Data Conversion - Still The Biggest Challenge

Pilot Phase Results
Prior to proceeding with the Pilot Project development efforts, the Project Team identified the following key requirements that would be used to measure the success of the pilot:

AM/FM/GIS Component
- establish a full featured prototype database.
- demonstrate drawing and report generation capabilities.
- demonstrate linkage between facility representations in various drawing files (eg. in layout and related detail drawing) and associated attribute files.
Technical Document Management Component
- demonstrate computerized indexing and storage of technical documents.
- demonstrated accessing, display, and plotting of stored documents.
Computer Aided Drafting Component
- demonstrate ability to create drawings using CAD tools.
- demonstrate ability to edit digital files using raster/vector edit tools.
- demonstrate user-friendly plotting environment.
Engineering Design Process
- demonstrate document of facilities through design and construction processes.
- demonstrate capability to apply geometric constructs to facilities design and placement.
- demonstrate ability to manage facilities through various stages of design and construction.

The project team confirmed that the success criteria were met in many cases exceeded expectations.

A conversion vendor was used for conversion of existing records during the pilot. One of the objectives was to evaluate the conversion process by using a conversion vendor. The data provided was found to be of good quality and the process cost-effective.

Data Conversion
In late 1994a data conversion RFQ was prepared to invite and review potential vendors for the project. In early 1995, a short list of 3 vendors were identified and an RFP was issued. The winning vendor was selected primarily based on price and although they had significant conversion experience, they had little experience with our platform for an electric project.