Operations, Engineering, Work Orders,
Cost Allocation & Maintenance of Assets
Operations Management
Operations personnel have on-line access to the resource data base that stores crew skills for planning and scheduling assignments of the work force to jobs, projects and to the maintenance of assets. On-line access to the inventory, purchasing and the work order data base provides the information for these resource assignments in the planning and work order scheduling process. The Utility Resource Planning and Schedule Board provides visibility of crew assignments across projects and small customer jobs for the coordination and effective monitoring of operations activities.
Engineering Management
Engineering plans and schedules the work force allocated for stations, distribution, protection and control, and meter reading. Real-time scheduling for engineering design and construction projects is coordinated with the availability of skilled crews, parts, material, equipment and vehicles. On-line access to the ‘bill of material’ is also provided for the ‘parts availability’ check during the scheduling process. The Engineering Data Base provides on-line access to sketches, drawings, assemblies, images and engineering specifications.
Work Orders
Real-time work order scheduling is integrated with jobs, projects, transportation, field services and maintenance of sub-stations, powerlines, meters and vehicles. Parts, materials, labour and transportation are recorded and charged to a work order for cost monitoring of jobs or projects and progress reporting, powerline maintenance and field services.
Cost Allocation
Work order costs collected are allocated to projects, field services and maintenance of powerlines, equipment and substations. The on-line cost roll-up provides for monitoring and reporting of the costs incurred on jobs, projects and maintenance. A complete repair and cost history is also available for review prior to authorizing major repairs and for the capital equipment acquisition program.
Maintenance of Assets
Real-time schedules include resources for maintenance of powerlines, substations, meters and vehicles. Available inventory and parts on order from suppliers can be allocated to a work order. Calibration and testing of equipment or instruments is based on quality specifications. Mobile Software allows maintenance crews to receive and send work order information, order parts and enter data from site locations using Smartphones, iPhones and the BlackBerry® Storm.
Preventive Maintenance schedules are optional and can also be provided based on the pre-determined daily, weekly, monthly and periodic maintenance routines or procedures. The frequency calculations for preventive maintenance can be based on running hours, age of equipment, or a specific company criteria. Equipment utilization reporting also provides the downtime of equipment and vehicles. Serial number control of parts, assemblies, transformers, etc. supports warranty claims as part of the preventive maintenance functions.
