Integrating automated field design with existing information systems

This paper describes a strategy for integrating existing information systems in utilities with automated field design (staking) tools. The success of utilities as they proceed into the deregulated environment will depend to a large part on their ability to integrate information systems across their organization. Mapping is emerging as a central component of utilities' information infrastructure because of the association between data and communicative graphic images provided by geographic information systems (GIS). Another category of utility automation is field design tools. They share some of the compelling usefulness of the mapping system while increasing the productivity of staking personnel and the design/build process. Early field design packages were computer versions of paper staking sheets, but current products are more sophisticated, providing process improvements in mapping, accounting, and other utility departments. Field design products that include work order management functions can interface with other systems to more effectively gather and distribute information. This paper makes recommendations to utilities that are considering implementing an automated field design system.