Development of An IoT-Based Smart Billing System for A Multipurpose Machine

The evolution of energy consumption tracking has witnessed a notable transition from traditional meters to digital smart meters, providing detailed insights into electricity usage. These smart meters not only enable precise billing but also empower consumers to monitor and optimise their energy consumption. However, challenges persist in the billing systems of most developing nations, e.g. Kenya. These existing billing systems may not work if implemented in small-scale workshops, considering their inefficiencies, including manual intervention, billing errors, delays, and lack of awareness regarding tariffs. All these affect billing accuracy, customer satisfaction and the economy. Small-scale workshops, like those in Kenya, are crucial to society but face obstacles due to the slow adoption of modern technology. The proposed system, with its transformative potential, is set to revolutionise the way small-scale workshops operate. Incorporating IoT into billing procedures plays a pivotal role in enhancing billing accuracy, transparency, and revenue generation, offering clients personalised access to real-time billing information. The system architecture includes real-time monitoring of energy usage, client notifications through SMS and email, and automated billing based on factors like power consumption and operational variables. The research strives to develop and implement an IoT-based automated billing system for small-scale multipurpose machines, enabling individual client billing without human intervention. The system provides a user-friendly interface, client login access, and post-payment options, enhancing operational efficiency and customer experience. By integrating IoT technology and AI, the system streamlines billing processes, enhances accuracy, and aligns with the Industry 4.0 paradigm, contributing to sustainable development goals. The incorporation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) technologies into small-scale workshops using an automated billing system is notable progress in enhancing operational efficiency, generating revenue, and satisfying customers. This aligns with the transformative goals of the fourth industrial revolution and sustainable development agendas.