What is utility systems integration?
Utility systems integration is the linkage of various computer systems, such as those for geographic information, supervisory control and data acquisition, laboratory information management, customer information management, and computerized maintenance management, so that current information is readily available for use during emergencies, customer inquiries, or executive reporting.
Why would a utility need systems integration?
Three factors are driving utilities to integrate their systems. The first is that many utilities do not have the capital funding to invest in new infrastructure that they used to. Expanding into new facilities is now more difficult—local, environmental, and customer costs are higher. Utilities now need to do more with less, and need their internal computer systems to work at peak performance to avoid adding more staff than necessary. Secondly, the Web is now a major source of information for companies and the public. Computer systems all over are more integrated. To keep up with these changing times, utilities need to do the same. Finally, there is more accountability at the executive level for how money is spent. As a result, more detailed information on how funds are allocated and utilized is necessary. Utility systems integration allows this.
What are the benefits to a utility?
To operate efficiently, utility managers need to have ready access to critical summary information, from personnel wrench-time in the field to vendor accounts payable. Utility systems integration allows the utility to define and manage assets, resources, and performance metrics throughout the organization at different levels. For example, the warehouse manager needs to know actual numbers and types of hydrants and valves in stock, while the internal auditor needs only to know the total depreciated value of all fittings in inventory. A customer service representative needs to know that a caller is within the x-y-z outfall area, where several other calls have originated, while the field crews need detailed maps of the route to take to a customer's home.
How does CDM help utilities begin the process of utility systems integration?
When a utility retains CDM for this work, we first ask, at the executive level, why they want to integrate their systems. Common answers are to improve customer satisfaction, eliminate operational problems related to data redundancy and inaccuracy, meet regulatory or financial reporting requirements, and simply to upgrade their computer systems.
From the executive level, we then go to the staff to develop a value chain. This is a very important step. We develop a "flow chart" of how people get a specific job done. We track who provides information, what they do with it, who they give it to, and how a final goal is accomplished. This allows us to determine whether current information flow methods work for that specific utility, if they need a little adjusting, or if they need a complete overhaul. From here, we can determine what types of information systems can improve or facilitate faster or more accurate workflows.
We spend a great deal of time understanding the utility's business practices and the way the organization delivers value to customers, since no two utilities operate the same. This allows us to integrate the best systems for that specific utility, by determining what areas of investment in technology will provide the utility the biggest dividend.
What methods are used to provide the best solution for each individual utility?
Typically, there are two methods for enhancing a utility's performance: system integration and new system implementation. Some homegrown, or legacy systems, are not compatible with commercial computer systems or open computing standards. CDM determines what is compatible, what needs to be modified, and what needs to be brought in as new. This is all to allow the most appropriate architecture for integration. After determining all these requirements, CDM then begins the design, acquisition, and/or development of systems for that utility, which will allow specific systems or system components to be linked—increasing performance, enhancing efficiency, and allowing for long-term cost savings.
Phil Chernin is a CDM vice president with 24 years of experience as a consulting environmental engineer. He has specialized in information management systems for the past 17 years.