How to Set Up Consumption Alerts

Learn how to configure consumption alerts to track daily water usage variations and identify unusual consumption patterns that could indicate inefficiencies or operational changes.

Understanding Consumption Alerts vs. Leak Alerts

Before setting up consumption alerts, it's important to understand how they differ from leak alerts:

Consumption Alerts:

• Monitor daily water consumption averages and percentage variations
• Detect short-term usage spikes that return to normal levels
• Track temporary increases in water usage over specific periods
• Focus on pattern changes rather than continuous flow issues

Leak Alerts:

• Detect continuous, unexplained water flow over extended periods
• Identify persistent unusual consumption that suggests equipment malfunction
• Monitor for ongoing leaks that don't stop naturally

Accessing Consumption Alert Setup

1. Log in to your Shayp account
2. Navigate to the Alerts section (5th item in the left-hand menu)
3. Select "Consumption Alerts" tab
4. Click "Create New Alert" to begin configuration

 

Configuring Your Consumption Alert

Basic Contact Settings

Email and Communication:

• Email Address: Enter where you want to receive notifications
• Phone Number: Add mobile number for SMS alerts (optional)
• Language: Select your preferred language for alert messages

Consumption Parameters

Daily Water Consumption Average:

• Set your expected daily consumption baseline (e.g., 100 m³ per day)
• This represents your normal, expected water usage

Change Percentage Threshold:

• Define the maximum percentage increase that triggers an alert
• Example: 50% means you'll be alerted when consumption exceeds 150 m³ (if baseline is 100 m³)

Duration Settings:

• Threshold Period: Set how long the increased consumption must persist before alerting
• Daily vs. Hourly: Choose whether to monitor on a daily or hourly basis
  • Daily: Monitor total daily consumption
  • Hourly: Divide daily average by 24 for hourly monitoring

 

Practical Example

Scenario Setup:

• Daily Average: 100 m³ per day
• Change Percentage: 20%
• Alert Threshold: 120 m³ per day (100 + 20%)
• Duration: 3 days

Result: You'll receive an alert when average consumption exceeds 120 m³ per day for 3 consecutive days.

Device and Notification Settings

Device Selection:

• All Devices: Monitor consumption across your entire system
• Specific Devices: Target particular areas or equipment

Notification Schedule:

• Always: Receive alerts 24/7
• Weekdays Only: Business days monitoring
• Office Hours: Alerts during working hours only

Finalizing Your Alert

1. Review all settings for accuracy
2. Click "Create" to save your consumption alert
3. Confirm success message appears

Managing and Monitoring Your Alerts

Alert Dashboard Features

Main Details Tab:

• View daily consumption average settings
• Check duration and language preferences
• See which devices are being monitored

Health Tab:

• Monitor the status of your consumption alerts
• Check alert system performance

History Tab:

• Review past alerts and their timestamps
• Distinguish between leak alerts and consumption alerts
• Track threshold breaches and when notifications were sent

Alert Management Options

• Edit: Modify thresholds, contacts, or device selections
• Delete: Remove unnecessary alerts
• Test: Verify alert functionality

 

Best Practices for Consumption Alerts

Set Realistic Baselines: Use historical data to establish accurate daily consumption averages that reflect your actual usage patterns.

Choose Appropriate Thresholds: Start with moderate percentage changes (10-20%) and adjust based on your operational experience.

Consider Seasonal Variations: Account for seasonal changes in water usage when setting baselines and thresholds.

Monitor Multiple Timeframes: Consider setting up both daily and hourly alerts for comprehensive monitoring.

Regular Review: Periodically assess and update your consumption baselines as your operations evolve.

 

Common Use Cases

Facility Management: Detect unusual usage patterns that might indicate equipment issues or operational changes.

Budget Monitoring: Stay informed when consumption exceeds expected levels that could impact water costs.

Operational Efficiency: Identify opportunities to optimize water usage by tracking consumption patterns.

Maintenance Planning: Use consumption spikes as indicators for preventive maintenance scheduling.

Conclusion

Consumption alerts provide valuable insights into your water usage patterns and help you maintain operational efficiency. By setting up appropriate thresholds and monitoring periods, you can quickly identify unusual consumption patterns and take corrective action before they impact your operations or budget.

Start with conservative settings and refine your alerts based on your facility's specific usage patterns. Regular monitoring of the alert history will help you optimize your thresholds and improve your water management strategy.