What is data value type and why does cumulative vs gauge matter?

Every meter in the system has a "data value type" that tells the platform how to interpret its readings. Getting this wrong is one of the most common causes of incorrect consumption figures.

Cumulative (always-increasing counter)

The meter reports a running total that only goes up. Think of your home electricity meter — it shows the total kWh consumed since installation (e.g., 45,230 kWh, then 45,280 kWh). To calculate consumption for a period, the system subtracts the previous reading from the current one (45,280 - 45,230 = 50 kWh consumed).

Most utility company meters are cumulative. If your readings look like large, ever-increasing numbers, choose "cumulative."

Gauge (point-in-time value)

The meter reports the actual consumption for a specific interval. For example, "150 kWh consumed this hour" or "2.5 m³ used today." The value is used directly without subtraction.

IoT sensors, API-based data feeds, and some BMS exports typically provide gauge values. If your readings look like small values that fluctuate up and down, choose "gauge."

What happens if you pick the wrong type

• Cumulative meter set as gauge: You will see enormous consumption spikes (because the running total is treated as a per-period value)
• Gauge meter set as cumulative: You will see tiny or negative consumption values (because the system subtracts consecutive readings)

During AI import setup

The AI attempts to auto-detect the data value type based on patterns in your data. If it sees steadily increasing values, it sets "cumulative." If values fluctuate, it sets "gauge." The AI's choice appears in the detected meters list with a confidence score — review it before confirming.

How to fix it

If consumption figures look wrong after import, go to Buildings → select building → Meters tab → click the meter → change the Data Value Type field. Historical data will be recalculated automatically on the next dashboard refresh.