Web deploying an integrated GIS/SCADA/OMS solution
Roger Langsdon
Logica 474 Flinders St Melbourne Vic 3000 Australia
Abstract
This paper suggests an integration approach for SCADA/GIS/OMS systems that
remains independent of vendors and paves the way for Web deployment of
operational functionality.
Utilities face the challenge of integrating disparate operational systems such as
SCADA and GIS. The integration solution provided by most vendors is often
dependent on a particular GIS or SCADA system that limits interoperability.
This paper suggests an integration approach that remains independent of any
particular GIS or SCADA vendor. By using a Distribution Management System
(DMS) concept that interfaces with any GIS and SCADA system, users can access
spatial information and real-time data through a single screen. Risks and business
drivers are identified that influence integration decisions.
The establishment of an independent DMS platform provides a platform for the
deployment of a Web based user interface. Various solutions are discussed that
enable utilities to use standard Web techniques to disseminate real-time
information across the company and externally to customers. The trade-off
between true real-time performance and functionality are examined and flexible
solutions described.
The philosophy presented within this paper suggests that:
“To solve an integration problem – you use an integration solution.”
Introduction
Clear business benefits exist 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.
Business Objectives
Distribution Management Systems have the potential to deliver substantial
business benefits. These include a wide array of efficiency gains and customer
service tools that assist both operational and non-operational areas of a business. In
addition to the core beneficiaries of a DMS e.g. Control Room Operators,
Dispatchers etc, is a range of other potential beneficiaries including Customers,
System Planners, Energy Traders, Media Relations and Suppliers.
Immediate DMS benefits for electric utilities include standardising work practices,
automating manual tasks, operating the network at higher utilisation levels and
improving service reliability. Other benefits include empowering the workforce to
manage customer queries and emergency situations more effectively. While many
of these benefits are achievable regardless of the DMS architecture, it is the ability
to support future applications, which some utilities are already exploring, that will
truly test the robustness of an open DMS design.
Industry Regulators will continue to demand greater reliability and reporting of
network outages. Market competition will force product/service differentiation
between utilities. The success in hitting these ever-moving goal posts will depend
greatly on the ability of utilities to leverage their Information Technology and to
deliver information to the people that need it to make effective decisions.
The Need to Integrate
Systems such as GIS, SCADA, Trouble Call, Customer Information, Customer
Relationship Management (CRM) and Works Management all hold pieces to the
puzzle in effectively managing the network and the customers. While these
systems continue to faithfully serve, it is their ability to communicate and interact
with each other that provide the maximum benefit to the business. Integrating
information from operational systems provides added value for decision making.
Many steps have already been taken towards integrating such systems and it is the
presence of an overall strategy that guides both short and long term decisions
towards a target solution.
Step 1 - Achieving a single 'operational' network model
Utilities have historically maintained several different network models. The GIS
system is usually the master repository for the static network model including
connectivity and attribute data. The SCADA maintains the real-time status of the
dynamic network elements, and other peripheral systems may maintain network
data specific to customers or devices.
