| GISdevelopment.net ---> GITA 1999 ---> Exploiting Field and Mobile Technologies |
Field-Based AM/FM Data Access Empowers Illinois Power Staff
Richard H. Chapman
Process Consultant
Illinois Power Company
500 South 27ti St.
Decatur, IL 62525
Philip S. Won-all
ids General Manager
Director of GIS Production Technology
Analytical Surveys Inc. (ASI)
MSE Corporation Customer Service Center
941 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Richard H. Chapman
Process Consultant
Illinois Power Company
500 South 27ti St.
Decatur, IL 62525
Philip S. Won-all
ids General Manager
Director of GIS Production Technology
Analytical Surveys Inc. (ASI)
MSE Corporation Customer Service Center
941 N. Meridian Street
Indianapolis, IN 46204
Introduction
Illinois Power Company uses an enterprise-wide Area Resource Management (ARM) system for managing essential intlastructure data that helps to reduce operating costs and improve customer service. As part of this solution, widespread deployment of the AM/FM/GIS data asset and technology to the field provides a strategic business advantage in an increasingly competitive industry.
Illinois Power Company currently supports the following three mission-critical field applications using a single digital map publishing service product, ids, delivered on CD-ROM.
Deployment Rationale
As the original justification and logistics of a field deployment solution were being developed, Illinois Power considered the data as being “just maps” for viewing by field operations crews and engineering representatives. The users as well as uses of the digital map and associated data quickly broadened though, as other departments at the company were discovering uses for the data as well. Originally, the combined data and solution was treated as a “technology.” Now, it is considered a corporate information asset. We saw that the true value of the information is not fully realized until virtually every employee of the company can readily access it. Consequently, the value of the data as an information asset also increases in proportion to the scope of distribution and the number of users who can access it.
Overview
This presentation first outlines the field technology solutions that were implemented to provide laptop and pen-based PC, mobile communications, GPS and CD-ROM technologies to the field at Illinois Power. A discussion (and demonstration) of each of the three mission-critical field applications then follows. Throughout, “lessons learned” are presented to highlight and summarize important aspects of each component.
ARM Field Technology Implemenation
Field Hardware and Software Components
Providing field access to corporate data assets requires hardware and software tools with very specific capabilities. Fortunately, many powerful off-the-shelf solutions are available at costs that continue to decrease. The following table shows field technology resources and users at Illinois Power as of November 1998.
In-office support functions and staff are essential to successful field deployment of AM/FM/GIS data. To effectively support the field with Dispatch, Engineering, Operations and GIS Maintenance activities requires access to a “common” or consistent view of the digital map data. Corporate management and other personnel in Real Estate, Marketing, Economic Development, Automated Meter Reading, and Asset Tax Accounting have also found new uses for the field product and digital map data.
Lessons LearnedHardware/Software Resources and Users
CD-ROM Remote Mapping Application Users at Illinois Power
The premise behind the field deployment solution and each of the utility field applications was to keep the existing workflow intact and use technology to assist processes rather than re-engineer the workflows to fit the technologies. Under this strategy, the field deployment solution became an enabling technology. That is, the data existed, however the key was developing a technology solution to support the continued use of this data in the field (allowing business as usual). As an example, to accommodate Illinois Power’s legacy Customer Information System (CIS) and Trouble Outage System (TOS) databases, ARM was designed to allow for legacy facility identification numbers (transformer, switch, fhse, valve, regulator station numbers) to be duplicated among Illinois Power’s 12 original engineering service areas. For the field, customized searches were designed to accommodate this situation as well.
Field Deployment of Digital Map Data
Deployment followed a deliberate plan. Illinois Power realized that training was essential to users adopting the new PC-based technology. Training sessions were scheduled to coincide with area-by-area deployment in each of the 12 engineering service areas. Operations personnel (2-man gas and electric truck crews) and field engineering representatives were trained through a one-day hands-on classroom session followed with a one-day on-the-job training session in the field.
Field Deployment Timeline
Cost Justification
Justification for the field deployment technology was approached as an enterprise-wide strategy. First, the applications of individual organizations (departments) were justified and then combined. The combined justification was then leveraged to extend the technology throughout the company to all organizations. This added-value strategy allowed the entire company to benefit from the solution. For example, safety, emergency and scheduling issues were used to justify installation of more than 100 MDT ruggedized PC units containing GPS in the one-man crew trucks. With the MDT units in place, map viewing could easily be added. Justification of the MDT units for two-man trucks was based on map viewing requirements, which in turn, allowed the deployment of GPS. While the field solution was already justified to support the work process of field engineering representatives, the addition of Lotus Notes e-mail provided a tool to transmit redline notes graphics throughout the company. The Lotus Notes tool was a logical addition that streamlined and accelerated the workflow.
Lessons Learned
Utility Field Application -- Distribution/Records Maintenance
To fully understand how this application operates within Illinois Power, requires background information on the AMiFM data conversion project and ARM system. In 1991, Illinois Power started looking at the design, development and deployment of an Area Resource Management (ARM) system that would integrate a work management information system (wMIS), AM/FM system, and procedures for designing electric and gas distribution facilities. At the outset, Illinois Power was faced with a decision on how to provide facility source data for the AM/FM system. Two alternatives were considered: a field inventory of electric and gas facilities and conversion of data from existing paper maps and legacy system records.
Due to cost considerations, Illinois Power opted to convert existing data which was estimated to be 70°Ato 90V0 accurate across the 12 Illinois Power engineering areas. The currency of updates on maps and records also varied. Some districts had a six-month backlog of updates while others had two years worth of data. In 1994, during pilot conversion of the largest operating district, Illinois Power recognized that map accuracy was crucial and developed a map-viewing tool to enable all field personnel to view and note corrections to the data. In addition, a work process was identified to support the timely updating of this data. By deploying a map-viewing tool to all map data field users, accuracy could be verified in the field during routine work situations, providing essentially an “after-the-fact” field inventory.
As the digital maps on CD-ROM were rolled out to each operating district, field personnel were quick to note and report data errors and inconsistencies. Work process measures were defined and implemented for monitoring the process of performing map corrections. Performance according to specified standards has increased from 45% in 1997 to 86% in 1998. As a result, Illinois Power’s facility maps have been cleaned up, so staff have the most reliable and timely information possible today.
Field personnel submit corrections for further processing by creating a special work request (MAPE or MAPG) in WMIS. The corrected map data is then electronically forwarded to one of the two engineering Distribution Design Centers(DDC). Personnel at the DDC make the corrections on the ARM system and notify field personnel of the correction. Field personnel can then view changes on an ARM viewing station at a local office or print a copy of the correction. The correction is also included in the next quarterly release of the CD-ROM product. Through the Distribution/Records Maintenance work process, map corrections are incorporated into the AM/FM system within 10 working days of being identified initially by field personnel. Currently, over 80!%of all work requests are “closed” (mapping, billing and database updating completed) within 90 days of being initiated. These ongoing commitments to accuracy and data maintenance are timed with the quarterly release of updated map data.
Lessons Learned
As an in-field process, the application uses the mapping data on CD-ROM with the Personal Notes redline drafting took in the viewing software. In addition, digital mapping data is distributed by the LAN and used at the Distribution Design Centers with standard designs that do not require field engineering. During the 1995 reorganization, Illinois Power redefined the work process for the engineering of electric and gas distribution services. The new work process targeted four main objectives: improved customer service, standardizing engineering practices, empowering the engineering staff, and ensuring that technology improvements supported rather than dictated the process.
The foundation of the new work process was based on three sub-processes that were supported by the ARM system and each requiring access to timely and accurate map data. In turn, this access would enable the engineering staff to make and meet customer commitments, schedule resources effectively and make productivity improvements. Timely and accurate map data access was the catalyst for developing the CD-ROM remote mapping solution.
The LAN is also used to distribute the remote mapping solution to Construction Specialists at the Engineering Answer Center. By viewing electric and gas facility data while taking the customer work request by, the Construction Specialist can quickly determine whether a work request requires a standard design or custom engineering. Construction Specialists are then empowered to perform standard designs and schedule crew resources for work requests such as electric and gas service installation and. Because Construction Specialists now have immediate access to digital maps, the proper classification of requests as standard designs has increased from 500/0 to 85’%o.Currently, over 65% of customer work requests initiated by Construction Specialists are standard designs and can be scheduled immediately to work crews. The increased use of standard designs has allowed Illinois Power to improve customer service by making commitments to customers early in the work process. The time required to provide the services has also been reduced. In addition, the increased use of standard designs has reduced the amount of field engineering required, saving time and reducing engineering costs overall.
This is an example of a custom design completed on site, in the field by afield engineering representative. It is then electronica[iy forwarded to the DDC where designers draw the services andpost data on the ARM system.
Field engineering personnel perform custom engineering on site using the CD-ROM-based mapping data and redline drawing tools on laptop PCs. The map viewer software has tools for note making, drawing, and measuring. These allow designs to be documented on site. Telecommunication tools such as Lotus Notes are then used to electronically send design notes to the DDC. For a work request requiring custom engineering, the Construction Specialists at the DDC can view the map data to determine the geographical area and schedule the appropriate field engineering resources accordingly.
Lessons Learned
Among the major challenges of the remote mapping solution was supporting emergency management, electric circuit switching and identification of loop feeds in the gas system. During major electric and gas emergencies, Illinois Power field engineering personnel perform storm damage assessments and prepare restoration work packets for Operations. In the past, paper maps depicting electric circuits were used to transmit assessments. These maps functioned as road maps for crews and as an index key map of work packets required for restoration. The task facing the remote mapping solution was being able to convey the “big picture” of an electric circuit from seamless mapping data. A recent enhancement to the viewer software supports the ability to isolate (highlight) individual electric circuits or gas systems using the facilities attribute data. Field engineering personnel can now highlight a circuithystem and plot the trace for use as a road map and an index key map of restoration packets.
The storm damage assessment application is an in-field process that uses the mapping data on CD-ROM along with the viewer redline notes drafting tools. On a company-wide basis, within two hours of a weather emergency report or forecast Illinois Power storm assessment teams mobilize and converge on the affected area. This often occurs while the storm is still in progress. With the remote mapping solution, field personnel can immediately depict storm damage using the viewing software’s drawing tools for attaching notes to the map display. Marker symbols are also used to identify storm damage areas on the index key map. The marked damage areas can then be separated into work packets and dispatched to one or more restoration crews. The note and marker tools can also be used to document and monitor crew locations during the restoration effort.
Three major benefits of using the remote mapping system for damage assessment are quick performance of damage assessments, efficient management of restoration activities, and thorough documentation of facility replacements. Generally, the time required to perform the initial assessment of damage has been shortened from 48 to 24 hours. Quick turnaround of information on the area affected and the extent of damage has allowed Operations to more accurately estimate the number of restoration crews and amount of material required, relay precise locations and also direct restoration crews to major customer impact areas as a top priority. In addition, the documentation of damage and material requirements allows the field engineering personnel to transmit facility replacement information to the Distribution Design Centers so maps can be updated.
Lessons Learned
Among the fiture applications planned for the fieldkemote mapping solution are:
Illinois Power is successfully exploiting the use of mobile technology to increase the quality as well as quantity of digital information available to field staff. In addition, corporate and field office staff are finding new uses for the AM/FM information, increasing the value of this corporate data asset. Widespread distribution of the Illinois Power AM/FM data asset coupled with automated work management and the other key corporate database systems through ARM truly empower field personnel to leverage this valuable AM/FM data asset.
Key Lessons Learned
Illinois Power Company uses an enterprise-wide Area Resource Management (ARM) system for managing essential intlastructure data that helps to reduce operating costs and improve customer service. As part of this solution, widespread deployment of the AM/FM/GIS data asset and technology to the field provides a strategic business advantage in an increasingly competitive industry.
Illinois Power Company currently supports the following three mission-critical field applications using a single digital map publishing service product, ids, delivered on CD-ROM.
- Distribution/Records Maintenance
- Engineering Design
- Storm Damage Assessment and Restoration
Deployment Rationale
As the original justification and logistics of a field deployment solution were being developed, Illinois Power considered the data as being “just maps” for viewing by field operations crews and engineering representatives. The users as well as uses of the digital map and associated data quickly broadened though, as other departments at the company were discovering uses for the data as well. Originally, the combined data and solution was treated as a “technology.” Now, it is considered a corporate information asset. We saw that the true value of the information is not fully realized until virtually every employee of the company can readily access it. Consequently, the value of the data as an information asset also increases in proportion to the scope of distribution and the number of users who can access it.
Overview
This presentation first outlines the field technology solutions that were implemented to provide laptop and pen-based PC, mobile communications, GPS and CD-ROM technologies to the field at Illinois Power. A discussion (and demonstration) of each of the three mission-critical field applications then follows. Throughout, “lessons learned” are presented to highlight and summarize important aspects of each component.
Field Hardware and Software Components
Providing field access to corporate data assets requires hardware and software tools with very specific capabilities. Fortunately, many powerful off-the-shelf solutions are available at costs that continue to decrease. The following table shows field technology resources and users at Illinois Power as of November 1998.
In-office support functions and staff are essential to successful field deployment of AM/FM/GIS data. To effectively support the field with Dispatch, Engineering, Operations and GIS Maintenance activities requires access to a “common” or consistent view of the digital map data. Corporate management and other personnel in Real Estate, Marketing, Economic Development, Automated Meter Reading, and Asset Tax Accounting have also found new uses for the field product and digital map data.
Lessons Learned
- Consider the failure rate of hardware as a risk factor of deployment. (Custom ruggedized field PC units had a 40’%.to 50% failure rate during initial deployment of the field solution.)
- Resist “overbuying” on ruggedized fimctionality and longevity. A $1,500-laptop PC can offer the same or better functionality than a more expensive ruggedized model. For units that are used primarily in the vehicle, the extra cost associated with the unit along with the feature and function tradeoffs that are required for additional durability are rarely cost justified. Ruggedized PCs can often take longer and cost more to repair than an off-the-shelf laptop or pen-based PC.
- Consider the work environment and how work is accomplished. Because much of Illinois Power’s territory is rural, there were limitations with mobile electronic data transmission. So, land-line telephone pedestals were installed at substations and outside employees’ homes to provide field-vehicle connection points. This helped reduce “windshield” time and time lost in transmitting information to and from the field.
- Be creative and flexible about workspace. One field office was short on office space for its field staff. so three token ring connections were installed under the field-vehicle carport to allow dir~ct hookup and access to the office LAN from the PC mounted in the truck.
CD-ROM Remote Mapping Application Users at Illinois Power
The premise behind the field deployment solution and each of the utility field applications was to keep the existing workflow intact and use technology to assist processes rather than re-engineer the workflows to fit the technologies. Under this strategy, the field deployment solution became an enabling technology. That is, the data existed, however the key was developing a technology solution to support the continued use of this data in the field (allowing business as usual). As an example, to accommodate Illinois Power’s legacy Customer Information System (CIS) and Trouble Outage System (TOS) databases, ARM was designed to allow for legacy facility identification numbers (transformer, switch, fhse, valve, regulator station numbers) to be duplicated among Illinois Power’s 12 original engineering service areas. For the field, customized searches were designed to accommodate this situation as well.
Field Deployment of Digital Map Data
Deployment followed a deliberate plan. Illinois Power realized that training was essential to users adopting the new PC-based technology. Training sessions were scheduled to coincide with area-by-area deployment in each of the 12 engineering service areas. Operations personnel (2-man gas and electric truck crews) and field engineering representatives were trained through a one-day hands-on classroom session followed with a one-day on-the-job training session in the field.
Field Deployment Timeline
| 1994 | Data conversion of gas and electric facility records enters full production for ARM system construction. MSE provides Illinois Power converted map data in ids format on CD-ROM as a conversion quality control tool. |
| August 1995 | Data conversion is roughly half completed. Illinois Power On-1ine Map Viewing Team recommends adopting ids as the map viewing tool for the field. |
| Early 1996 | Reevaluation of RMD/Central Dispatch Project resulted in MDTs only being installed in one-man trucks. This impacted the ability to provide electronic mapping to all Operations personnel. |
| December 1996 | The remote mapping solution is launched with Delivery No. 1, a pilot for Mount Vernon service area (relatively small, rural area); followed with the Belleville pilot (a large, busy metropolitan area). Each pilot lasted three months. During this time, a mock emergency was included to convince operations personnel that the field solution was appropriate and effective for such situations. In addition, after the pilots, a formal presentation was made to executive sponsors to ensure ownership and support of the solution. |
| May 1997 | Deployment of the CD-ROM remote mapping application is put on a fast-track corporate-wide rollout to all 12 engineering service areas. All digital map data for Illinois Power’s 17,000 -square mile service area is published on a single CD-ROM. |
| December 1997 | Data conversion is completed by MSE. The initial deployment period is completed with 317 users trained. |
| October 1998 | Delivery No. 17 of the CD-ROM remote mapping application including database attributes and Viewing Software Version 3.3.1 are deployed. As of November 1998, there are 1,250 field users and 500 office users of the mapping application. |
Cost Justification
Justification for the field deployment technology was approached as an enterprise-wide strategy. First, the applications of individual organizations (departments) were justified and then combined. The combined justification was then leveraged to extend the technology throughout the company to all organizations. This added-value strategy allowed the entire company to benefit from the solution. For example, safety, emergency and scheduling issues were used to justify installation of more than 100 MDT ruggedized PC units containing GPS in the one-man crew trucks. With the MDT units in place, map viewing could easily be added. Justification of the MDT units for two-man trucks was based on map viewing requirements, which in turn, allowed the deployment of GPS. While the field solution was already justified to support the work process of field engineering representatives, the addition of Lotus Notes e-mail provided a tool to transmit redline notes graphics throughout the company. The Lotus Notes tool was a logical addition that streamlined and accelerated the workflow.
Lessons Learned
- A good training manual is essential. A generic training manual was customized for the company.
- A combination of classroom and on-the-job training is the most effective training method.
- Expect and accept resistance to change. The degree of resistance is largely determined by whether the company is traditional or “emerging.”
- Listen to users particularly during training and the first six months of deployment. Then incorporate suggested changes in a timely manner so users can see the effect of their input. Since the viewing software is distributed on the CD-ROM with each data update, updates to the viewing software are easily distributed.
Utility Field Application -- Distribution/Records Maintenance
To fully understand how this application operates within Illinois Power, requires background information on the AMiFM data conversion project and ARM system. In 1991, Illinois Power started looking at the design, development and deployment of an Area Resource Management (ARM) system that would integrate a work management information system (wMIS), AM/FM system, and procedures for designing electric and gas distribution facilities. At the outset, Illinois Power was faced with a decision on how to provide facility source data for the AM/FM system. Two alternatives were considered: a field inventory of electric and gas facilities and conversion of data from existing paper maps and legacy system records.
Due to cost considerations, Illinois Power opted to convert existing data which was estimated to be 70°Ato 90V0 accurate across the 12 Illinois Power engineering areas. The currency of updates on maps and records also varied. Some districts had a six-month backlog of updates while others had two years worth of data. In 1994, during pilot conversion of the largest operating district, Illinois Power recognized that map accuracy was crucial and developed a map-viewing tool to enable all field personnel to view and note corrections to the data. In addition, a work process was identified to support the timely updating of this data. By deploying a map-viewing tool to all map data field users, accuracy could be verified in the field during routine work situations, providing essentially an “after-the-fact” field inventory.
As the digital maps on CD-ROM were rolled out to each operating district, field personnel were quick to note and report data errors and inconsistencies. Work process measures were defined and implemented for monitoring the process of performing map corrections. Performance according to specified standards has increased from 45% in 1997 to 86% in 1998. As a result, Illinois Power’s facility maps have been cleaned up, so staff have the most reliable and timely information possible today.
Field personnel submit corrections for further processing by creating a special work request (MAPE or MAPG) in WMIS. The corrected map data is then electronically forwarded to one of the two engineering Distribution Design Centers(DDC). Personnel at the DDC make the corrections on the ARM system and notify field personnel of the correction. Field personnel can then view changes on an ARM viewing station at a local office or print a copy of the correction. The correction is also included in the next quarterly release of the CD-ROM product. Through the Distribution/Records Maintenance work process, map corrections are incorporated into the AM/FM system within 10 working days of being identified initially by field personnel. Currently, over 80!%of all work requests are “closed” (mapping, billing and database updating completed) within 90 days of being initiated. These ongoing commitments to accuracy and data maintenance are timed with the quarterly release of updated map data.
Lessons Learned
- Users of data can assist with corrections as part of the work process, making significant contributions to overall accuracy of the data. Equipping field personnel with simple-to-use map viewing capabilities has resulted in the identification of map data that had been inaccurate for years. For example, a Gas Regulator station had been mapped on the south side of a road when it had actually been installed on the north side of the road 15 years before. In another example, we identified a six to eight-month “black hole” in map and record keeping for an area that occurred during the 1995 reorganization effort.
- As crews take “ownership” of the map data, the accuracy and overall quality of data improves. Crews are reporting as-built changes on a more consistent and timely basis to the designers.
- The Distribution/Records Maintenance application adds to the value of the AM/FM data asset. Cost and time savings of having accurate current data result in improved customer service. The maintenance application also improves the quality and integrity of the company’s enterprise-wide AM/FM data asset.
- Extending the data to new users increases the value of the AM/FM data asset. There has been a dramatic increase in requests to generate ad hoc and customized printed map output to support applications such as forestry trim cycles, gas system annual survey, gas leakage survey, electric one line, gas system one line, etc. We have been able to extend the value of the data by making it accessible for other uses.
As an in-field process, the application uses the mapping data on CD-ROM with the Personal Notes redline drafting took in the viewing software. In addition, digital mapping data is distributed by the LAN and used at the Distribution Design Centers with standard designs that do not require field engineering. During the 1995 reorganization, Illinois Power redefined the work process for the engineering of electric and gas distribution services. The new work process targeted four main objectives: improved customer service, standardizing engineering practices, empowering the engineering staff, and ensuring that technology improvements supported rather than dictated the process.
The foundation of the new work process was based on three sub-processes that were supported by the ARM system and each requiring access to timely and accurate map data. In turn, this access would enable the engineering staff to make and meet customer commitments, schedule resources effectively and make productivity improvements. Timely and accurate map data access was the catalyst for developing the CD-ROM remote mapping solution.
The LAN is also used to distribute the remote mapping solution to Construction Specialists at the Engineering Answer Center. By viewing electric and gas facility data while taking the customer work request by, the Construction Specialist can quickly determine whether a work request requires a standard design or custom engineering. Construction Specialists are then empowered to perform standard designs and schedule crew resources for work requests such as electric and gas service installation and. Because Construction Specialists now have immediate access to digital maps, the proper classification of requests as standard designs has increased from 500/0 to 85’%o.Currently, over 65% of customer work requests initiated by Construction Specialists are standard designs and can be scheduled immediately to work crews. The increased use of standard designs has allowed Illinois Power to improve customer service by making commitments to customers early in the work process. The time required to provide the services has also been reduced. In addition, the increased use of standard designs has reduced the amount of field engineering required, saving time and reducing engineering costs overall.
This is an example of a custom design completed on site, in the field by afield engineering representative. It is then electronica[iy forwarded to the DDC where designers draw the services andpost data on the ARM system.
Field engineering personnel perform custom engineering on site using the CD-ROM-based mapping data and redline drawing tools on laptop PCs. The map viewer software has tools for note making, drawing, and measuring. These allow designs to be documented on site. Telecommunication tools such as Lotus Notes are then used to electronically send design notes to the DDC. For a work request requiring custom engineering, the Construction Specialists at the DDC can view the map data to determine the geographical area and schedule the appropriate field engineering resources accordingly.
Lessons Learned
- As with any new process and technology, its success hinges on whether the users embrace or reject the change. Developing and implementing a change management and communication plan is essential for success.
- Training is twofold in providing skills to operate the technology and showing how the technology supports the work flow. Beyond the fimdamental skills required to operate the new technology, a training program must address how the technology can support the user in the work process as well as spark users’ interests in expanding on the basic applications of the technology.
- Develop a mechanism to transfer knowledge among all users. As users discover new applications for the technology, a formal communication plan can be used to disseminate the information to all users. Illinois Power developed a Tips database on Lotus Notes to distribute tips and information to all users.
Among the major challenges of the remote mapping solution was supporting emergency management, electric circuit switching and identification of loop feeds in the gas system. During major electric and gas emergencies, Illinois Power field engineering personnel perform storm damage assessments and prepare restoration work packets for Operations. In the past, paper maps depicting electric circuits were used to transmit assessments. These maps functioned as road maps for crews and as an index key map of work packets required for restoration. The task facing the remote mapping solution was being able to convey the “big picture” of an electric circuit from seamless mapping data. A recent enhancement to the viewer software supports the ability to isolate (highlight) individual electric circuits or gas systems using the facilities attribute data. Field engineering personnel can now highlight a circuithystem and plot the trace for use as a road map and an index key map of restoration packets.
The storm damage assessment application is an in-field process that uses the mapping data on CD-ROM along with the viewer redline notes drafting tools. On a company-wide basis, within two hours of a weather emergency report or forecast Illinois Power storm assessment teams mobilize and converge on the affected area. This often occurs while the storm is still in progress. With the remote mapping solution, field personnel can immediately depict storm damage using the viewing software’s drawing tools for attaching notes to the map display. Marker symbols are also used to identify storm damage areas on the index key map. The marked damage areas can then be separated into work packets and dispatched to one or more restoration crews. The note and marker tools can also be used to document and monitor crew locations during the restoration effort.
Three major benefits of using the remote mapping system for damage assessment are quick performance of damage assessments, efficient management of restoration activities, and thorough documentation of facility replacements. Generally, the time required to perform the initial assessment of damage has been shortened from 48 to 24 hours. Quick turnaround of information on the area affected and the extent of damage has allowed Operations to more accurately estimate the number of restoration crews and amount of material required, relay precise locations and also direct restoration crews to major customer impact areas as a top priority. In addition, the documentation of damage and material requirements allows the field engineering personnel to transmit facility replacement information to the Distribution Design Centers so maps can be updated.
Lessons Learned
- There are many new uses for the remote mapping mapping application beyond those originally planned. As an example, big picture trace maps can be saved as a file and downloaded to field office servers. Maps can then be printed and used by field personnel during storms.
- Index key maps and work packet maps are valuable information tools for foreign crews. Typically foreign crews have no knowledge of the area or system.
- Material management is streamlined overall. Material delivery sites can be chosen from the assessment data and documented on the remote mapping system to reduce the cost of transporting materials and crews.
- Designers experienced in using the mapping application can support field personnel who are conducting damage assessments. Having a wide range of users increases the pool of resources and support available for damage assessments.
- Consistent mapping symbology on a company-wide basis improves efficiency. Illinois Power crews are using mapping symbology that is consistent from area to area so work and safety device locations can be easily and accurately identified.
Among the fiture applications planned for the fieldkemote mapping solution are:
- Accurate Service Territory Boundary data collection and reconciliation
- Street Lights identification and maintenance
- Transmission Dispatch
- Transmission Design Records Management
- Substation Design Records Management
- GPS of Customer Meter Locations
- GPS/mapping application tie to TOS
- Pole Inspection and Joint Pole inventory
- The ability to develop custom map viewer applications using the Visual Basic programming language
Illinois Power is successfully exploiting the use of mobile technology to increase the quality as well as quantity of digital information available to field staff. In addition, corporate and field office staff are finding new uses for the AM/FM information, increasing the value of this corporate data asset. Widespread distribution of the Illinois Power AM/FM data asset coupled with automated work management and the other key corporate database systems through ARM truly empower field personnel to leverage this valuable AM/FM data asset.
Key Lessons Learned
- Simplicity is key. When implementing a solution to a workforce that is not computer literate even though it is technician based, keep it simple.
- Technology solutions must be powerful, easily supported and scaleable within the organization. The solution must take advantage of “best-of-breed” technology using out-of-the-box and off-the shelf technology.
- Operate from the fimdamental premise that the technology enables and supports the process and workflow. Illinois Power is devoted to using technology as a work flow enabler. The original core capabilities are still fundamental to the remote mapping solution and subsequent versions. As importantly, the remote mapping solution continues to be functional and relevant because the solution is user driven.)
- By developing internal “owners,” user input can be leveraged to improve systems and applications. For example, every six months, a new WIMS release is developed in house and map viewing software updates can be provided with each data update on CD-ROM.