Untapped Opportunity in the Joint use Challenge
Solution
AEP sought a solution to address the backlog of attachment requests and to maintain the 45-day response requirement for new attachment requests. AEP also sought to develop a consistent, comprehensive engineering process to ensure the integrity of the pole asset infrastructure. AEP took the existing make-ready engineering process one step further by requiring that a structural analysis be performed on all poles for which an attachment request was made. In order to perform structural analysis on all poles in a request, and to do so within 45 days, AEP needed to purchase or develop an engineering automation tool. AEP researched the market and found no tools that could perform the level of engineering they were seeking.
AEP approached LineSoft Corporation, Spokane Washington to develop Joint Use pole analysis software through a joint development venture. AEP selected LineSoft because of its past history with LineSoft in a recent co-development project for distribution line design software.
As the Project Scope was developed, it became apparent that the majority of data required to perform an accurate structural analysis of a pole would have to be collected in the field. An evaluation of the data available from AEP’s existing GIS (FRAMME) showed that AEP had adequate conductor and pole information, but that the available information regarding existing telecom attachments and their associated clearance data lacked the details required to properly model the structure loads and clearances. After analysis of the available data it was determined that the existing GIS data could only be augmented through a thorough field data collection. Additionally, the backlog of attachment requests was approaching such a high level that AEP determined they would require additional manpower to alleviate the backlog. AEP again approached LineSoft to provide the services necessary to perform the engineering and processing of the make-ready requests. From this teamwork approach to solving these complex problems a final, three-part solution strategy was derived.
Short Term Solution
- AEP would develop and modify its Joint Use Policies, Standards and Procedures regarding management of new and existing Joint Use attachments according to their Pole Attachment Agreements, the PUCO, and the FCC.
- LineSoft would provide Turnkey Joint Use Services to develop processes, create work orders, and perform engineering and data collection on poles both for new attachment requests and to eliminate the existing backlog of requests (Proposals).
- LineSoft would develop the joint use analysis software, LD-Field™.
Intermediate Solution
- Upon completion, the joint use analysis software would be implemented in the LineSoft Turnkey operation and would be provided for AEP use elsewhere.
- LineSoft would provide processes and methodologies to AEP for company-wide implementation of the software.
- LineSoft would continue to process new attachment requests in its Turnkey Operation in Columbus.
Long Term Solution
- AEP and LineSoft would continue to look for other areas of benefit to AEP’s enterprise needs.
Implementation
Short Term Solution
Policies, Standards and Procedures Processes for the many aspects of workflow were diagramed, documented, prototyped, and modified as the pole data was collected and analyzed. Whenever technical questions arose regarding code interpretation and AEP standards, LineSoft would perform the background work, collate the information, and present the options to AEP in a clear and concise manner. This resolution process enabled AEP to streamline decision-making by minimizing the resources required to perform background research. Additionally, time constraints were a key factor in all decision-making throughout the project, as the clock was continually ticking on the 45-day response period.
As LineSoft and AEP continued to document and develop their approach, this decisionmaking process would become an important tool in providing fast, well-informed answers not only for technical questions, but also for policy, billing, and procedural questions.
