From traditional network information system to service oriented solutions

The BKK grid was migrated into a data model, based upon and extending the electric distribution data model released by the Utility Network Community. This has allowed BKK Nett to start testing a service-based data model hands-on with their data – the abstract has become tangible. Based upon this BKK Nett can much better plan the process of transforming their systems as well as the business process support.

"With the pilot migration into the utility network delivered by Powel, BKK has started the journey towards our future solution for grid documentation. Having own data to work with when evaluating and planning makes a lot of sense," says Tomm Bergstø Monsen, senior advisor at BKK.

The market is seeing a game-changer

With the release of the next-generation ArcGIS and corresponding utility network, the market is seeing a game-changer. The service-based access to data (including updating) and functionality, combined with the comprehensive set of out-of-the-box functionality better-tailored utilities has led to a huge interest from the market.

Moving to a utility network is a complex challenge, though. Not only does data have to be migrated into a UN-based data model fulfilling market needs. Ways of working and digital functionality often established through decades of development and organisation building must also be adapted to and implemented delivering even more efficient business process support.

Powel foresees and works towards a future where fewer people in the utilities need to work out of the office – a future where field crews themselves can document and upgrade the grid data as well as perform tasks needed in the field. This is being made possible with the foundation from Esri, and it is upon this platform that Powel is now establishing future streamlining solutions. Solutions that are as easy to use and accessible as apps that all of us use every day – because they make things easier and more accessible.

Since the delivery to BKK, Powel has signed contracts for yet another three pilots with – Danish DSO Norlys, Norwegian DSO Hafslund, and most recently Norwegian DSO Eidsiva.

Through these projects Powel will:

1. Improve further on our data modeling and migration core thus streamlining and unifying migration from a variety of current network information systems
2. Identify potential for further optimising business processes through ArcGIS Pro and field crew solutions
3. Improve existing Powel business software for this to co-exist in a modular setup with the UN-based grid documentation

And Powel is committed to going through these processes in close cooperation with the utility business.

For Danish Norlys the value of moving to a new UN-based setup is real

As Henriette Skov, Senior Specialist GIS at Norlys puts it:

"An aging power network calls for massive reinvestment. Together with an increasing load on the same network, it is essential to be able to raise production capacity, prolong its life and reduce costs without affecting the security of supply. This requires a significant change in the way we operate the grid. Data quality and process support tools are key to the success of this transformation.”

With the Utility Network, Norlys expects to have a product that helps them to enhance and maintain data quality, thus delivering the foundation for qualified decision-making. 

“A service-based UN opens a world of possibilities. Our field workers and office staff get intuitive tools, allowing them to ask the necessary questions and conduct analyses while passing important information back to GIS. All of it without maintenance-intensive integrations and extra validation of the data,” says Skov.  

More streamlined business process support

Powel offers support for grid documentation, grid analysis/calculations, ADMS, maintenance management, process, and workflow management. And with more than thirty years of working with business process support at utility companies in Scandinavian, Powel has a unique position for delivering further optimisation.

"We are committed to bringing European utility companies to a more streamlined business process support building upon a comprehensive and flexible IT-setup," says Richard Schytte, business manager at Powel.