The Challenge
As a leading electric utility experienced rapid growth, the organization faced a critical challenge: Their data analytics platform was outdated and inefficient. Each functional department operated in silos, resulting in frequent duplication of efforts across independent data analysts. Without the right technology, the utility’s distribution system struggled with data integration and visualization. Existing tools were not industry-specific, lacked documentation, and relied heavily on costly manual customizations.
The Opportunity
Recognizing the need for a transformative approach, Point B partnered with the utility to assess their data and analytics needs. We led a comprehensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process, ultimately selecting an advanced platform vendor capable of addressing the utility’s challenges. As we progressed with the platform’s implementation, it became clear that a Geographic Information System (GIS) would be critical for optimizing distribution operations. The GIS not only enhanced efficiency but also fostered greater collaboration across departments. Point B’ expertise in energy & utilities, data & analytics, and technology transformation was instrumental in successfully launching the new platform.
Our customer saw an immediate improvement to their data & analytics capabilities following the successful data platform and use case launch.
Our Approach
We managed the end-to-end implementation of a sophisticated big data architecture, which included a robust governance model and framework for developing, supporting, and maintaining analytics use cases. Our team piloted initial use cases and developed a comprehensive training program for key stakeholders, enabling more accurate reporting of ROI and other critical metrics.
One of our primary initiatives was the deployment of a GIS to enhance the organization’s capability to visualize and analyze geographical data. We created a tailored environment, managed installation, and developed focused modules and applications to ensure ease of use and sustainability. In addition, our team facilitated negotiation and procurement of GIS licenses and established a detailed governance structure to support ongoing growth.
Key GIS use cases included:
Streetlight Survey
The GIS enabled developers to plot all streetlights within the service territory, allowing end users to filter assets based on attributes and conduct detailed analyses. Surveyors could use a mobile application to gather data in the field, streamlining data collection and insight generation.
Substation Site Evaluation
The GIS combined data from multiple sources to create an interactive map, reducing a 2 week site evaluation process to mere minutes. This allowed for quicker analysis when scoping projects with customers.
Tracking Electric Vehicle Adoption
The GIS powered a comprehensive dashboard showcasing electric vehicle usage within our client’s service territory, informing the team’s strategy for existing infrastructure and future load growth.
Economic Development Evaluation
The GIS provided a single, interactive source to analyze the utility’s competitive performance, combining data from various sources to assess where the utility was gaining or losing business.
Project Results
Our customer saw an immediate improvement to their data & analytics capabilities following the successful data platform and use case launch, including:
- Improved data visibility: The utility now has better tools for tracking ROI and time savings, thanks to integrated data sources and enhanced visualization capabilities. The GIS reduced infrastructure evaluation time requirements from 2 weeks to 5 minutes.
- Expanded functionality: Over 40 analytics use cases have been implemented, significantly expanding the ability to manage and analyze data.
- Enhanced analytics: The GIS enables users to modify data layers and share maps with a diverse set of geographic data from internal and external sources.
- Increased community engagement: We established an internal GIS community working to increase platform awareness, drive new use cases, and foster cross-departmental collaboration.
Within 4 months of the platform’s go-live, the user base had doubled, 3 additional functional partners were engaged, and 20 additional use cases had been completed and implemented. Going forward, Point B continues to partner with our customer to expand their analytical capabilities and insights by implementing new use cases. From implementation support to defining program and governance models, our solutions-oriented approach ensures that our customer is empowered for continued growth.
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