As a Charge Point Operator (CPO), managing an expanding network of EV charging stations requires precision, consistency, and efficient workflows. Virta Hub’s Batch Operation Tools are designed to help you achieve all three, enabling you to perform actions and updates across multiple charging stations or pools simultaneously.

By reducing repetitive manual tasks, these tools help streamline daily operations, improve data accuracy, and free up valuable time so you can focus on strategic network growth and reliability.

This guide explains what batch operations are, how to use them effectively, and how to monitor your progress for optimal results.

In this guide, we will cover: 

1. What are batch operations?
2. Core maintenance and control actions 
3. Advanced batch editing for stations and pools
4. Step-by-Step Instructions 
5. Best Practices and Monitoring 
6. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) 

1. What are batch operations?

Batch operations allow you to select multiple charging stations or pools and apply a single action to all of them at once. It reduces repetitive manual work, ensures consistent configuration, and simplifies network-wide maintenance. 

Whether it’s rebooting, updating firmware, updating station configurations, or editing pool details, batch operations help to keep your network management efficient and consistent. 

Typical use cases include:

• Rebooting multiple stations after connectivity issues.
• Updating multiple stations with the same configuration.
• Running firmware updates to identical station models.
• Updating station or pool data for regulatory compliance (e.g., AFIR).

2. Core maintenance and control actions

Virta Hub’s batch tools offer several maintenance and control options that simplify ongoing network management. 

Station Control
Reboot multiple stations (either a hardware or software reboot) at the same time to resolve common connectivity or performance issues and maximise uptime.

Firmware Updates 
Deploy firmware updates across multiple stations in a single action. To ensure compatibility, this operation requires that all selected stations are the same model and share the same current firmware version.

Configuration Changes 
 Adjust specific hardware configuration keys for multiple stations of the same model simultaneously.

Archiving 
When stations are decommissioned, you can archive them in bulk to keep your active network view clean and current.

3. Advanced batch editing for stations and pools

To further enhance efficiency and support regulatory requirements like AFIR, or just updating your charging site with up-to-date location information and properties, Virta Hub includes extensive batch editing capabilities for both station and pool properties. This allows you to harmonise data across your network with just a few clicks.

Note:

Please note that batch updates apply the same value to all selected items. When you use batch edits, any changes you make will update all selected stations or pools with the same values. If you only want to update a specific property, change only that field and leave the others unchanged.

For Stations, you can edit:

• Pool assignment (i.e. into which pool selected stations should be moved)
• Electrical feed (select electrical feed for the selected stations)
• Administrative Status (In service, In maintenance, etc.)
• Capabilities (stations' capabilities, i.e. Plug & Charge, Reservable, Credit card support, etc.)
• Other capabilities (if not listed above)
• Other location information (additional info about stations)

For Pools, you can edit:

Basic information:

• Organisation (=owner of the pool)
• Administrative Status (In service, In maintenance, etc.)
• Access and visibility
• Hide this pool
• One-time payment (allowing non-registered drivers to pay online)
• Free usage (no authentication)
• Parking Type
• Accessibility (Public parking, Toll parking, etc.)
• Last mile description (instructions to drivers)

Additional information:

• Parking Type (Parking lot, Underground garage, etc.)
• Number of parking spaces
• Parking spaces for disabled people
• Opening Times (for pools in the same time zone)
• Vehicle Types (suitability for Bus, Truck, Passenger car, etc.) 
• Other vehicle types (if not listed above) 
• On-site Facilities (facilities nearby, e.g. restaurant, etc.) 
• Other facility types (if not listed above) 
• Personnel on site  (yes or no) 
• Energy supplied is 100% renewable (yes or no) 

4. How to use batch operations

Virta Hub’s batch operation tools are designed to be intuitive. Here’s how to use them:

Step 1: Select Your Stations or Pools

1. Navigate to the “Stations” tab in Virta Hub.
2. Use search and filter tools (e.g., by manufacturer, model, or status) to refine your list.
3. Tick the checkboxes next to each station or pool you want to include or select all in the available actions. 

Step 2: Choose a Batch Action

• When you select two or more items, a available actions appears on the right-hand side of the screen.
• Choose your desired batch operation, such as:
  • Control Stations
  • Update Firmware
  • Edit Stations
  • Edit Pools
  • Edit Configuration
     

Step 3: Execute the Operation

Follow the on-screen instructions:

• Reboots: Choose between hard (hardware) or soft (software) reboot.
• Firmware Updates: Please ensure the selected stations are the same model and version, then provide the firmware URL or select a firmware file from Virta Hub’s library to begin the update.
• Editing Pools or Stations: Select which fields to modify, set new values, and save your changes. 

Step 4: Monitor Progress

• Batch operations run in the background, so you can continue working. 
• To see the progress, go to Notifications from the bell icon on the right top corner to find Ongoing Batch Jobs view which lists all ongoing batch operations in the organisation. 
• Toast notifications will alert you and your colleagues of progress and completion.
• Click a notification to view detailed operation status. 
  If a batch operation stalls, Virta Hub will automatically cancel it after five hours. 

5. Best practices for reliable batch operations

To make the most of Virta Hub’s batch tools:

• Double-check that the stations' model and version are the same before performing firmware updates.
• Set a small batch first to confirm desired setup and outcomes.
• Monitor progress regularly through the notifications panel.
• Archive periodically unused stations and pools to keep your station list clean.

Start updates during low-usage hours to minimise downtime.

6. Frequently Asked Questions

1: Can I perform batch operations on stations from different manufacturers? 
You can perform most control actions (like reboots) across different manufacturers, but firmware and configuration updates require all stations to be the same model and version.

2: What happens if one station fails during a batch operation? 
The system will continue processing the remaining stations and flag the failed ones for your review. You can check detailed logs to troubleshoot the issue. Hanging batch operations will be cancelled after five hours.

3: How long do batch operations usually take? 
Duration depends on the action type and the number of stations. Reboots and edits are typically quick, whereas firmware updates can take longer due to the time required for downloading and installation. Any physical station-related batch operation (FW, configuration, reboot) is dependent on network connectivity. 

4: Can I cancel a batch operation once it starts? 
If batch operation can’t be manually stopped mid-process, but any operation that remains incomplete after 5 hours is automatically cancelled by the system. However, some batch operations, such as firmware updates, cannot be stopped if the station has already started performing them.

5: Are batch edits traceable for audit purposes? 
Yes. Virta Hub provides notification logs for every batch action, including the time, user, and affected assets, ensuring full traceability and supporting compliance audits.

6: Can I move my charging stations in batches to a new pool? 
Yes. Simply select the stations you wish to move, choose Edit Stations, and select the new pool to relocate them efficiently.

Managing a large charging network doesn’t have to be complex or time-consuming. With Virta Hub’s Batch Operation Tools, you can automate repetitive tasks, standardise network configurations, and maintain regulatory compliance effortlessly. 

That’s it. You now know:

• What batch operations are and how they enhance efficiency
• Key maintenance and editing actions you can perform in batch
• Step-by-step instructions for executing and monitoring operations
• Best practices for reliable, scalable charging stations management

By mastering Virta Hub’s batch tools, you can operate your network with greater speed, consistency, and precision, saving time to focus on strategic business growth and service quality.

If you have any questions, your customer success manager or our support team are always happy to help.