OMS as a Decision Support Tool
Time to assign (66% of the benefits)
Although FPC has an existing trouble analysis system, the dispatchers are inundated with events
to schedule. A restriction in the workflow at this point increases restoration time. Assignment is
greatly enhanced in the new system by using graphics, the Global Positioning System (GPS),
Automatic Vehicle Location (AVL), and automatic assignment. Intelligent data about crews,
equipment, crew location, event location, predicted type of failure, and crew status allow the
assignment engine to assist the dispatchers and clear them for crisis-level analysis and
assignment.
Time to travel
Travel time is reduced through the availability of intelligent road information, best-path analysis,
and easily accessible current land and facilities information. Storms create havoc, and no system
can define the perfect route. However, known closures and trouble areas can be noted in the
intelligent road network to assist crews in finding alternative routes.
Time to locate (23% of the benefits)
Facilities location and configuration information is critical to making repairs. While most
overhead facilities can be located by sight, underground facilities present unique problems.
Considerable time can be lost is searching through outdated printed records carried in the repair
crew’s vehicle. The GIS information saves critical minutes in the search for records.
Time to restore (11% of the benefits)
Restoration time is determined mostly by the expertise, labor, and materials available. The
system provides the capability to reduce record update time and get crews back into the available
pool. If additional crews and equipment are required after evaluating the situation, steps 2
through 6 are again engaged to reduce restoration time.
Conclusion
FPC and Intergraph are confident that integrating GIS, WMS, and OMS applications in Delivery
2000 will provide an extremely effective solution for meeting FPC’S future challenges. This
confidence is based is based on the following factors:
- Committed Team. The “Z” team approach enhances the probability of corporate-wide
approval, acceptance, and ultimate project success.
- EVA Financial Analysis. This application requires a project plan so that the timing of
expense and capital costs and benefits can be modeled precisely. This financial-statement-based
methodology ensures that investments are actually benefiting the project.
Close Project Monitoring and Evaluation. The analysis methodology used will continue to
be extremely detailed in developing all avenues of costs and benefits. In addition, it will
provide a complete quarterly plan for deployment and maintenance over the full life cycle of
the solution.
- Off-the-Shelf Solutions. Using off-the-shelf capabilities will reduce customization and
affect the total solution cost favorably. In addition, proper] y developed pre-integration can
greatly reduce future costs for maintaining interfaces.
State-of-the Art Technology. Geospatial technology plays a critical role in reducing
restoration time.
- Restoration Time. The integrated GIS/OMS/CAD solution will provide restoration benefits
that will affect the entire corporation, including the SAIDI results.
