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Next-gen software platforms enable progressive modernization without wiping away existing investments in data models and integrations
What does the term “Modernizing Network Management” mean to you? Generally, most electric utility professionals would likely say that modernizing network management entails upgrading their current network infrastructure and staying up to date with cutting-edge technology developments. Unfortunately, that’s easier said than done. While energy providers acknowledge the obvious shift towards data-driven operational models, the best way to leverage new analytic, cloud and mobile technologies in a scalable and cost-effective manner is often less obvious.
Despite this, utilities know that geospatial technology is an essential enabler for reimagining and transforming their energy delivery infrastructure. And while almost every utility uses Geographic Information Systems (GIS) as their system of record for as-built infrastructure, most have only scratched the surface regarding the value the technology offers.
The industry needs to bridge the digital divide
GIS has been delivering benefits to service providers for decades. Traditionally, location intelligence, like Thousands of utilities, whether electric, gas, water, sewer, stormwater have digitized their networks using Esri’s world leading ArcGIS. The software enables utilities to leverage spatial asset data to visualize, document and understand where their physical assets are located, thereby optimizing network maintenance and expansion initiatives. GIS has also enabled workflows for common business processes such as the introduction of smart meters, proactive maintenance scheduling and outage planning and recovery, in addition to many others.
Yet, utilities still find themselves at a technology crossroad regarding the best ways simplify and optimize network asset data management. In the face of increasing complexity, more utilities are looking to simplify and optimize their geospatial data analysis with the help light weight, cost-effective software platforms that can easily scale up as their needs change, while giving users the tools and maps they need to get their work done.
Spatial asset management solutions — an easier path to next-gen network management
No matter where a utility is in its migration journey, powerful web-based platforms are available to help them modernize their ArcGIS investment without starting over — spatial asset management solutions such as VertiGIS Networks. These systems offer an easier path for utilities to take advantage of next-generation network management without wiping away investments in their existing data model and integrations.
Depending on needs, timeline, and budget, energy providers have options to meet future network management requirements, without running the risk of compromising existing integrations with third party systems. They can still see immediate value from web-based tools that enable utilities to protect their current GIS infrastructure investments, no matter where the organization is on its migration journey:
- Utilities not migrating to UN (or undecided)
Getting more value out of GIS right now does not always require a migration to UN because utilities can achieve immediate value without the need for a complex data model upgrade. - Utilities planning a future migration
See results in minutes, not months and realize fast efficiency gains while adding functionalities as data becomes more complex. - Utilities already on UN
A powerhouse of functionalities are needed to boost their GIS investment, software such as VertiGIS Networks provides a high-performance suite of tools that put complex spatial data into action.
Six should haves for next-gen network management modernization software
Utilities are often trying to manage an expanding asset inventory, evolving software base and growing network infrastructure with a limited, or possibly shrinking workforce and resources. Its virtually impossible to administer such complexity without a spatial asset management solution that provides:
- Spatial Network Management SaaS
A state-of-the-art cloud infrastructure, that frees IT and GIS departments to focus on strategic growth rather than maintenance. Both data and applications should be handled entirely in a secure, SaaS environment, allowing uninterrupted daily operations for the production system. - Web-based access
Unlike traditional, difficult to manage and upgrade desktop tools, modern spatial asset management software should provide intuitive web-based applications that are accessible to more users, help streamline business processes and reduce GIS department bottlenecks. - The ability to leverage existing GIS infrastructure
Web-based spatial software should enable network asset data management that helps utilities realize immediate benefits no matter the underlying GIS data model. - A flexible and extensible framework
A platform that scales to meet complex and evolving requirements for major utilities and is adaptable to small energy providers is essential. - Seamless integration
It is increasingly important to ensure spatial asset data and apps are seamlessly integrated with ERP, asset management, CIS, and other critical systems to enable the creation of a cohesive digital twin for the utility network. - Domain-specific functionality
Specialized software, fully optimized for the utility domain, such as VertiGIS Networks offers features and out-of-the-box capabilities that can’t be matched by a one-size-fits-all generic web editor.
A critical need for comprehensive asset and network management capabilities
Modern spatial asset management solutions should also leverage the power of data to support two key applications:
- Asset Data Management
Asset Data Management is the heart of the utility industry, and cutting-edge software tools should easily integrate with Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems to ensure uninterrupted maintenance workflows. It should also fully support asset data management with current and accurate as-built documentation of the entire network that helps staff visualize data and make better, more strategic decisions. - Network Operations Management
Either now, or in the future, utilities need the most performant and modern solutions available to put sophisticated data models like Esri’s Utility Network into action. Energy providers can easily and efficiently document, edit and manipulate their network infrastructure and integrate existing business systems for maximum efficiency with specialized solutions such a VertiGIS Networks. The software supports data exchange to external systems, such as ERP, EAM, OMS, SCADA and CIS, allowing utilities to maintain current operational state across all processes.
Spatial asset management solutions offer energy providers tools to optimize modern network management, scale up as their needs change, and realize a fast returns on investment, while strategically positioning utilities to overcome the challenges of tomorrow.
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