. Useful if the contents of the document are confidential.
Built for: PRO CRM
Inactive Date For A Site
Within a customer site, you can now elect to set it as "Inactive" and record a corresponding date. This is solely for administration purposes and will not affect any associated meters or contracts.
Built for: PRO CRM
Recycle Dead Leads By Campaign
We've added an option to our very useful 'Recycle Dead Leads' tool that will allow you to recycle any dead leads that are associated with a specific campaign.
Built for: PRO CRM
Commissions Export Optimisation
Requesting exports of a considerable size can take time and in some extreme instances could cause the request to time out completely. We've optimised the SQL code so that exports from our Commissions module are now completed up to 5 times quicker.
Built for: PRO CRM
Additional Value Types for Bespoke Water Charges
When managing a bespoke water charge within the Procurement module you can now select from an additional two value types - 'Per day' and 'Percentage of annual spend'.
Built for: PRO CRM
LOA Reporting Functionality Added to Dashboards
Using the Customer Rankings dashboard, you can now view and filter customers by any LOA expiry date (and within any given date range). Useful when reporting against any upcoming expiries.
Built for: PRO CRM
Restrict Access to Activities
We've amended restrictions around the Activities module so that a non-super admin user can only see activities for which they are either the owner or had the activity assigned to them. E.g. They cannot see activities just because they are the Account Manager of the Customer.
Built for: PRO CRM
Days At Deal Status
We've added a new piece of information to the "Deal Status / Last Deal Status Change" column within the Pipeline module. You can now see how many days a deal has been sitting in its current stage. What's more, you can check the 'History' of any deal to review deal status changes, the date it was changed and who changed it.
Built for: PRO CRM
New "PAY ON RECEIPT - SPLITS" Payment Profile Added
We've developed a new payment profile for when you need to show forecast and actual commission information based on team splits. This is useful when you need the commission applied to the split amount, not the total contract amount.
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!
Learning From Napster & Metallica
Back in the year 2000, you'll likely recall how the rock band Metallica took out their frustrations on the music sharing platform, Napster. They brought a lawsuit against the company that effectively brought Napster to its knees and removed it from our computers.

Turn the Page and in its place, a savvy Steve Jobs took that idea, added some legality and developed the process into the multi-billion dollar practice of instantaneous music purchase & delivery that we know today.
Cue our Sales Director, Andy Hunter who recently likened this digital revolution in the music industry to that of the current situation with energy suppliers and their difficulties in adapting to digital.
He wrote:

"Energy Suppliers that don't fully embrace digital will get left behind. Just like within the music industry - It took a Napster inspired Steve Jobs to create a digital solution that felled major players who were resistant to change. Suppliers that refuse to automate will go the same way as Virgin Music and HMV."
Suppliers completely embracing digital is a (Lars Ulrich) drum that you will undoubtedly have heard banged many times before, but this time it appears to be different.
At UtilityClick, we're having more conversations with suppliers on this subject than ever before. There is undoubtedly a shift in focus following the multitude of events over the last two years, not forgetting of course OFGEMs strategic review that looks to affect commission transparency, due October 2022 (UK only).
So how can we all play our part?
Brokers, Suppliers and UtilityClick
We need to come together.

Energy Brokers:
We hear you - You want automated tendering, you want better communication, and you need suppliers to catch up with your digital processes.
Suppliers:
We know your desire to become lean. You need automation in place to react to the ever-changing market.
Connect with us. Tell us where you struggle, and what you need - We then can work with you to build it.

What is UtilityClick doing?
We've already started. In 2022 we're investing hugely in building smart automated portals for TPI customers and the suppliers themselves.
There is a massive desire from us to be part of this radical change in the energy industry and we need your input to make it happen.
You might say, Nothing Else Matters.
Further reading...
Dev Update: September 2024
This month we bring you something a little different as we focus on the many features…
Dev Update: August 2024
Summary: The lead-up to the summer holidays is always a busy time for us but it hasn't…
Development Update - April 2022
This month:
Easter came and went for the dev team and despite the on/off/on again nature of work over this period, the team still managed to maintain the rapid development pace that seems to be a theme for 2022.
Over the coming months and throughout this year, you'll see we'll be making many changes to the customer portal, both in terms of looks and functionality. We're already well into the design phase that will see a better UX experience for your customers and this month we've embarked on improving how your customers submit meter reads.
Elsewhere and on a more general level across all our systems, we've been continuing our focus on ensuring absolute security for you and your colleagues. To find out more about these and other bits and bobs, read on below:
Security Improvement: Restrict User Sessions
At UtilityClick we take your security extremely seriously and we're constantly pursuing areas where any potential improvements can be made to protect your data. We're adding yet another layer of security that restricts an account to one location at a time, so you can be certain that if you are logged in to UtilityClick, then no one else can be.
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Ability to manage supplier matrix pricing at user level
Previously it was possible to enable or disable a particular supplier's products to control which matrix pricing was returned when quoting. We've enhanced this feature so you can now enable/disable on a per-user basis. E.g. You could allow sub-broker access to your pricing and enable alternate products to which you use internally.
Built for: PRO CRM
Improved Search Functionality Within Activities
A few months back we made significant improvements to the search feature found within the Leads module. We've now developed a similar improvement within the Activities module. You can now search Activities by Meter Number, Site Address, Site Postcode as well as Customer Name.
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
Re-assign tasks when changing lead generator or account manager
When amending a Customer/Lead's "Account Manager" or "Lead Generator" the system now displays a checkbox asking if you'd like to also transfer all open tasks to the new lead generator/account manager.
Built for: PRO CRM
Add Customer References to Vendor Agreements Export
When exporting Vendor Agreements to Excel, the Customer Reference is now included as an additional column.
Built for: PRO CRM
USA System Language Update For Dashboards
We've adapted our new dashboard suite so that it better reflects the region it's being accessed from. Specifically, when accessing from the USA, all general terminology has been updated so as to use a more familiar vernacular.
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!
Shhhh. We won't tell if you don't
Energy brokers, by fully customising our software you can:
Allow your staff to send LOAs, COTs & contracts via branded email notifications; automatically generated through the system. Provide end-user customers with their own secure account to manage meters and current contracts. Produce reports, run tenders and present fully branded results to customers in real-time. Give sub-broker access to your pricing books, manage their commissions and allow them to run quotes on your behalf. Offer bill validation as an added service and present a variety of reports within your very own white-labelled customer portal.
Suppliers can take advantage too. You can:
Give TPIs access to your branded portal and connect with them more efficiently. Receive automated matrix contracts. Upload updated pricing or have us do it for you. Receive tenders, import prices and receive feedback automatically. Set & receive statuses to and from TPIs. Know when pricing is due, when it’s received, and how it fared.
With our fully brandable PRO CRM, Supplier PORTAL and Customer Portal, you can seamlessly present our tools as your own and manage it all from one central location.
Further reading...
Dev Update: September 2024
This month we bring you something a little different as we focus on the many features…
Dev Update: August 2024
Summary: The lead-up to the summer holidays is always a busy time for us but it hasn't…
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).
Development Update - February 2022
This month:
There's been an undeniable air of excitement in the dev team this month. I can't recall a time when we've had so much R&D work in progress with so much potential to make a huge impact.
One project in particular will give you the option to 'boost' your dashboards. With it, you'll be able to create your very own graphs, tables and reports. For instance: Need to create a dashboard specific to Dan in Sales so he can see what's important in his pipeline? No problem.
The boost will also provide a new dashboard that monitors matrix pricing trends over a period of time. With it, you'll be able to see which suppliers are pricing competitively on various types of meters and when. We'll be in touch again about Dashboard Boosts but if you'd like to get in front of the queue, please contact us or your account manager to signify your interest.
Read on to hear what else we've been up to in the month of February...
Bill Val Thresholds
When validating bills for customers, it's quite often the case that a few pence difference between the 'expected' and 'actual' isn't of vital importance. We've added the ability to set a tolerance threshold of just how far out you'll allow the difference to be, before receiving an alert.
This tolerance can be set individually over almost any aspect of the bill. What's more, you can alter this tolerance on a per-customer basis, should you have certain customers that require more stringent validation than others.
Built for: BILL VAL
Other bits and bobs...
We've also added the following other bits and bobs...
Improved Customer & Lead Snapshot
You can get a quick overview of all the important bits by visiting the Snapshot section within Leads or Customers. We've now added the company number (EIN for the USA) to the Leads and Customers Snapshot screens.
Built for: PRO CRM
Search and Filter Cloud Documents
Within our PRO CRM you can upload any documents that would be useful to store against a lead or customer. We've now added the ability to search through these documents either through their description or by date.
Built for: PRO CRM
New Lost Contract Reasons
When marking a contract as "Lost" you can select from a handful of useful reasons why that contract was lost. We've added more selectable options here to give you a more detailed analysis when reporting.
Built for: PRO CRM
Speedier Detailed Export
Our PRO CRM allows you to export procurement data in varying degrees of complexity. We've made speed improvements to the most "Detailed Export" so it completes much faster.
Built for: PRO CRM
Bill Val UI
As an addition to the threshold work described above, we've improved the user interface of Bill Val reporting so you can now clearly see the actual vs expected difference as a percentage.
Built for: BILL VAL
Approx Commission with Opportunity Exports
Previously when performing a tender export, an "Approx Commission" value would only appear if one had been set manually by the user. However, when viewing a new tender directly within the system, a user is helpfully shown the "Approx Commission" value, even if one has not been set (by using the partner's default broker fee). The process has now been updated so that exports now marry the information provided when viewing an opportunity within the system.
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!