Implementing arm systems? – Don’t forget the process changes
Description of arm systems
ARM systems are usually comprised of the following systems: Outage Management, Geographic
Information, Customer Information, Work Management, Mobile Dispatch, Mobile Computing
and SCADA. Customer Information is not usually considered part of ARM, however, it does
contribute to the information needed to operate the electric system. Figure 1 shows how
information may flow from one system to another. The messages shown in this example are for
an outage scenario.
Figure 1 – Typical ARM
Outage Management System (OMS)
The Outage Management System analyzes the outages as they are entered into the system and
helps to determine the probable location of the cause of the outage. The system depends on a
connectivity model and follows a set of business rules to determine the location or cause of the
fault. It tracks the calls received from customers, groups the calls, and forms an incident. The
business rules decide when a group of outages are gathered into a single incident and are
considered as the probable cause of the outage.
Geographic Information System (GIS)
The Geographic Information System is the normal location for storing the base connectivity
model of the electrical system. This base connectivity model is copied to the Outage
Management System regularly or when significant change has been made to the model.
Maintaining the design model of the system in one location, the GIS, increases the model’s
accuracy and eliminates nearly all the time required to transfer the connective information to the
OMS. In many cases, integrating with a GIS can eliminate the need for two or more full time
clerical people.
Customer Information System (CIS)
In most companies, individual customer information is stored in the Customer Information
System. The information includes location, type of customer, and some information about the
circuit that the customer is attached to. The CIS also contains business information about the
customer. It is the primary tool of the call center and can be used to record outage calls. The
outage calls are then sent to the OMS.
Work Management System (WMS)
A modern Work Management System manages virtually all the work the utility does. Within the
Asset Management framework it is focused on supporting construction work, maintenance work
orders, service work, outage work, etc. The WMS is often a large, enterprise system that
interfaces and/or integrates with most of the major existing distribution systems. The Work
Management System becomes responsible for managing effectively and consistently all the work
that the Distribution Company performs. In the case of restoring power to customers in an
outage situation, experience has shown that it is better to restore the outage and use the WMS as
a reporting tool to track the costs and time.
Mobile Dispatch System (MDS)
The Mobile Dispatch System is used to route and dispatch the crews to work locations. These
systems evaluate the current location of the crew and the best route to get to the new work
location. They also take into consideration the current work assigned, the priority of the work
and the capability of the crew.
