Record and review meter readings - Canary Docs

A reading is an immutable measurement event in a meter’s timeline. Each reading carries a value, timestamp, source, and optional notes; the latest reading becomes the meter’s current value.

Record a manual reading

Open Meters and select the meter.
Select Record Reading.
Enter the numeric value or choose On or Off.
Add a note when the condition, source, or observation needs context.
Save the reading.

For numeric meters, Canary checks the configured minimum and maximum. Read the physical instrument carefully and confirm the unit before saving.

Other reading sources

The public API and configured integrations can record readings. Canary labels the reading source so manual, API, and integration events remain distinguishable in history. Use the meter reading endpoint for external ingestion. Give each integration API key only the required meter scopes.

What happens after a reading

Canary stores the reading in the meter’s timeline.
The current value is updated.
Meter automations evaluate the new reading against their trigger clauses and frequency pattern.
Matching actions run subject to conditions and each action’s cooldown.

Correct an inaccurate value

Record a new reading with a note that explains the correction. The earlier reading remains part of the timeline, preserving what was originally submitted.

Lifecycle

Archiving the meter removes it from active use while retaining its readings. Deleting an automation prevents future runs and hides the automation from normal views, while retaining both its execution history and the source meter readings for audit and recovery.