Introduction
Our team recently delivered a transformative project focused on technical asset efficiency and management for an electricity distribution company, utilizing Geographic Information Systems (GIS) to optimize their operations.
Project Overview
The company faced challenges with asset management, including outdated manual processes, inefficient resource allocation, and difficulty in tracking and maintaining their extensive network of electrical infrastructure. These issues led to increased operational costs, reduced efficiency, and difficulty in maintaining reliable service delivery. Other challenges include
- Integration with existing infrastructure
- Ensuring minimal disruption during the transition
- Training personnel during the handover phase to designated operators
The Goal
The primary goal was to implement a solution that would streamline asset management, enhance resource allocation, and improve the overall efficiency of the company’s operations. The objective was to create a responsive and adaptive system that could provide real-time data, improve decision-making, and reduce operational costs. The GIS-based solution for electricity utility was the go-to, especially due to it’s geospatial capabilities and capacities.
Asset Management Software (AMS) is a digital solution that helps organizations track, manage, and optimize their assets, physical or otherwise..
— Qualitrol Corp
The Process
1. Assessment and Planning
I began by conducting a thorough assessment of the company’s existing asset management processes and infrastructure. This involved identifying key pain points and areas where GIS could provide the most significant improvements.
2. Field Capture and Validation
I engaged and managed a team that was responsible for the day-to-day field capture of technical assets. This include all standard infrastructure that enable electricity to be distributed to the final target, the consumers.
3. GIS Implementation
I designed and implemented a custom GIS solution tailored to the company’s specific electricity distribution system/needs. This system integrated with existing databases, developed a customized well-suited database and provided real-time mapping of all assets, including power lines, transformers, and substations.
4. Training and Support
To ensure the successful adoption of the new system, we provided comprehensive training for the company’s staff, enabling them to utilize the GIS tools effectively. I carried along various stakeholders of the technical assets value chain, including Projects team, Network Planning, Enumerations team etc., to ensure a centralised data is reflective on all users and stakeholders across board. I also offered ongoing support to address any technical issues and optimize the system over time.
The Solution
- Detailed present day capture of the standard technical assets
- Validated assets that represent what they are on the field
- Geo-spatially referenced mapped assets that can be shared, analysed remotely
- Richly analyzed data for decision making and data intelligence
The Result
The implementation of the GIS solution resulted in a significant improvement in the company’s asset management capabilities. The company experienced increased operational efficiency, reduced costs, and better decision-making due to real-time data availability. This project demonstrated our ability to deliver impactful technical solutions that drive business success.
