---
title: "Importing Meter Readings from a File"
canonical: "https://docs.rubiconwater.com/space/MNC/2017460269/Importing%20Meter%20Readings%20from%20a%20File"
format: markdown
---
> Macro (toc)

You can import meter readings and metadata from a spreadsheet or a meter reading file.

> ℹ️ **Example**
> ℹ️ 
> ℹ️ Field staff may enter meter readings in a spreadsheet and then import them into the system when they return to base.

You can create this file yourself, import a file of readings from a mobile device, or generate a <u>[Meter Reading Report](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/RptNC/pages/1986953846)</u> and publish it in spreadsheet (csv) format. Field staff can use the file to enter readings and import the readings when they return to the office.

**Step 1**

Click **Meter Reading Entry** to open the Meter Reading Entry module.

**Step 2**

Click **Import Meter Reading from File** to open the Import Meter Readings screen.

**Step 3**

Select either:

- *Meter Reading Report* - to import the readings from a Meter Reading report in csv format.
- *Mobile app file* - import readings collected with the Rubicon mobile meter reading app.
- *Generic file* - to choose the layout of your import file. To do this, select the columns to include and specify which column in the file corresponds to each data item.

You can omit the date and time fields. In this case, the default date and time are used for the readings. If you do not omit the time and date, you must use these formats:

| **Field** | **Format** | **Example** |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Time | hh:mm | 13:30 |
| Date | dd.mm.yyyy<br>dd/mm/yyyy<br>dd-mm-yyyy<br>dd.mmm.yyyy<br>dd/mmm/yyyy<br>dd-mmm-yyyy | 24.03.2023<br>24.Mar.2023 |

**Step 4** 

Select the **File** to import.

**Step 5**

Enter a **Default Time/Date** which can be used if no date or time is supplied for an entry. These default to the present time and date.

**Step 6**

Select **Exclude Existing Readings** to exclude readings that have already been saved in the database. If you do not exclude existing readings, readings in the database may be overwritten by any changed values.

**Step 7**

Specify the party who took the meter readings in the **Read By** field. This is optional. If you enter a meter reading manually, or use the remote reading tool, the audit table will record the name of the logged in party. If you import meter readings from a file, the audit will not record a name unless you enter one here.

**Step 8**

Click **Import** to import readings. The readings are loaded into the Entries table. Note that you can click the **Import Meta Data** button in the import dialog to import any import metadata and resources in the readings file. See <u>[Importing Metadata and Resources](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/MNC/pages/2017460283)</u> for more details.

**Step 9**

Click **Save** to save the imported entries. If any entries are inconsistent with the estimated usage the Meter Reading Adjustment screen will prompt you to accept or adjust the anomalous readings. See <u>[Correcting, Accepting and Adjusting Meter Readings](https://rubiconwater.atlassian.net/wiki/spaces/MNC/pages/2017787905)</u> for more details.

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