Comparison

Manual Reads vs Datawatch Admin

Price, ratings, monetisation and update history for both apps, side by side — with what reviewers say about each.

Head to head
About

Manual Reads

Manually input meter readings without needing specific hardware. This utility app simplifies data entry for submetering systems.

Highlights
  • Manual meter reading entry
  • No hardware installation required
  • Data input for submetering systems
  • User-friendly interface
Features
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The Manual Read App by NextCentury allows users to manual enter reads for meters without installing NextCentury equipment.

About

Datawatch Admin

Features
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Datawatch Admin App houses multiple Datawatch applications and provides property managers with a centralized location for managing and accessing their Datawatch account on the go - Datawatch DirectAccess®, Emergency Notification, VideoWatch®. This app allows administrators to easily navigate and control these programs from a single dashboard, reducing the need for multiple applications. In addition, it provides a convenient and streamlined way for administrators to monitor and manage their Datawatch infrastructure, which can help increase efficiency and productivity. FOR WHOM? - This app is only for administrators of Datawatch Systems products, including Datawatch DirectAccess®, Datawatch Emergency Notification System, and Datawatch VideoWatch®. DIRECTACCESS® This app allows Datawatch DirectAccess® users to access their information in our secure database from anywhere, at any time. • CARD ADMINISTRATION Add, edit, or delete cards on the go. • DOOR CONSOLE With the latest Datawatch Technology, lock and unlock doors from your smartphone. • MOBILITY No need to be in the office or at a computer to log in to your DirectAccess® account. • PRE-REGISTER VISITORS Enter visitors information into your system days, weeks, or months in advance. • COMPATIBILITY Compatible with most iOS devices. • LOCKDOWN With the latest Datawatch Technology, lockdown the perimeter of your building with the touch of a button. • DASHBOARD Snapshot of account. Quick view of active devices, upcoming visitors, and holiday reminders. EMERGENCY NOTIFICATION SYSTEM The Emergency Notification System is a service offered by Datawatch that enables management to send information to their employees, tenants or vendors by property or specific groups. The system can send emails, text messages and attachments and receive feedback. • SEND COMMUNICATION Two-way communication with your entire contact database, occupants of a single building, or with specific groups such as managers, tenants, or vendors. Streamlines delivery of time-sensitive information to let users know about a potentially dangerous situation such as a weather-related emergency, active shooter, or other crisis event. • TRACKING Datawatch tracks all replies and keeps a list of who has not yet responded to each message. • CONVENIENT A flexible contingency plan that you can access and update in real-time. The message is directed by you and can cover operational status, location conditions, or any pertinent information you determine ahead of time. • EASILY Send messages at the touch of a button through the app, web portal, or have Datawatch’s 24x7x365 staff do it for you. • SECURE An off-site, secure database and operators who contact employees via text message or email with your pre-planned information and client services representatives who will ensure your database stays up to date. • INTEGRATED SOLUTIONS System can be integrated with existing Datawatch Systems services. VIDEOWATCH® Hosted VideoWatch Mobile is specially designed for Datawatch video management solutions, enabling users to effectively monitor their video from anywhere at any time. • Cloud-based Hosted Video (VideoWatch®) provides a live view from any online device with 24/7 service. • Secure cloud-based video storage. • Monitor the health of cameras and video servers. • Export and save encrypted video clips at anytime from anywhere. • Smart cameras, HD quality and efficient search capabilities.

Screenshots

Manual Reads3 screens
Datawatch Admin4 screens

Verdict

The call

The clearest difference is update cadence: Manual Reads at every 3 weeks against Datawatch Admin's every 3 months. On price, ads, in-app purchases and device support there is nothing between them.

Scored on Price · Rating · Positive reviews · Number of ratings · Update frequency · Ads · In-app purchases · Monetization · Best chart rank · Devices · Requires iOS

CostPrice · In-app purchases · Ads · Monetization

Both are free to download. Neither carries in-app purchases, so what you see is what you pay.

UpkeepUpdate frequency

Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, Datawatch Admin every 3 months. The most recent releases landed on October 24, 2026 and October 20, 2026 respectively.

Scorecard1 real difference · 9 level
Manual Reads versus Datawatch Admin: the parameters behind the verdict, then further details
ParameterManual ReadsDatawatch Admin
PriceFreeFree
Rating4.3 (6 ratings) — better—
Positive reviews66.7% of reviews—
Number of ratings6 — better—
Update frequencyEvery 3 weeks — betterEvery 3 months
AdsNoNo
In-app purchasesNoNo
MonetizationFree—
DevicesiPhone, iPad, iPodiPhone, iPad, iPod
Requires iOS15.015.0
Further details — not scored
Size47 MB35 MB
Age rating4+17+
DeveloperNext Century Submetering SystemsDatawatch Systems

In-app purchases

None

Manual Reads

No in-app purchases

None

Datawatch Admin

No in-app purchases

Questions

Is Manual Reads free?
Manual Reads is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Is Datawatch Admin free?
Datawatch Admin is free to download, with no in-app purchases.
Do Manual Reads or Datawatch Admin have ads?
Neither Manual Reads nor Datawatch Admin shows ads.
Which is updated more often, Manual Reads or Datawatch Admin?
Manual Reads ships an update every 3 weeks, and Datawatch Admin every 3 months. Most recently, Manual Reads was updated on October 24, 2026 and Datawatch Admin on October 20, 2026.

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