The empowered field force - Leveraging new technologies in support of field operations
Allegheny Power’s Existing Mobile Technologies
Mobile Software
AP has had an ongoing mobile computing program since 1996. Strategically, AP
has attempted to take a “best of breed” approach when selecting mobile
applications. After identifying the chosen application, the focus has been on
integrating the many applications to work smoothly together and provide a simple
user interface. In addition, AP has worked on maximizing the benefits of its mobile technologies by extending their functionality and identifying additional
uses. AP currently is working with three major mobile systems:
Mobile GIS: This application was developed by MapFrame Corporation
(www.mapframe.com), headquartered in Dallas, Texas. The MapFrame system
is an extension of AP’s SmallWorld AMFM system. AP uses MapFrame’s
FieldSmart View and Field Flow Manager system components. The purpose of
the mobile GIS application is to put information about all of AP’s facilities in the
hands of the field personnel. The map data from the SmallWorld database is
extracted and converted to MapFrame’s proprietary data format and distributed
to the mobile computers. This data format is very compact; all of the map and
facility data for AP’s service territory is contained within files that total only
approximately 400 megabytes. The MapFrame mobile client application allows
the user to easily navigate, search and view facilities and associated attributes
within the application.
Mobile Work Management: This system was developed by Utility-Associates,
Incorporated (www.utility-associates.com), located in Atlanta, Georgia. The
client application is called PADWorks and is an extension of AP’s Severn Trent
STORMS system. The PADWorks application allows the user to complete tasks
that were previously labor- and paperwork-intensive for both the field and
supporting office personnel. First, the PADWorks application handles the
reporting of all completed work, design changes and materials used. Second,
the application handles the recording of all necessary payroll-related information.
The server-side system components handle seamless uploading and
downloading of data for direct integration with both the STORMS system and
AP’s payroll system.
Mobile Outage Management: This system was developed by M3i
(www.m3isystems.com), located in Longueuil, Quebec. This application is an
extension of M3i’s Outage Management System which is used by AP. The
application allows the user to identify, locate and track outages with wireless
communication of dispatch and status information.
Mobile Hardware
AP is currently using the pen-based, ruggedized tablet Hammerhead computers
from WalkAbout Computing (www.walkabout-comp.com), located in Singer
Island, Florida. All of the applications mentioned above have been developed
specifically for the pen-based computers. The Hammerheads currently run
Windows 95.
Previous Pole Audit Process
Historically, AP conducted attachment audits as a paper-intensive process. This
was true even after the implementation of AP’s AMFM system. Circuit maps and
pole lists for the areas to be audited were generated and supplied to an internal
audit team or an outside audit contractor.
The auditors would visit each pole and record on paper what attachments had
been made to the pole. In addition, the auditor would attempt to identify what
company made the attachment to the pole.
The audit data was then accumulated and manually checked versus FIS. Any
new attachments were identified and the appropriate paperwork was manually
completed and sent to the attaching company for billing. These new attachments
would then be keyed into FIS.
Because the process was so cumbersome, poles were generally only audited
every five years. After an internal reorganization of the company in 1996, this
process was discontinued. AP depended entirely on the attaching companies to
accurately communicate any poles they were attaching to.
