> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://docs.axle.energy/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Participating in flexibility markets

> The lifecycle of a flexibility asset

Although markets vary in their details, there are a number of common steps that most assets will go through. Axle manages
this process on your behalf, from registering assets through to revenue.

<Steps>
  <Step title="Registering in the market" icon="pen">
    Typically the market operator will require the smart meter identifier (the [MPAN](https://smartmetercheck.citizensadvice.org.uk/meters/new?fuel_type=electricity) in the UK) and the asset type for us to register the asset. In some cases
    we'll need to know more, such as the asset's max power or capacity.

    There's typically a delay after an asset is registered before it can participate in the market. This is usually a few days, but can be longer in some cases.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Bidding" icon="circle-play">
    Axle will determine the optimal bidding strategy for your asset, based on the market rules and the asset's capabilities.

    Markets operate on different timescales. In some cases we'll be placing bids for the next day, in others we'll be placing bids weeks or months in advance.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Dispatch" icon="bolt">
    We'll deliver the contracted flexibility to the market operator by dispatching your assets, and collecting the requisite telemetry data.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Settlement" icon="money-bill">
    After a dispatch, we'll submit metering data to the market operator and collect the payment. We are typically able to
    estimate our earnings within 24hrs of a dispatch, but the final settlement can take weeks or months, depending on the market.
  </Step>
</Steps>