Data: The Critical Investment
Ron Kistler
GIS/TCA Project Manager
Affiliated Computer Services
247 Industrial Court
Fredericksburg, VA, USA 22408
540-898-8500 ext. 4860
FAX: 540-898-5964
Email: ron.kistler@intellisource-inc.com
Abstract
The geospatial technologies in the marketplace today can assist us in completing many
tasks that used to require tremendous amounts of experience and/or time. However, if
the data that feeds these beneficial systems and applications is not timely and the
content is not accurate, the systems and applications will not perform up to our
expectations.
This presentation looks at data as a critical system element. No matter how
sophisticated the various technologies are, applications will falter or even fail if data
maintenance is not taken seriously. Maintaining quality data about facilities in an electric
utility has never been an easy task. Having distribution maps that always reflect “As-Built”
field conditions is sometimes next to impossible. Ensuring that operations is
always informed regarding the current and correct configuration of facilities and devices
in the field can sometimes be hit and miss. Complete and accurate data is a necessary
investment in the technologies we are implementing.
This presentation will consider the following points:
- In general, how do we look at the task at hand when it comes to data?
- Who has the main responsibility for the data?
- Is data the corporate asset that we keep hearing about?
- What really happens if the data isn’t maintained?
- What can be done to change attitudes about the critical importance of data?
Introduction
I believe that computer systems today are comprised of four major components - -
hardware, software, people and data. Of those four components I would suggest to you
that the data component is, more often than not, overlooked.
This paper will concentrate on how much of an affect data can have and how critical it
ultimately becomes to any enterprise in accomplishing its overall goals in the
implementation of computer technology. High quality and accurate data is very costly
and should be treated as a corporate investment. It also should be protected and its
maintenance should carry a very high priority within the enterprise.
It has also been said that good data is the very foundation of virtually every system and,
if maintained properly, its life is longer than the system that uses it or the hardware it
runs on. I agree with that philosophy.
Good quality data allows us to know where our assets are in relation to our customers. It
also assists greatly in the effective and efficient operation and maintenance of electrical
systems. Business processes can also be operated more effectively with high quality
data. Properly maintained and timely data also aids in knowing where maintenance
dollars are being spent in relation to the revenue we are generating.
