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A First Look at Esri’s New Utility Network Migration Toolset
Since the launch of Esri’s Utility Network (UN) in 2018, organizations worldwide have recognized its incredible potential—providing higher fidelity geospatial data, a more reliable system of record for assets, and the capabilities to run advanced network operations through a web-services architecture. But for many utility organizations still relying on Geometric Network-based databases, the path toward transitioning to this modern solution has often been met with challenges.
That’s all about to change. Esri’s new Utility Network Migration Toolset (formerly named Utility Network Builder) is paving the way for a simplified, faster approach to migrating from Geometric Networks to the modern Utility Network. The new tool[1] is a promising step for small and mid-sized utility businesses wanting to move to UN. Curious about how this tool works, and why could it be a game-changer? Read on as we explore this innovation and how the pairing with VertiGIS Networks redefines modern network management.
The Evolution of the Utility Network Migration Process
Over the past few years, Esri and their partner ecosystem have continuously refined migration processes to address common challenges faced by utility organizations. Traditionally, transitioning to the Utility Network meant overhauling an entire data model through complex and often manual processes—mapping existing data to a pre-configured Utility Network Foundation model built specifically for industry domains like electricity and water. While these models offer immense benefits, including advanced capabilities like network diagrams, subnetwork management, and rule-based topological validation, the complexity and time investment required posed a significant barrier to entry.
Esri’s new Utility Network Migration Toolset could provide significant relief for data migration projects. Rather than relying on rigid, pre-defined schema models, this tool enables organizations to quickly create a Utility Network model based on the structure of their existing GIS datasets.
Key Features of the Utility Network Migration Toolset:
- Custom Utility Networks:
The new tool builds a Utility Network based on your current point, line, and polygon feature classes. Adapting to a completely new schema is no longer necessary—your data determines the starting configuration.
- Simplified Setup:
Instead of requiring intensive data model overhauls, users simply populate a geoprocessing tool to produce a simpler, functional Utility Network in minutes.
- Scalable Capabilities:
While the initial configuration supports basic editing and tracing workflows, organizations can gradually incorporate advanced capabilities like associations, diagrams, and non-spatial objects—only as needed.
By reducing upfront complexity, this tool eliminates one of the biggest barriers to modernizing network management.
Bridging the Migration Process with VertiGIS Networks
The value of Esri’s Utility Network Migration Toolset extends even further when paired with the right application layer, such as VertiGIS Networks—the world’s most advanced application suite for network asset data management. VertiGIS Networks fully leverages the capabilities of the Utility Network, empowering utility organizations to digitize and automate asset management processes across the entire utility business.
Here’s how VertiGIS Networks can supercharge your utility workflows, so your staff spends less time on admin tasks:
- Validate Business Workflows in Real-Time:
Implementing VertiGIS Networks can happen at the start of your migration journey. It allows your organization to see existing data alongside the migrated data and validate it you’re your users throughout the migration process. This means avoiding the risks of a “big bang” rollout to your team and ensures that business workflows remain uninterrupted when you’re ready to switch off the old system. See immediate value from a solution that grows with you in the future and builds buy-in and excitement within your organization from day one.
- Web and Mobile-First Technology in your Environment or in the Cloud:
VertiGIS Networks delivers cutting-edge tools for both web and mobile platforms, enabling your organization to modernize how you manage and interact with network asset data and operational workflows. Install software on-prem or run it in VertiGIS state-of-the-art SaaS infrastructure to drive down operational cost and speed up time-to-value like never before.
- Future-Forward Readiness:
Whether you’re managing aging infrastructure or preparing for significant network expansion, VertiGIS Networks equips utility organizations with tools designed to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s demands. Adopting VertiGIS Networks as part of your migration strategy sets the stage for years of efficient, sustainable network and business management across different departments.
The Road Ahead for Utility Organizations
While Esri’s Utility Network Migration Toolset is only available for an Early Adopter Community for now, it’s a promising step for small and mid-sized utility businesses wanting to make the move to UN. To fully leverage the huge potential of the UN data model, VertiGIS Networks provides cutting-edge applications you can even leverage before a data migration. The transition is no longer just about better data—it’s about delivering unmatched efficiency and scalability for your business.
Join over 50 global customers leveraging VertiGIS expertise for seamless UN migration and application planning. Our team of seasoned experts is here to guide you every step of the way, ensuring a smooth and successful transition. Let’s start a conversation about your migration plans and operational needs today.
[1] The Utility Network Migration Tool is currently only available for a private Early Adopter Community, but it’s scheduled to release publicly very soon!
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