A dosing device or system for dispensing a plurality of tablets , which each comprise at least one active ingredient for an automatic washing process, into an automatic washing machine , wherein the dosing device or system is for dispensing one or more, but not all, of the plurality of tablets at once into the automatic washing machine, wherein the dosing device or system comprises: a container for storing the plurality of tablets, wherein the container comprises an exit port ; an outlet for delivering the one or more tablets from the container into the automatic washing machine; a metering mechanism located between the exit port of the container and the outlet, wherein the metering mechanism comprises a wheel which is rotatable between a first position, in which the one or more tablets are receivable from the exit port, and a second position in which the one or more tablets are deliverable to the outlet; and a housing defining a cylindrical space in which the wheel is positioned, wherein the cylindrical space comprises a longitudinal axis; wherein the cylindrical space of the housing comprises an inlet opening extending in a first direction for receiving the one or more tablets from the exit port of the container, and an output opening for delivering the one or more tablets to the outlet; wherein the rotation axis of the wheel is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the rotation axis of the wheel is substantially transverse the first direction; wherein the separation between the wheel and the inlet opening is maximised when the wheel is in the first position, and wherein the separation between the wheel and the output opening is maximised when the wheel is in the second position. preferably wherein the dosing device or system is for dispensing only one tablet at once, characterised in that the wheel comprises a plurality of teeth , which extend around the circumference of the wheel. a container for storing the plurality of tablets, wherein the container comprises an exit port ; an outlet for delivering the one or more tablets from the container into the automatic washing machine; a metering mechanism located between the exit port of the container and the outlet, wherein the metering mechanism comprises a wheel which is rotatable between a first position, in which the one or more tablets are receivable from the exit port, and a second position in which the one or more tablets are deliverable to the outlet; and a housing defining a cylindrical space in which the wheel is positioned, wherein the cylindrical space comprises a longitudinal axis; wherein the cylindrical space of the housing comprises an inlet opening extending in a first direction for receiving the one or more tablets from the exit port of the container, and an output opening for delivering the one or more tablets to the outlet; wherein the rotation axis of the wheel is substantially parallel to the longitudinal axis, and wherein the rotation axis of the wheel is substantially transverse the first direction; wherein the separation between the wheel and the inlet opening is maximised when the wheel is in the first position, and wherein the separation between the wheel and the output opening is maximised when the wheel is in the second position. <EOS>