El Paso Energy's - Field force automation project
The WCO Approach to applying Mobile computing
As mentioned previously, we separated our work processes into four major categories consisting
of Preliminary Survey; As-Built Construction, Final Survey; and Operations & Maintenance.
Let’s take a look at how workforce computing will be applied within each of these areas.
Preliminary Sumev - Tennessee traditionally outsources survey worlq so we wanted a technical
solution that could easily be used by contract survey and engineering companies. In the past, we
had not utilized the data gathered by our contractors during preliminary surveys to populate our
tradhional facility management application. However, in the new world, we wanted to capture
information regarding our proposed routes from the very beginning and prevent employees from
spending time on duplicative data entry tasks. Our deployment of an AM/FM/GIS product that
could operate independent of the server greatly enhanced our ability to gather and manage this
survey data from the early planning stages right through to construction and ongoing operations.
The first step of our process was to create a proposed route on scanned USGS quadrangle maps.
The scanned images were georeferenced to our selected map projection. For this project we
selected Alberse Equal Area projection based on the WGS84 ellipsoid. This projection was
chosen because it allows us to maintain a seamless coordinate base over the entire extents of the
pipeline system. The selection of the map projection was a critical step in the inital design of our
AM/FM/GIS system to ensure that all subsequent information gathered and entered into the
system is spatially correct. We included these projection and DATUM standards as part of all our
survey and aerial photography standards. The establishment of these standards will vary
depending on where your facilities are located throughout the world and how you want to map
these facilities, but the importance of making this decision during the design stages of your GIS
project can’t be emphasized enough. There have been many books written on various aspects of
establishing these standards, but we found that seeking the advice of a recognized expert
consultant in this field provided the best results, saving both time and money over the long run.
Next, we selected a survey engineering contractor who understood our specifications and would
work with us on designing the automated process to gather our data in the most cost effective
manner. We determined that it would be best to use a smaller, less costly data recorder with an
integrated GPS (Geographic Positioning System) interfkce. Since GPS seems to be one of those
loosely defined technologies floating around the industry, we again wanted to be ve~ specific in
defining our contract specifications. This is another area where a reputable consultant can help
you set realistic expectations regarding accuracy and costs. The GPS technology is changing
daily, so it is important to become well educated on the subject if you intend to include it in any of
your work processes.
As-Built Construction - The second business process we tackled, As-Built Constructio~
comprises a group of data gathering tasks usually pefiormed by one of our inspectors or field
engineers before the pipe is lowered into the ditch. During this process, the field crew records a
variety of information about the facilities under constructio~ primarily on paper-based forms. In
the fiture, much of the process will be automated. For example, when we establish stationing for
the line we currently use the slope chaining method, which means a chaining crew takes
measurements after the pipe is welded and before it’s lowered into the ditch. Although the survey
method for collecting the information will remain the same, slope stationing with a steal tape, the
medium onto which the data is collected will be automated. Using the new data collection
scdbvare, an inspector can walk the pipeline recording all of the attributes associated with the
pipeline including bends, PI’s material and coatings. Certain cultural features such as roads,
streams, fence lines, etc. are also recorded.
After the data is entered into the data recorder, it is transported to a larger computer which is in
the construction control center. This is the main assembly point and a more extensive data
validation is performed. If errors are noted, the individual does a quick re-verification in the field
and enters the correction back in the computer. Selecting rugged computers designed for field
work makes it easier to take the units to the site to make the final corrections. As part of the
overall design requirements, we made sure that all components were developed according to
Microsoft’s ODBC and COM standards. This allows for the free flow of data between all
applications.
Final Survev - The third component of workforce automation is the Final Survey. This activity
occurs tier the pipe has been lowered into the ground and covered. At this point, we can locate
the pipe and associated facilities accurately using GPS technologies. Using pipe locators
integrated with our ruggedmd computers and GPS receivers, we can accurately locate major
horizontal and vertical PI’s. Through a series of algorithms in our pipeline data collection
software, we can combine this coordinate information from the GPS, with the stationing data
collected during the construction survey. With the horizonal and vertical PI’s located we can
calculate coordinates for all other station information from the construction survey. By using this
two survey approach our field inspectors do not have to get into the ditch to locate the pipe, and
the construction survey crews are not delaying the process of lowering in and back filling the pipe.
Prior to our final survey load, we segxegate this information in a disconnected AM/FM/GIS which
is running on our construction computer. We cycle changes between the data recorder process
and a simulated upload. The reason that we keep the data in this mode is for the flexibility to
change any data components. After it is committed to the primary system we have designed our
business rules to make it more difficult to change any feature. Since much of this work has been
outsourced we also needed the ability to operate in a disconnected mode.
Operations and Maintenance - Once the construction and survey tiormation is loaded into the
main AM/FM/GIS systeq we are ready to address the final piece of the project, Operations and
Maintenance (O&M). Applying the mobile computing product to ongoing O&M work was of
primary interest since O&M activities represents the most significant area of day to day work for
our field personnel.
One of the first O&M processes addressed was monthly motor patrols, and we learned some
interesting lessons about using our technology during initial pilot activities. During this process, a
member of the pipeline crew drives the area along our pipeline corridor. They observe Conditions
at every road crossing throughout their district. We determined this would be an excellent way to
take GPS readings to correct our pipeline corridor information in the ANUFIWGIS system. We
installed a ruggedized computer and the associated GPS equipment in one of our pipeline crew
trucks. The field employee approached the first road crossing and turned to drive up the
right-of-way. We caught up with him and explained that we needed him to stay on the road, just
lie he did each month when he pdormed the motor patrol. After explaining ourselves a little
better we were able to perform the first test of the new work process. It worked pretty well. The
problem we encountered, however, was that the icons on the screen were to small to see in the
truck.
Then the employee hit us with the next problem - whereto place the truck so that we can collect
the GPS reading. It’s one thing to straddle a curb out in the country someplace, but most
residential areas would not look kindly on us driving through their yards! In just a few minutes,
we could clearly see the importance of developing these types of applications in the field itself
We’d have never thought of this problem in an office environment. Our solution here, working
with the so~are developer and our GPS consultant, was to design a touch screen application
that allows the crew to perform the complete task without leaving the vehicle. Our pipeline has
pipeline markers on each side of the road at every road crossing. The driver simply pulls to the
732?side of the ro@ stops the truck in limewith the markers, and touches the “receive GPS” icon on
the screen. Within about 30 seconds the computer emits a tone, and the employee uses a
pen-based tool to select crossing conditions, vehicle locatio~ and enters notes and comments as
necessary. An area map is displayed showing the road network for the area they are working in
with the pipeline route displayed. The system continually positions the map to the area being
observed. We have our pipeline broken into grids which represents the geographic information
stored on a CD. As the driver crosses into a new CD grid the system beeps to tiorm them to
load the CD covering the new area.This grid approach helps us control file updates and reduces
the number of CD’screated during the year. We use this process to track updates to our landbase
fmtures which have been outsourced to a landbase information provider and data integrator.
We also developed an application to record new streets and roads. When the driver notices a new
road, he simply selects “record new road” which begins recording the path of the truck using the
GPS unit and the truck-mounted computer. The GPS unit gathers points every few seconds and
the computer displays the new road route. The crew enters attribute information regarding the
new road and de-activates the GPS tracking at the end of the new road. The new road continues
to show as a redline layer until it is loaded into the landbase portion of our system and a new CD
is created.
Other O & M processes which we have included are: encroachment and surveillance reporting;
regulator and relief value inspections; gas leak and failure reporting; repair and replacement
reporting; meter installation and odorant testing; and the annual house count. We have also
included support for our right-of -way (ROW) agents. These agents are assigned to our division
offices but spend most of their time gathering and updating parcel Mormation along the pipeline.
Working closely with our field agents and representatives from our Houston right-of-way office,
the development team designed an application which allows for the recording of pertinent ROW
information. Through this application the agents can access the associated documents which have
been scanned and stored in the document management system. These documents are downloaded
to CD’s using the same grid control process described earlier. This process is helping reduce the
number of right-of-way files being maintained throughout our division and district offices, and
makes them more accessible in the field at the point where they’re most needed. In addition to
our right-of-way files, we have also protided access to detail design drawings and various
operating manuals which are stored in the document management system. Relying on the viewing
capabilities of our field MWI?M/GIS applications we are able to provide our worldorce with
access to the documents they need to perilorm their daily work assignments, This design keeps
things simple for our field forces by giving them a consistent look and f=l for all of their field
processes.
Final Thoughts
In summary, there are a few points which need to be stressed when approaching a workforce
automation project:
- Secure executive management’s support,
- Select a pilot location where management supports the project,
- Conduct as much of your work as possible in the pilot locatio%
- Get representatives i%omyour workforce involved in the design of each work flow,
- Match your equipment with the process and let the people that are expected to use it be
involved in the equipment selectio~
- Use experts to help with the technical decisions,
- Be flexible and expect to make changes when it hits the field, and
- Use a hands-on training approach and impossible get members of your worldorce to train at
other locations to “test” your approach.
AM/FM/GIS technology can provide the tools needed to control and manage the large volumes of
data associated with a pipeline system. Including a mobile computing solution as part of the
overall approach enables you to gather accurate facility information dmectly at the source, and
reduce the amount of time and money spent on building and maintaining your system.
