Ciara Tobin, Author at Epoch Solutions Group

AI Can Transform Utility Operations—and These Steps Will Help Prepare Your Data for the Shift

Posted on January 24, 2025January 31, 2025 by Ciara Tobin

The demand for more power—delivered reliably, safely, and with resilience—has never been greater. The growth in cloud computing and electrification is fueling demand dramatically, while extreme weather and cyberthreats are placing the grid at higher risk.

Amidst this unprecedented change, utilities are turning to artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) as powerful strategic weapons. An IBM study found that three-quarters of energy companies have implemented artificial intelligence (AI) in their operations or are exploring the idea.

Impactful use cases for AI and ML in utility operations abound. For example, these technologies can predict asset failures, analyze vegetation for heightened fire risk, detect cyber threats, improve demand forecasting based on patterns, reduce unplanned downtime, improve field crew productivity through smarter scheduling, and optimize the grid based on historical use, consumption trends, weather forecasts, and other critical information. AI is especially adept at analyzing massive volumes of data—a capability which utilities can use to spot trends that warrant action and make the most informed decisions.

Data holds the key to turning AI into an operational advantage, but siloed legacy systems and disparate data sources create formidable obstacles for utilities. The following steps can improve data preparedness for utilities that are ready to transform their operations with AI-enabled applications.

Unify Your Data Sources

An effective utility operation depends on data from many sources, including supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, advanced metering infrastructure (AMI), outage management systems (OMS), and the geographic information systems (GIS) that provide a complete view of the grid and utility network. Utilities are also operating asset management, work management, and customer information systems that may not integrate with each other—along with smart grid devices and IoT devices.

Given this complicated web of systems and data sources, it’s imperative for utilities to unify their data, integrate systems in real time, and create a single source of truth about network assets. This step is critical to leveraging AI-powered tools and solutions to their fullest.

Develop a Data Management Strategy

Another vital step in preparing for this transformation is the development of strategies for aggregating and managing the data AI will rely on to improve utility operations. This can include meter data, historical data on grid and network performance, microgrid and islanding data, distributed energy resource (DER) data, and many other types.

Utility data management is a complex undertaking that involves tasks such as these, at a minimum:

Implementing a data warehouse solution ideally suited to handling utility-specific data
Developing data integration strategies for microgrid controllers and third-party applications
Establishing data-sharing protocols with DER owners and aggregators
Developing the necessary data infrastructure to support microgrid management and islanding operations
Creating a wide variety of data models, including those that enable microgrid performance analysis and optimization and others that integrate various DER types
Establishing scalable storage, archiving and retrieval processes for a high volume of data, along with retention policies that balance the need for historical data with the associated costs

Several specific data types require additional data management considerations. For example:

The proliferation of intelligent grid sensors and IoT devices requires edge computing strategies that support data streaming for real-time monitoring and integrate weather, satellite, and other data to improve resilience, while maintaining governance.

Gas pipeline integrity management demands the ability to consolidate inspection, maintenance, and risk management data, create quality standards for pipeline material and installation data, and facilitate the required regulatory reporting.

Gas demand forecasting and supply management requires effective management of historical consumption, weather, and market data, along with access to real-time gas flow monitoring and balancing information and reliable meter readings.

Ensure Data Quality and Integrity

AI algorithms demand high-quality, consistent data. Before adding AI-enabled tools and solutions, consider implementing measures for validating data on transformers, pipelines, and other assets in real time, and establishing data quality metrics specific to utility operations.

GIS data is especially vital to effective field operations, allowing utilities to model and analyze the network with accuracy. So it’s vital to implement processes that ensure GIS data is always accurate and keep data consistent across GIS and other systems. As utilities incorporate increasingly advanced geospatial data from sources like LiDAR (light detection and ranging), it’s equally important to develop strategies for integrating this information while maintaining its integrity.

Shore Up Data Governance

Operating in a highly regulated industry demands attention to data monitoring, control, and governance to ensure compliance. That’s why any strategy for incorporating AI into the utility’s operations must be grounded in a sound data governance approach.

Automated reporting mechanisms, strict data quality controls, and complete audit trails can facilitate timely and accurate regulatory submissions. It’s also critical to define ownership for every data utility type data, develop clear data standards and naming conventions, and implement catalog solutions customized to your data types and use cases. A cross-functional data governance committee that spans operational functions is vital to data stewardship.

Enhance Data Analytics for Better Operational Intelligence

A wide range of data analytics can enhance operations, providing a window into key functions like predictive maintenance, energy demand and load forecasting, demand response, and outage management. AI initiatives are more effective when the utility is better prepared to leverage these metrics.

Before moving ahead with AI full-steam, utilities should take measures such as these to improve their data analytics capabilities:

Aggregate and consolidate asset performance, load, weather, outage, grid topology, pricing, and operational data, along with maintenance records
Develop data pipelines that facilitate real-time asset health monitoring and demand response program data integration
Create data feeds and pipelines for real-time power outage management and restoration, along with dynamic load forecasting and pricing
Implement data streaming mechanisms that improve real-time grid and network monitoring, factoring in SCADA, grid sensor, and grid state estimation data
Integrate real-time pricing data with customer systems, while leveraging data to facilitate timely customer notification

Epoch Solutions Group: The Partner that Helps Prepare Your Data for AI

Preparing your data to leverage the power and value of AI is a complex effort. That’s why leading electric and gas utilities partner with the industry specialists at Epoch Solutions Group.

We help utilities prepare for the AI transformation through our industry-leading technology solutions and unrivaled capabilities:

The EpochField map-first mobile workforce management platform empowers your utility to digitally transform, automate, and streamline field service operations. This single application improves all field workflows and facilitates geospatially enabled back-office scheduling, work type authoring, and work order creation. Available on premise or as a SaaS solution, it’s the foundation you need for AI-ready data—simplifying data integration while ensuring quality and fidelity.

The EpochSync Pro tool synchronizes data between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases—providing a flexible, scalable way to integrate data across multiple geospatial systems with consistency and reliability.
The Epoch UN Blueprint provides a structured process to speed and streamline your transition to the geospatially enabled Esri Utility Network, setting a foundation to implement AI technologies effectively across the operation.
With extensive expertise in geospatial software implementation, Epoch Solutions Group delivers valuable insights on managing and integrating the geospatial data that’s critical to utility-specific AI applications.
Our focus on the utility industry affords our team the knowledge and experience to offer tailored solutions that help prepare your data to leverage AI in utility operations.

Building the foundation to facilitate AI implementation is critical for electric and gas utilities that are ready to tackle the challenges of a rapidly changing industry and future-proof their operations. By leveraging Epoch Solutions Group’s deep industry expertise and purpose-built technology solutions, you can create an AI-ready data infrastructure, accelerate your AI transformation, and position your organization for long-term success.

Contact an Epoch Solutions Group sales consultant or visit our website to learn more.

Technology’s Vital Role in Navigating Utility Asset Management Regulations in Australia and New Zealand

Posted on January 16, 2025January 17, 2025 by Ciara Tobin

Utilities across the globe face significant challenges as they work to maintain regulatory compliance and achieve the operational excellence required to provide safe, reliable power in a volatile world. In Australia and New Zealand, electric and gas utilities must comply with a wide range of regulations that impact asset management, while evolving to meet aggressive climate change goals. The right technology can help leading utilities achieve both objectives.

Utilities Face a Demanding Regulatory Landscape

A complex web of regulations that impact safety, operations, and environmental protection all greatly influence how utilities in Australia and New Zealand manage field assets.

The Australian Energy Regulator (AER) guidelines cover various operational issues that impact electric utility asset management—from network reliability, efficiency, and performance, to pricing, revenue, and consumer protection.
The New Zealand Electricity Authority Regulations serve a similar purpose, providing guidance on grid reliability standards, establishing protocols for outage reporting and management, requiring asset management plan disclosure, and establishing an Electric Industry Participation Code.
On the safety front, AS 5577 sets electricity network safety management system requirements designed to ensure the safe design, construction, commissioning, operation, maintenance, and decommissioning of utility networks. The standard spans a range of requirements, from maintaining assets to ensure network integrity to using proactive vegetation management to mitigate brushfire risk. Similarly, NZS 7901 provides guidance on safety management systems for electric and gas utilities in New Zealand, with the goal of protecting residents and their properties.
For gas utilities, AS/NZS 4645 aims to ensure gas distribution networks operate safely and reliably by providing a risk-based framework for network management and requirements that span the network’s lifecycle, including design, materials, construction, testing, and commissioning. AS 2885 sets safety standards specific to pipeline design, construction, inspection, testing, operation, and maintenance.
The New Zealand Gas (Safety and Measurement) Regulations 2010 focuses on the safety of gas distribution systems, gas at the point of supply to consumers, and gas installations, as well as odorization and pressure management.

Along with meeting Trans-Tasman utility standards, Australian and New Zealand energy regulations, and the requirements of the Regulatory Compliance Mark (RCM), utilities in these regions are evolving to attain climate change goals. With both the Australian and New Zealand governments setting a target of net zero emissions by 2050, utilities are transforming rapidly to ensure a smooth transition. Whether they’re undertaking renewable energy projects, implementing carbon capture initiatives, or supporting the demand for electric vehicle charging, they’re adapting their operations in ways that will demand more effective field asset management, better leak detection and repair approaches, and more sustainable pipeline management.

In addition to complying with these regulations, utilities in Australia and New Zealand are continually measuring their effectiveness against industry-standard reliability metrics to ensure optimal uptime and superior service. These metrics include the System Average Interruption Duration Index (SAIDI), which measures the number of hours an average customer experiences non-momentary power interruptions over the course of a year, and the System Average Interruption Frequency Index (SAIFI), which measures power interruption frequency.

Asset Management is Further Taxed in an Evolving Industry

Beyond complying with numerous regulatory requirements and meeting industry reliability standards, utilities in Australia and New Zealand are battling other obstacles that make asset lifecycle management more critical, yet more challenging.

Aging infrastructure creates financial and operational demands, including the need to invest in and prioritize asset maintenance and replacement and to deploy effective strategies that balance asset life extension with high performance.
Renewable energy demand is forcing utilities to modernize the grid to accommodate bidirectional power flows from clean energy sources, and to improve energy demand forecasting and load management.
Cybersecurity risks continue to grow as a smarter grid makes utilities more vulnerable to attack, requiring investments in better infrastructure protection, data privacy compliance approaches, and cyberattack response and reporting mechanisms.

A Digitized Field Service Management Platform Addresses These Challenges

As electric and gas utilities in Australia and New Zealand grapple with the difficulties of complying with stringent regulations governing safety, reliability, and environmental protection, improving field asset management becomes a must. A modern, map-first field service management platform can help utilities meet rigorous regulatory requirements while achieving the operational excellence it takes to thrive in an evolving environment.

The following asset management system capabilities greatly simplify the many operational tasks involved in maintaining compliance:

Geospatial Asset Tracking. It takes accurate tracking and traceability to comply with mandated reporting requirements. A modern field workforce management solution with digital as-built capabilities enables utilities to gain real-time visibility into their assets network-wide, deliver the necessary attribute management documentation, and maintain a complete audit trail of historical asset information.
Real-time Data Synchronization. Accurate data is critical to demonstrating compliance, yet most utilities use multiple, disparate systems that complicate data management. The right asset management solution shares GIS and other data across multiple applications in real time, notifies operations staff of potential regulatory issues, and automates compliance reporting—improving efficiency while ensuring data integrity. Additionally, a data migration tool like EpochSync Pro enables utilities to overcome the hurdles of getting GIS data into the correct format, so they can leverage the benefits of GIS technology using platforms like the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network. EpochSync Pro seamlessly synchronizes data bidirectionally and accurately between Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases.
Regulatory Updates and Guidance. A vendor that provides a modern asset management platform will monitor the landscape for regulatory changes and update the system as needed, relieving the burden from the utility’s staff. The vendor will also offer compliance best practices gleaned across many similar organizations.

While regulatory compliance is a chief objective for utilities in Australia and New Zealand, it’s equally important to leverage technology that positions the organization to evolve in response to new demands. Utilities are discovering that a modern field asset management platform can help them future-proof their operations, gain agility, and improve efficiency. Capabilities like the following are must-haves for utilities committed to these goals:

Mobile Functionality. Today’s mobile utility workforce needs robust, easy-to-use applications that streamline asset inspection, maintenance, and repair. A map-centric asset management system provides mobile apps and digital forms that speed and simplify tasks, with offline capabilities that ensure the solution is always accessible and the work continues uninterrupted.
Predictive Maintenance Analytics. A digitized asset management system helps keep utilities operating reliably by using advanced analytics to predict asset failures, optimize maintenance, and inform strategies for reducing risk.
Features that Improve Grid Resilience and Reliability. With climate-related risks on the rise, utilities need a field service management platform that improves infrastructure reliability and resilience in the face of frequent and severe storms, droughts, and other extreme weather. A solution that integrates distributed energy resources, enhances outage management, and speeds outage response is invaluable in this environment.

EpochField: The Solution of Choice for Utilities in Australia and New Zealand

As electric and gas utilities in Australia and New Zealand grapple with complex regulations, stringent climate change mandates, and numerous operational challenges, they recognize that the right technology will position them to meet the demands effectively. Many are finding the solution in EpochField.

EpochField is a map-centric, geospatial-based platform that provides the robust capabilities a utility needs to stay compliant and resilient, deliver power reliably and safely, and meet the growing demand for sustainable power. This scalable, configurable solution provides real-time asset visibility, streamlines field operations, simplifies data management, and improves staff efficiency, while making it easier to maintain compliance amidst a complicated regulatory landscape.

EpochField is the flagship product of Epoch Solutions Group, dedicated to equipping utilities to achieve operational excellence, sustainable growth, and regulatory compliance. We become a true partner to your business, combining our deep utility industry expertise with an innovative, purpose-built solution that meets the demands of electric and gas utilities.

When you choose EpochField, you gain both a solution and a partner that will help your utility meet today’s regulatory and operational challenges and keep you agile and prepared to tackle whatever tomorrow brings.

Contact an Epoch sales consultant to learn how our field service management solution can help your utility maintain compliance and achieve operational excellence. Or visit our Utility Operations Resource Center for insights and resources from the utility experts at Epoch Solutions Group.

How Mobile Workforce Management Will Help Your Utility Manage Weather-Related Incidents

Posted on January 2, 2025 by Ciara Tobin

Extreme weather is wreaking havoc on power generation and transmission, making it difficult for utilities to supply energy reliably, efficiently, and cost-effectively. Amidst this escalating risk, leading utilities have discovered that digitized mobile workforce management can help them plan and respond to weather events by improving efficiency, optimizing resource allocation, speeding response times, and increasing resilience.

Turbulent Weather Takes a Toll

More frequent severe weather events have become the norm in the US, with the effects of climate change growing more apparent.

Hurricanes and tropical storms are becoming more intense: Witness the billions of dollars in damage caused by Hurricanes Helene and Milton, or the fact that Hurricane Beryl knocked out power to three million people in Texas, leaving some without power for weeks. Excessive rainfall regularly causes devastating flooding, record-breaking heat waves stress the grid while endangering lives, and wildfires are happening in many more areas, fueled by drought or near-drought conditions. Meanwhile deep freezes are touching regions known for moderate climates, leaving downed power lines and disrupted natural gas supplies in their wake. In a Utility Dive article, the North American Electric Reliability Corp. expressed concerns about maintaining the natural gas supplies needed to address extreme winter weather.

These realities present significant financial and operational challenges for utilities, making infrastructure more vulnerable to damage and outages that are costly to respond to and recover from. As a McKinsey & Companyreport noted, the utility infrastructure that dates back decades was designed to withstand historical weather conditions, which bear little resemblance to today’s weather patterns. Making matters worse, utilities that require access to water for their operations may strategically place facilities near the coast, where they are now more susceptible to frequent coastal storms.

As a result, many utilities are grappling with higher costs on two fronts: the increased expense of repairing field assets destroyed by storms, and the need to upgrade the grid to make it more resilient to such events. Coupled with the potential for significant lost revenue due to unplanned downtime, these rising expenses can lead to utility bankruptcies; at a minimum, they threaten energy delivery and service reliability. Extreme weather also presents greater operational obstacles, as it’s difficult to maintain reliable power during demand spikes caused by extended periods of excessive heat or cold.

Exacerbating the problem is a labor shortage that makes it tough to find skilled field workers, especially as the aging workforce retires. Field employees account for about half of utility workers, according to the Boston Consulting Group, and they’re central to a utility’s ability to prepare for and respond to severe weather.

In the face of these challenges, utilities must ensure the reliability and resilience of their services while managing the rising costs associated with infrastructure damage and operational disruptions. Many are turning to mobile workforce management solutions to address this dilemma.

The Value of a Mobile Workforce Management Solution

A digitized approach to mobile workforce management can greatly improve a utility’s ability to prepare and respond to today’s frequent, severe weather events and the related outages and damage. By choosing a best-in-class mobile workforce management solution, utilities can enhance weather resilience in several important ways:

Better efficiency. A digitized workforce management solution makes it easier to optimize field worker scheduling, dispatching, and routing during weather-related emergencies, reduces the associated travel time, and increases the number of tasks completed per person, per day. It also facilitates the optimal allocation of finite field resources in response to storms. Boston Consulting Group estimates that standardized, optimized workforce management can increase worker availability by 50% and reduce time needed to completed routine jobs by 25%.
Improved safety. A modern workforce management solution allows utilities to share vital information with field workers in real time, ensuring they have good situational awareness during emergencies to stay safer on the job. By providing a more accurate picture of the digital as-built environment, these solutions also support better tracking and traceability for utilities, improving safety during emergencies.
Enhanced communication. A workforce management platform facilities effective communication by providing real-time data for utility field workers during extreme weather, helping them complete tasks efficiently and restore power faster. When a catastrophic storm requires bringing in mutual assistance crews, the right solution makes it easier to onboard and manage these temporary field workers.
Streamlined data collection and dissemination. A workforce management solution that incorporates a robust mobile app is especially valuable, enabling workers to access and upload critical data right from the field.
More informed decision-making. Through real-time data and analytics, a modern workforce management solution enables utilities to predict potential weather-related outages with greater certainty, so they can take proactive action. Real-time data also improves the field asset damage assessment process, leading to better decisions about repair prioritization.
Reduced costs. By mitigating the need for repeat trips and the associated administrative work, a mobile workforce management solution can lower the cost of responding to extreme weather events. And since it alerts the operations staff to the need for proactive maintenance based on predictive analytics, it can improve maintenance work scheduling and avoid costly unplanned downtime.

Other Strategies for Improving Weather Resilience

In addition to the measurable benefits of a digitized workforce management solution, several other strategies can help ensure reliable power in the face of escalating weather-related risks. Adapting your operations to withstand climate change is a must for any utility committed to protecting vulnerable infrastructure from extreme weather and improving grid resilience.

For example, many utilities are developing microgrids that decentralize power generation by creating resources that can function separate from the centralized grid, making any single source less vulnerable to weather-related failure. Leading utilities are also adding advanced battery storage systems that improve the backup power capacity needed during outages caused by weather or other problems, mitigating the effects and improving service.

A variety of other strategies can improve the grid’s ability to endure the risk of frequent severe weather. Replacing wood transmission and distribution poles with those made of storm-resistant materials like steel or concrete, elevating infrastructure components, building flood walls, and moving power lines underground can reduce the grid’s susceptibility to weather-related damage or failure.

The digitization of mobile workforce management has emerged as a critical strategy to help utilities navigate extreme weather challenges. As more utilities focus on climate change adaptation, many are choosing EpochField: the modern workforce management solution that digitally transforms, automates, and streamlines field service operations. By leveraging a data-driven, digitized workforce management solution like EpochField, utilities can enhance operational efficiency, improve response times, achieve optimal resource allocation, and deliver power reliably to customers in the face of climate change-fueled weather events.

Contact an Epoch sales consultant to learn how our mobile workforce management solution can help your utility overcome the challenges of extreme weather. Or visit our Utility Operations Resource Center for valuable insights and resources from the utility experts at Epoch Solutions Group.

Streamlining Utility Infrastructure: The Rise and Importance of Digital As-Built Systems

Posted on October 29, 2024November 6, 2024 by Ciara Tobin

The digital transformation of the utility industry is progressing rapidly, driven by escalating energy demand and the need to modernize the grid for greater capacity, reliability, and resilience. This evolution is touching every aspect of a utility’s organization, including field operations.

As utilities strive to provide field crews with accurate, real-time data about assets and infrastructure, digital as-built solutions are becoming a vital component of their technology ecosystems. And solutions like the EpochField map-first workforce management platform are leading the way in delivering the digital as-built capabilities that premier utilities need to thrive.

What’s Driving the Need for Digital As-Built Solutions?

A utility’s as-built environment can differ significantly from the design documents as changes occur during and after construction. Utilities traditionally attempted to update as-built records manually—continually redlining paper-based construction packets and distributing new versions. Even after investing in geospatial information systems (GIS), many utilities have continued to use a manual workflow that creates mapping backlogs and stretches already-thin staffs. It’s a slow, laborious, inefficient process that inevitably yields inaccurate information.

Yet, to do their jobs effectively, field crews need to know the exact location, condition, and history of the assets they inspect, maintain, and repair. From pipelines and electrical lines to transformers and water mains, high fidelity asset data is a must. Without it, the risks to the organization are significant: Slow response to outages, maintenance work backlogs, inefficient resource use, and low customer satisfaction.

This reality is encouraging leading utilities to adopt digital as-built solutions, generating a map-based, dynamic, digital representation of the utility’s infrastructure and other field assets as they exist today.

A digitized as-built record is much more than an electronic version of a paper document, as digitized data is transformed in ways that create tremendous value. Data is collected in real time where the work is occurring, so it’s accurate and reliable. The as-built record is comprehensive, providing critical context by combining documents, GIS data, photos, and other details on both existing and newly installed assets. And since the digital as-built system is typically cloud-based, data is readily accessible, free of siloed legacy system constraints.

Digital As-Built Solutions Transform Field Operations

For field technicians, the difference between paper and digital as-builts is substantial. Manual records don’t provide the spatial intelligence they need to quickly locate assets, and inaccurate or incomplete records leave gaps that hinder their work. It’s especially problematic when time is of the essence, such as during power restoration activities. In contrast, digital as-builts provide field crews with timely, accurate information about the current state of the utility’s infrastructure, so they can locate assets faster and approach their work with reliable data.

By implementing digital as-built solutions, utilities can manage field assets from a position of greater knowledge, equipping field technicians to perform their work efficiently, effectively, and safely. A best-in-class digital as-built solution transforms field operations by delivering six key benefits:

Real-time Data. Field workers are more productive when they have instant access to real-time asset information, including visualizations like GIS-based maps. Digital as-built systems empower them to make faster, more informed decisions when performing maintenance and making repairs.
Better Accuracy. Digital as-built solutions eliminate manual data entry and the resulting errors. Field workers can approach each task with confidence, knowing they have an accurate, up-to-date representation of the field infrastructure.
Improved Safety. Inaccurate information about their environment can place field workers in harm’s way. A digital as-built system reduces risk by ensuring field workers are fully informed of hazards, changes, safety protocols, and other essential information.
Faster Response. Digital as-built systems improve collaboration and information sharing among field workers, engineers, and office staff, enabling them to respond more quickly to an outage or other emergency and coordinate effectively on large, complex projects.
Cost Savings. By eliminating repetitive manual tasks and speeding the process of updating as-built records, a digital solution reduces field operation labor costs.

Digital As-Built Systems Improve Tracking and Traceability

Utilities must be able to track and trace every asset from the time it’s installed through its operational life and eventual decommissioning, including its movement, condition, upgrade, and maintenance. Proper tracking and tracing is integral to effective asset management—both reactive and proactive—and it’s vital for maintaining regulatory compliance.

Digital as-built systems make tracking and traceability significantly easier by providing better visibility into every asset throughout its lifecycle, noting every change made over time.

When assets are affected by outages and other events, digital as-builts arm field crews with the historical information needed to speed restoration efforts and provide responsive customer service.
When traceable data is paired with advanced analytics, utilities gain data-driven insights that enable teams to make informed decisions to improve asset management.
When utilities need to demonstrate tracking and traceability for compliance purposes, digital as-built systems provide easy access to detailed, fully auditable records of all field activities.

As technology continues to advance, digital as-built capabilities will evolve and further improve. Generative AI is likely to have a major impact, especially when it comes to making massive data sets understandable and usable. With high fidelity data becoming even more integral to utility field operations, utilities will look to their vendors to incorporate AI and machine learning to empower field crews and office-based staff to make better data-driven decisions.

EpochField: The Complete Digital As-Built Solution for Field Operations

Today’s utilities can’t afford to struggle with outdated asset data that reduces field crew efficiency and jeopardizes their safety. That’s why many are implementing the EpochField map-first workforce management system—an industry-specific solution purpose-built to address the evolving challenges of a dynamic utility industry.

EpochField transforms as-built documentation for utility field workers, streamlining operations, improving efficiency, and enhancing customer service. This digital as-built solution delivers the spatial intelligence that field crews need and seamlessly integrates with legacy utility solutions and other enterprise applications, performing real-time updates that ensure high fidelity data. It enables the organization to continuously monitor assets and infrastructure, providing the tracking and traceability capabilities that are essential to effective asset management and regulatory compliance. And it’s easily configurable and scalable to meet the needs of any sized utility, from small-scale to large infrastructure networks.

Contact an Epoch Solutions Group sales consultant or visit EpochField to learn more.

Mastering Your Esri ArcGIS Utility Network Implementation: Top Five Considerations from Epoch’s Esri-Certified Professionals

Posted on October 17, 2024November 6, 2024 by Ciara Tobin

With power demand increasing dramatically and energy reliability challenged by extreme weather, your utility network has never been more mission-critical. But traditional networks make it difficult to manage large and complex data sets with high integrity, and they don’t deliver actionable insights for effective decision-making.

These realities are leading many utilities to move to the Esri ArcGIS Utility Network. This modern framework transforms utility asset management, operational efficiency, and network analysis by making it easy to manage complex networks with high fidelity and scalability.

The Esri UN-certified professionals at Epoch Solutions Group have successfully deployed many large-scale Utility Network projects, so they know how to achieve a smooth transition that empowers utilities to reap all the benefits. They’re also the team that delivers our Epoch UN Blueprint: an end-to-end service that combines a structured process, tailored data models, and best practices to complete your deployment quickly and efficiently. Our experts leveraged their deep experience to share the top five considerations for mastering your Esri ArcGIS Utility Network implementation.

1. Determine Your Level of UN Data Readiness

The data readiness assessment is arguably the most critical component of any successful Utility Network implementation. The Utility Network enforces a strict set of rules for data preparation, making this assessment essential, regardless of the current state of data quality. Although this task may seem overwhelming, leveraging industry-leading tools and expertise will transform it into a streamlined process that enhances data integrity. In turn, end users will have confidence in their data being Utility Network-ready from day one.

Below are some of the key checks that should be conducted as part of the readiness assessment:

Functional and attribution drivers for asset group and asset types
Geometry errors
Stacked lines and points
Connectivity analysis
Source data attribution errors

An effective data preparation process will help lead to an efficient data modeling and migration process. Whether you take a phased approach to your migration or migrate the data all at once, tools like Epoch Sync Pro greatly simplify an otherwise-complex process. This powerful, scalable data migration tool seamlessly syncs data bidirectionally and accurately from Smallworld Version Managed Data Stores/other GIS vendors and Esri ArcGIS Enterprise Geodatabases, even on massive databases.

2. Take Time to Tailor the Data Model Effectively

To get the most benefit from the network you’ll need to customize the data model to reflect your assets, operational practices, infrastructure, workflows, and regulatory requirements.

For example, an electric utility that’s evolving to incorporate renewable energy sources will need to create custom asset groups for solar panels, wind turbines, or smart meters. A gas utility will need to set up asset groups and types that distinguish transmission lines from service lines or reflect gas-specific equipment such as compressor stations and odorization facilities.

The flexibility of the UN data model is a pro and a con: You can tailor it exactly to your needs, but that can feel overwhelming. Several best practices will smooth the process:

Conduct a workshop with key stakeholders—including GIS specialists, field crews, and engineers—to define your UN objectives and data requirements.
Take inventory of your assets and attribute data to determine what needs to be incorporated and identify gaps.
Utilize commodity-driven data models designed by Epoch Solutions Group to specifically adhere to your business needs and workflows.
Test the model on a sample dataset for functional and structural validity and adjust it based on the results.
Keep the model as simple as possible for ease of maintenance yet scalable to accommodate additional assets or network expansion.

3. Carefully Configure and Validate the Network Topology

The Esri Utility Network includes tools that help you establish network rules to suit your operation. For example, connectivity rules define how different assets connect within the network (such as a transformer connected to a feeder line), while containment rules define how one asset is contained within another (such as cables within a conduit).

You’ll also need to validate that the network topology complies with the rules you’ve established. This process points out errors, like a missing asset connection or containment relationship. You can correct them using the ArcGIS Pro editing tools and adjust the network rules if they’re too restrictive. Though it’s critical to validate network topology rules prior to implementation, periodic validations are vital for maintaining network integrity.

4. Optimize Network Performance and Scalability

Achieving a high-performing, scalable network is a key objective of your Utility Network deployment. To reduce the impact of dataset size and complexity on network performance, use simpler geometries where feasible and generalized presentations for high-level data views. To keep your hardware and infrastructure from hindering UN performance, be sure your servers meet or exceed Esri’s recommended requirements and your infrastructure can handle the data transfer demands.

For a network that’s scalable and future-proof, plan for growth in your data volume and number of users, as well as increased application complexity over time. A modular design will enable you to add new components without major overhauls, and a cloud-based platform will allow you to allocate resources flexibly and reduce costly on-premise hardware.

5. Build in Training and Change Management

You need to equip end users to work within the new network proficiently, understand the workflows, and maintain data accuracy and integrity. It’s vital to build their knowledge and skills in both the ArcGIS Pro software and the Utility Network’s features. The training will be most useful if it’s role-specific: GIS analysts need to understand data modeling, topology rules, and network analysis, field crews need to know how to use mobile applications to collect data, and managers will primarily use the reporting tools.

As with any change, you might face resistance when moving to the Utility Network. Take time upfront to explain the rationale and how it will benefit different stakeholders, and involve end users in the project planning to create buy-in. A phased implementation rollout is helpful too, as it allows end users to adapt gradually. Offer them convenient ways to provide feedback and report technical issues, and make sure your support team is equipped to provide accurate, responsive help.

A successful Esri ArcGIS Utility Network implementation requires careful planning and expertise. That’s why it’s important to have an experienced, Esri-certified professional as your guide.

Our Epoch UN Blueprint takes you from planning through execution, step by step, with Esri UN experts handing all the technical details and leading you through a successful migration. This turnkey service speeds and streamlines your Utility Network deployment through a structured, proven process—so you can start reaping the benefits of this enterprise solution sooner.

Contact a sales consultant to learn how the Epoch UN Blueprint can help you migrate quickly and seamlessly to the Esri Utility Network.

EpochField Updates Reflect the Utility Industry’s Evolving Needs

Posted on September 24, 2024September 27, 2024 by Ciara Tobin

Today’s utilities are under greater pressure than ever. Electrification is rising dramatically thanks to accelerating AI use and electric vehicle adoption, creating a pressing need to expand and modernize the grid. Climate change is driving major, costly decarbonization efforts while threatening energy reliability. And skilled labor remains difficult to find and retain, creating workforce capacity constraints.

Epoch Solutions Group recognizes the challenges your utility faces in delivering safe, reliable, cost-effective energy. We’re committed to keeping our EpochField workforce management solution in sync with your dynamic needs—not only responding to customer feedback and requests, but anticipating the future of field service management.

This year we released a major EpochField update along with several minor updates as part of our drive to continually enhance this mission-critical solution for leading utilities. Here’s a recap of the invaluable features we added or enhanced in the latest EpochField 5.2 versions, designed to streamline field service operations, improve the efficiency and productivity of your crews, dispatchers, and schedulers, and equip you to deliver the level of service your customers expect.

A More Intuitive Mobile UI/UX for Better Efficiency

In sync with the industry’s shift toward mobile-first solutions, we redesigned the EpochField mobile app for better mobile workforce management. A more intuitive interface makes the app simpler for field workers to use and navigate and more engaging—a major benefit at a time when it’s tough to stay fully staffed and you need to accomplish more work with fewer people. Our app facilitates streamlined workflows, enabling field crews to complete work order-related tasks faster and easier using a mobile phone or tablet for a better overall experience.

.NET Maui Migration for Improved Performance

The migration from Xamarin to the .NET Maui (Multi-Platform App UI) platform accomplishes two important objectives: It improves cross-platform performance when your field crews use EpochField on Apple, Android, or Microsoft mobile devices and ensures you can maximize the value of the latest app development technologies. By taking a forward-thinking view, we’re future-proofing EpochField to provide a solid foundation for developing more mobile capabilities that work across platforms.

Work Order Process Improvements for Greater Productivity

EpochField now includes many enhancements that help your teams process work orders more efficiently. We enhanced the solution’s data collection capabilities to reduce administrative steps, simplify data entry, reduce the risk of data errors, and streamline workflow.

Self-managed work order creation: EpochField now allows your field crews to initiate and manage the creation of ad hoc work orders themselves by uploading CSV files through the mobile app, using asset data IDs or geographic coordinates. They can organize their own work and complete routine inspections and other jobs without waiting on external dependencies that risk slowing the process.
Improved editing of multiple work features: Utility field crews can use the solution’s lasso tool to precisely choose work features for editing just by clicking on the map. This tool makes it easier to select and edit tasks individually or in bulk, improving accuracy, efficiency, and oversight. The newest software version also allows end users to delete work features individually or in bulk through the main form, further saving time.
Better workflow form flexibility: An improved workflow forms layout is more intuitive for your field workers to use, guiding them logically as they complete the form. By combining Categories and Fields on the same form, and enhancing the Workflow Bulder with simple drag-and-drop functionality, we’ve made it simpler to create and use workflow forms.

State Model Functionality for Better Control

Many EpochField users expressed a need to better control field work order statuses. In response we introduced state model functionality that provides clearer workflows and better operational visibility across the EpochField platform.

Other EpochField Enhancements

In addition to these major functionality enhancements, EpochField now provides improved icons, particularly in the Print tool, to further improve the user experience. And of course, we’ve continued to prioritize the security of our platform by applying critical security patches as they become available.

Evolving in Sync with Utilities

EpochField is transforming field service management for leading utilities—streamlining how your teams work, improving efficiency from the front line to the back office, and empowering you to provide safe, reliable services to your customers. Our map-first approach leverages the power of GIS data to improve your field operations, supporting you as you evolve your business model to address the trends that are reshaping the utility industry.

By continually enhancing EpochField with updates that reflect customer input and industry trends, we’re adding the innovative capabilities you need today while keeping one step ahead of the future of field service management.

Learn more about the EpochField workforce management solution or schedule a live demo.

Shane Hullinger

Shane Hullinger is the Epoch Solutions Group Director of Product Management for EpochField, responsible for shaping the product and leading cross-functional teams to execute strategies, embark on impactful market research, and refine the customer experience.

7 Ways to Transform Your Telecom with GIS Field Management Technology

Posted on January 25, 2023June 7, 2023 by Ciara Tobin

For telecommunications companies, effectively managing assets, documenting those activities, and scheduling any necessary maintenance or damage response are all essential to promoting operational efficiencies and service uptime. Having real-time data on how personnel, equipment, and infrastructure are performing across the service area allows telecom field crews and back-office teams to streamline the scheduling of routine maintenance, inspections, and service calls, and enables the swift response times consumers expect when outages occur.

To unlock the high levels of situational awareness telecom companies need today, they are increasingly investing in advanced GIS mapping solutions that capture and process field asset data digitally, in real time. With this critical infrastructure data at their fingertips, field operations teams can quickly assess conditions on the ground and make more informed scheduling, dispatching, and planning decisions accordingly, meeting the ever-rising expectations of their customers.

So, how can telecom companies leverage GIS asset management technologies to improve their operations, reduce outages, and deliver exceptional service to their customers? Here are a few pivotal use cases for GIS mapping solutions that speak to the benefits of the technology.

1. Using Data to Drive Maintenance and Repair Decisions

GIS mapping technology allows telecoms to automatically trace and track the history and condition of infrastructure assets throughout their lifecycles. With this technology, internal teams can also track the exact whereabouts of field crews, equipment, and vehicles in real time – and view all this field data through one holistic, digital map-based interface. Using intuitive navigation tools, these interactive dashboards allow back-office teams to drill down into inspection, maintenance, and repair records for infrastructure assets displayed on the map, determine which assets are in most need of servicing, and – with touch-screen simplicity – automatically generate field crew assignments, work orders, and dispatching instructions. Automating Workflows

With the right telecom asset management platform, companies can automate many manual processes impacting their productivity. For example, an advanced, enterprise-grade solution can automatically trace and track where field crews and equipment are located as they move from place to place. Intuitive, touch-screen interfaces allow field data to be displayed dynamically, in real-time and in detail, on interactive digital maps that populate via GIS software and are operated with touch-screen simplicity.

When selecting a telecom management software solution, look for features that allows teams to schedule and dispatch crews automatically, segmented by user, user roles, and groups – and that automatically notify crews of their assignments by text and email, including where and when to report for service calls, what equipment is needed, and the optimum routes to get there.

2. Leveraging Data to Expedite Field Crew Scheduling

Modern GIS mapping solutions drive scheduling across the entire service area as well, allowing back-office teams to automate the many processes and workflows involved in field operations management. Because field data is seamlessly integrated across a telecom’s enterprise, field crew scheduling can be conducted based on a breadth of information, including which crew members are available at any given time, what their skillsets are, and their proximity to infrastructure assets in need of attention. Once field work is scheduled, the work orders are immediately accessible for viewing and processing by all stakeholders, from back-office teams to crews out in the field. The most advanced solutions on the market also include route optimization tools that automatically provide field workers with the fastest route to get to their next assignments, which is particularly important when managing unplanned work.

3. Reducing Manual Touchpoints – And the Associated Human Errors

Field data collection today is still typically handled through a hybrid model whereby information is captured through both digital and manual processes. For back-office scheduling and dispatching teams, that often means scanning and keying in data from hand-written field crew notes and schematics and combining it with digital photos, video footage, online communications, and other data sources. This labor-intensive data collection process slows operational productivity, hampers decision-making processes, and is prone to human error. With an advanced GIS mapping solution in place, telecommunications companies can take advantage of integrated workflow automation technology to digitally collect, process, store, and synch field data across systems and applications. As a result, they can dramatically reduce the manual labor involved in data collection – and eliminate opportunities for clerical errors.

4. Establishing a Comprehensive, Centralized Data Repository

Crews need real-time access to field data to get their work done properly once on site. When data access is limited – or when field data is outdated altogether – crews must pause what they are doing and check in with the home office by phone or email to clarify their next steps. Using an advanced GIS mapping solution allows all stakeholders, from frontline field crews to back-office schedulers and dispatchers, to be working off the same page, with data on infrastructure assets synched in real time across all the systems, applications, and devices they use. In turn, field crews arrive on site with full visibility into what needs to be done so they can conduct routine work more efficiently and strategically address any unplanned issues as well.

5. Leveraging Mobile Devices in the Field

Field crews are comprised of a mix of full-time, part-time, and contracted workers, each with their own smartphones, tablets, and other computing devices. And they are employed by telecoms in the thousands. To keep field crews seamlessly connected and communicating with back-office teams, the most advanced GIS mapping solutions on the market come with a mobile app that is easily downloaded and operated from any Windows, Android, or iOS-based device. Empowering field crews with the ability to conduct and report on their work via their own smartphones equips all employees with the data they need to nimbly and intelligently respond to conditions in the field, collaborate and troubleshoot more effectively, provide first time resolution, and better ensure that infrastructure assets are performing optimally.

6. Improving Customer Experiences

Today’s digital-first consumers and businesses have come to expect broad real-time data access for virtually any service they use – from Amazon deliveries to Uber ridesharing and restaurant wait times – and they expect the same kind of experience from a telecommunications provider. The deep situational awareness enabled by GIS asset management tools allows telecom employees that interact with the public – from contact center agents to field crew teams – to keep customers informed on exactly when workers will arrive, what type of work is being performed, and how quickly services will be completed.

7. Saving Time, Labor, and Costs

Without the deep data access and visibility enabled by GIS mapping technologies, telecommunications companies may find their crews crisscrossing the vast service areas they manage to address issues that pop up unexpectedly in a scattershot manner. By contrast, having geospatial data universally accessible allows telecom employees to move from a reactive posture to a more proactive stance, in which they can identify and mitigate infrastructure issues and risks before costly outages occur. As a result, an investment in GIS asset management technology helps telecommunications companies operate more efficiently and strategically, cut their response times, save time and labor, and deliver better outcomes for the communities they serve.

Guide to Improving Telecom Workflows for Better Customer Service

3 Ways to Enhance Your Telecom Team’s Service Proposition

Posted on January 18, 2023April 19, 2024 by Ciara Tobin

For telecommunications companies today, the ability to operate more efficiently is imperative to sustainable growth and success going forward. Rising costs due to inflation and the complexities involved in deploying new telecommunications GIS and networking technologies are making it increasingly challenging for providers to ensure the reliable, affordable service and prompt issue resolution customers expect.

Additionally, the sheer expanse of telecommunications networks and the vast, hybrid workforce required to keep infrastructure and equipment up and running offer prime opportunities to use effective digital solutions. While companies industry-wide recognize the need to modernize their telecom software solutions, as noted by EY, their “ability to transform through new technologies is hampered by complexity in various forms. Human factors are also limiting progress.”

To meet their operational challenges, telecommunications companies must invest in digitization and telecom automation technologies to aide in workforce management. While these technologies hold promise to streamline and accelerate critical workflows, there are many telecom asset management software solutions available, from dedicated point tools that address specific processes to enterprise-wide platforms that integrate the infrastructure and drive workflows across the continuum.

Here are three reasons to embrace a holistic, platform-level approach to telecommunications lifecycle management. Read on to see how investing in the right asset management software solution can increase productivity for improved uptime, faster, more informed service interactions, and better customer experiences overall.

Unlocking Data

Investing in an enterprise-grade, digitized workforce management platform can help telecommunications companies speed response times to service requests. With the right solution in place, operations data can be captured, synched, and shared in real time, providing agents, field crews, customers, and other stakeholders with the ongoing, 360-degree view of network operations needed to promptly address issues and troubleshoot potential problems before they occur.

The most advanced telecom asset management software solutions on the market allow data to be stored, processed, and accessed across all systems and applications – from the thousands of mobile devices field workers carry with them to back-office servers and solutions deployed in the cloud. Universal real-time access to operations data allows telecommunications companies to make more informed, strategic decisions at the macro level – and to keep customers updated on the progress of their individual service requests as work is being performed.

Automating Workflows

Embracing Innovation

An advanced platform-level digitization and telecom automation solution should also serve the needs of your customers for years to come. Accordingly, it should allow you to expand and upgrade the network with new features and applications that will improve uptime and enhance service experiences as a result.

The platform you select should tie systems and applications together into one, holistic technological ecosystem, including all software and hardware assets you have deployed, from mobile field apps to GIS and CRM applications driving your business. The platform should also be highly flexible, configurable, and extensible by design, so you can scale your operations according to fluctuating demands while deploying new AI, machine learning, and other data-intensive applications that continue to transform the industry.

The ability to migrate applications, data, and workflows from on-premise servers to cloud resources is essential as well as this paradigm will allow your IT staff to work at velocity as they implement new features and applications in service to customers. And the ability to operate the solution’s mobile companion app offline will allow field workers to seamlessly capture and record data for real-time dissemination across all systems and applications once Internet connections are restored.

Beyond Technology

To ensure that you deliver on your customers’ expectations now and in the future takes more than just the right technologies. It also requires your company to align with partners who understand well your service challenges and can help you construct a technological roadmap to advance your goals and vision.

To that end, be sure you are partnering with a technology provider that will work with you to design a comprehensive plan for your future infrastructure – and that offers the development, deployment, service, and support resources needed to deploy new technologies as they are brought to market.

At Epoch Solutions Group, we offer the technology, service, and support resources you need to achieve just that. Our EpochField enterprise-grade telecom asset management platform digitizes field data to deliver real-time situational awareness across the network while automating critical manual processes to ease staff members’ workloads and accelerate service response times for customers. And it is available as both an on-premise or SaaS solution.

Our training, implementation, and support teams are there for you every step of the way, from the design and development phases of a project through the platform’s roll-out and beyond. And because our track record in the industry extends back decades, we bring to your implementation a deep understanding of the technological, operational, and customer service challenges you face today – and proven best practices you can easily adopt now to improve experiences and outcomes down the road.

Digitizing Telecom Field Operations: A Step-by-Step Guide

Posted on January 11, 2023March 2, 2023 by Ciara Tobin

For many years, telecommunications companies have been under pressure to digitize their field operations to remain competitive and offer the customer experience demanded of them. For too long, the typical operational model revolved around separate business areas operating in silos and using disparate solutions to manage their field workforce and operations across each division. However, according to Boston Consulting Group, only 22% of telecom companies have been able to successfully execute against this transformative need. Disjointed processes, a significant volume of planned and unplanned work, duplicate data views, and rising customer expectations have provided challenging ecosystems to integrate and digitize. The years following COVID-19 have proven that even these operations need to be streamlined and digitized utilizing the proper technologies available.

The efficiency gains and cost savings derived from digitization are too great to ignore, not to mention how it addresses the need to meet rising customer expectations. This is especially true for field operations. To overcome internal and external barriers, it’s critical for telecoms to have a comprehensive project plan that addresses the varied elements needed for successful digitization. Preparing to transition field operations to a digital model is a process that should include a set of measurable milestones and goals from the outset. Telecom executives also need to engage with their teams to understand field workers’ challenges and work with them to find solutions that make sense for all stakeholders.

If you’re looking to transform your field operations into the next phase of digitization, here’s a checklist your team can use to ensure the transition to digital management is smooth and effective:

Understand the business case for upgrading to digital tools. Lay out the short- and long-term goals and align digitization plans to them to ensure priority work is completed first.
Assess your current state and identify areas of improvement. Conduct a thorough audit to identify the most pressing challenges that digitization will address and develop a roadmap accordingly.
Design a plan to implement digitization in a way that makes sense for your organization. Form a task force for the transition and include team staff members who will be working directly within the digital systems; comprehensive involvement gets everyone engaged and focused on the same goals from the start.
Train and equip your field workers with the tools they need to be successful. Identifying early adopters to champion training, celebrate learning steps, and acknowledge change management wins will help keep teams motivated.
Monitor and optimize your digitization efforts over time. Schedule regular evaluations aligned to planning, implementation, and execution milestones to course-correct or leverage successes throughout the system.
Work with an implementation partner that can help you assess your telecom’s needs and ensure the best roadmap ahead. Make sure your partner offers configurable solutions that solve the unique challenges your teams face each day, from the back office to the frontline. Also, ensure you’re getting increased visibility and productivity in every aspect of the process

Each of these steps is important in achieving success with digitization in field operations, but it’s also important to keep in mind that every telecommunications company is different and will have its own unique challenges and needs. You know it’s time to update your process, but where do you start?

Learn more about how to get your operations ready – schedule an EpochField demonstration today.