Web deploying an integrated GIS/SCADA/OMS solution
Roger Langsdon
Logica
474 Flinders St
Melbourne Vic 3000
Australia
Introduction
Clear business benefits exists for utilities that can establish an effective
Distribution Management System (DMS). These benefits include improved
customer service, increased network reliability and reduced operational costs.
To implement a modern Distribution Management System (DMS) that meets the
current and future needs of a utility, there are two major steps that must be
achieved.
The first goal is to successfully integrate the static GIS network data with the realtime
SCADA data. The successful integration of these two systems achieves a
huge technical milestone for the company - a single 'operational' network model.
The second goal is to then expose this network model to the company without
compromising security, performance or functionality. Web technologies offer
unique benefits in disseminating specific data, sourced from back-end computing
systems, to meet the individual needs of a diverse user base.
Complicating the process of designing an effective DMS architecture is the
volatility of the utility industry that sees countless mergers and acquisition. With
each merger comes a new SCADA and GIS system that must be incorporated into
the overall DMS plan.
This paper suggests an approach for integrating SCADA and GIS data that remains
independent of any particular SCADA or GIS vendor. Solutions are then discussed
that describe how an abstraction layer may be used to expose the real-time
'operational' network model to users via web technologies.
Steps discussed include:
STEP 1 - Achieving a single 'Operational' network model
Option 1 - Build the DMS within the SCADA
Option 2 - Build the DMS within the GIS
Option 3 - Build the DMS as an independent platform
STEP 2 - Web enabling the network model to the users
Build the GUI in web enabled components.
Implement an Abstraction Layer
Utilise a Web Server
Utilise Thin or Thick clients depending on user needs.
Flexibility is highlighted as the key ingredient to a successful DMS
implementation.
