pwr_january-2025 - 30

TECHNOLOGY
How Mobile Solutions Are
Transforming Utility Network
Operations
The electric power sector is undergoing a digital transformation with mobile applications
playing a crucial role by enabling real-time data sharing and more efficient
grid management. Innovative technology is supporting utilities' efforts to modernize
infrastructure, enhance operations, and transition to renewable energy sources.
Ravi Krishnan
T
he electric utility sector is undergoing
an unprecedented energy
transition that requires reducing
carbon emissions, promoting decentralization,
and increasing the digitalization
of workflows. These changes significantly
affect electrical distribution,
especially with the rise of behind-themeter
(BTM) systems. Utilities' future
success hinges on their ability to address
these challenges holistically and
cost-effectively.
Utilities must implement automated
work procedures that use shared data
and adaptable tools throughout the life
of the electric grid. Work process digitalization
instantaneously gives field staff
access to work order data and enables
monitoring of back-office work progress
in real time. Field crews equipped with
these digital technologies are necessary
to optimize the operation of modern
electrical distribution systems.
The Network Lifecycle
The electrical distribution network lifecycle
has four phases: plan, build, operate,
and respond (Figure 1). Each phase
requires process optimization and integration
with systems such as geographic
information system (GIS), workforce
management system (WMS), and outage
management system (OMS), as
well as the ability to access them from
the field. Mobile applications support
the network lifecycle by digitalizing the
process of sharing data and optimizing
previously manual data-handling processes,
which enhances productivity
and cuts costs.
Plan Your Network. The plan phase
boosts situational awareness through
mobile apps and their ability to share
real-time data with operational systems.
The network is updated dynamically
using digital design tools
that
optimize
fieldwork processes.
Mobile apps enable field crews to
digitally perform staking, field design,
construction estimates, and drawing
mark-ups, making the process more
efficient and productive.
Build Your Network. In the build
phase, mobile apps improve data
quality for construction teams and
streamline the preparation of as-built
drawings. Field crews also use mobile
apps to record updated field data
for
engineering
and
management.
This accelerates the build process
and better manages changes in a dynamic
work environment.
Operate and Maintain Your NetIn
the operate and maintain
work.
phase, field crews use mobile apps
to receive geo-enabled work orders to
shorten response times. Smart forms
are customizable for task and workforce
planning, and may be integrated
with advanced distribution manageReal-Time
Communication
Mobile
apps
allow real-time
communication
between
field crews and
headquarters to
improve team
coordination.
1. The four phases of the utility network lifecycle.
Courtesy: IQGeo
30
Streamlined
Workflows
Mobile apps
help field crews
to remotely
access work
orders and
geospatial data
to quickly locate
assets.
2. UK-based IQGeo's field mobility software
framework provides a valuable perspective
for assessing and addressing significant challenges
associated with grid modernization.
Courtesy: IQGeo
ment systems (ADMS) and OMS.
Field crews can also update as-built
drawings, GIS databases, and asset
inspection reports online and offline,
enabling efficient network operation
and maintenance.
Respond and Repair Your Network.
Mobile applications are used in
the response and repair phase to accelerate
service restoration without
compromising field crew safety. For
example, field crews can view affected
areas on a tablet, which facilitates faster
workforce activation during disaster
Improved Data
Accuracy
Mobile apps
reduce errors in
manual data entry
and improve
documentation
of field tasks.
Enhanced Safety
Measures
Mobile apps can
include real-time
asset location
and environmental
protocols
to enable
field crews to
safely respond
to emergencies.
Optimized Asset
Management
Mobile apps
give field crews
current asset
information,
maintenance
schedules, and
historical data to
make informed
decisions.
Table 1. Five critical operational benchmarks for electrical utilities deploying mobile applications.
Source: IQGeo
www.powermag.com
POWER| January 2025

http://www.powermag.com

pwr_january-2025

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of pwr_january-2025