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Written by Steve Grise, GM Utilities North America at VertiGIS
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What if the Operational Vision for GIS we Built Decades Ago Has Outlived its Efficacy?
Utility companies are facing increasing pressure to modernize their IT ecosystems to meet operational demands, regulatory requirements, and the growing expectations of their customers. At the same time, they must transform their infrastructure to deliver efficient, reliable services in a rapidly evolving landscape. However, many modernization efforts overly focus on technical upgrades—like migrating data models or deploying advanced tools—without sufficient attention to the actual business workflows or the needs of on-the-ground employees interacting with these systems daily.
Can GIS Keep Up? We Need a Different Approach to Tackling Today’s Utility Challenges
This approach often leads to underutilized investments and unrealized goals. Instead, by evaluating “patterns of use”—the way employees and workflows interact with IT systems—utilities can craft modernization strategies tailored to their needs. This blog explores the role of Geographic Information Systems (GIS), such as Esri’s ArcGIS, in creating efficient and effective IT modernization pathways for the utility industry.
The Role of GIS in Utility Management
GIS is foundational to many utilities’ modernization efforts. Platforms such as Esri’s ArcGIS® facilitate the management, analysis, and visualization of critical network asset data, providing not just locations but meaningful insights into utility networks.
GIS supports workflows tied to nearly every core business function of a utility, including:
- Capital Projects – Optimizing the replacement of aging infrastructure.
- Smart Meter Programs – Enhancing precision through geolocation data and live links to customer consumption data and status.
- Proactive Maintenance – Identifying potential issues before they escalate.
- Emergency Management – Mapping incidents like pipeline breaks for efficient resolution.
These workflows depend on GIS functioning as more than just a static data repository—it becomes a dynamic system of record, centralizing asset data and streamlining decision-making. Modern GIS tools like Esri’s Utility Network (UN) are now enabling utilities to move beyond static data models by supporting real-time operations and advanced analytics.
Asset Data Management vs. Network Operations Management
To harness the full potential of GIS, utilities need to understand the distinction between Asset Data Management (ADM) and Network Operations Management (NOM):
- Asset Data Management (ADM)
This encompasses maintaining static records for individual assets. Essentially, there is a contract between GIS apps and other enterprise systems to manage assets through their lifecycle that needs to be honored. This involves capturing data such as:
• Location: Geographic placement of assets like valves, transformers, or pumps.
• Attributes: Specifications, including manufacturer, installation date, or maintenance history.
• Lifespan: Rules for splitting and retiring assets, along with insights into future replacement
or service needs - Network Operations Management (NOM)
NOM focuses on real-time, dynamic processes to monitor and respond to changing system conditions:
• Is a water valve open or closed? How does this impact hydraulic pressure?
• How is electrical flow being managed, and how could renewable energy sources affect loads?
While both are critical, NOM inherently requires advanced data models and processing capabilities. Tools such as Esri’s Utility Network make these options technologically feasible, but implementing them may not always align with a utility’s budget, resources, or immediate needs.
Why Do Patterns of Use Matter?
Looking at patterns of use provides a critical framework for utilities exploring ways to optimize GIS-based modernization strategies. The three primary benefits are:
- Optimizing Technology Investments
Utilities that rely primarily on GIS for Asset Data Management may not benefit enough from advanced NOM capabilities to justify their cost. Conversely, if dynamic decision-making is central to operations, tools like Esri’s Utility Network become essential. Aligning investments with actual use cases ensures that every dollar spent delivers measurable value. - Avoiding Overspending
A common pitfall for utilities is adopting high-fidelity data models and systems without a clear business need. High costs and usability challenges often offset the advantages of added functionality. By tailoring modernization to patterns of use, utilities can prevent unnecessary expenses while maintaining operational focus. - Improving User Adoption
Successful modernization requires buy-in from end-users. Most employees interact with GIS through applications, not databases. Creating intuitive, user-friendly web and mobile apps ensures that employees at all technical levels can access and leverage GIS tools, driving higher adoption rates and boosting productivity.
Leveraging Modern Web and Mobile Apps
Prioritizing web and mobile app development is a straightforward yet powerful modernization strategy for utility businesses. These applications lower the skill barriers for employees and improve workflow flexibility by offering anytime, anywhere access to GIS data. Examples of benefits include:
- Enhanced Field Operations: Utility workers use web and mobile apps to access and update GIS data in real-time, ensuring accuracy and efficiency, resulting in faster response times and improved customer service.
- Improved Workforce Training: User-friendly app interfaces simplify onboarding and training. Interactive tutorials and modules help new employees adapt quickly.
- Real-Time Data Access and Analysis: Web and mobile apps offer instant GIS data access, enabling quick analysis and decision-making—vital during emergencies.
- Cost Savings: Web and mobile apps are cost-effective, requiring less infrastructure and maintenance than desktop systems. Cloud-based scalability further minimizes expenses.
- Customer Engagement: Apps improve customer experience with self-service portals, real-time outage maps, and notifications. Customers can report issues and receive updates directly.
Compared to full-scale data migrations, these applications are more cost-efficient and faster to deliver tangible value.
Building Flexible, Configurable Solutions
Utilities often face highly specific operational requirements. Investing in configurable software solutions rather than custom-built systems allows enterprises to maintain flexibility while staying aligned with budgetary constraints. These modular tools can adapt to changing needs without requiring expensive, time-consuming redesigns, ensuring future compatibility with evolving IT landscapes.
Shifting to an Application-First Approach
Utilities should rethink modernization by starting with applications rather than immediately overhauling data models. This approach emphasizes functionality, use cases, and user workflows. Benefits include:
- Quick Wins: Targeted solutions deliver immediate efficiencies and cost reductions.
- User-Centric Design: Focused efforts result in tools employees use daily, ensuring higher adoption.
- Scalable Modernization: Advanced data migrations can be phased in, aligning with business growth and operational needs.
By centring modernization strategies around the real-world ways GIS supports employees and processes, utilities can build a strong foundation that maximizes value while minimizing complexity.
Laying a Foundation for Future Growth
Utilities that base their modernization strategies on patterns of use rather than blanket technology upgrades position themselves for sustainable success. With streamlined workflows and accessible applications, these organizations can confidently scale their capabilities when business challenges demand advanced tools.
Final Takeaway
IT modernization for utilities doesn’t have to mean investing in every available technology. By examining existing patterns of use, prioritizing application strategies, and aligning technology investments with actual needs, utilities can modernize smarter—not harder.
Looking to enhance your GIS systems with a practical, application-driven approach? Reach out to our team to discover how we can help you optimize your operations today.
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