An electrical network information system must be integration-ready and reliable
Tekla's customer-oriented work methods and development based on real needs are praised by Jarmo Karjalainen, the manager responsible for Vattenfall Verkko Oy's information technology and technical development. Tekla Solution for electricity utilities was chosen as Vattenfall Verkko Oy's electrical network information system in 2002, and its data contents are now used in many processes of the company. The versatile use of this modern network information system enhances work and facilitates process management.
As a network utility, Vattenfall Verkko is a forerunner in developing intelligent electrical networks that make use of modern technology. The company has 395,000 customers and 60,000 kilometers of electrical networks. In 2002, Vattenfall Verkko Oy selected Tekla software solution as its electrical network information system.
"Our goal is to provide electrical network services to our customers in a reliable and efficient way. Automated data transfer in the various work processes of the network utility and in the provision of information on, for example, storm damage requires that the network information system and the information that can be obtained from it be absolutely reliable," states Karjalainen.
Networking requires flexibility for system integration
Vattenfall Verkko Oy began operations as a network service company in 2002, when six distribution companies, each using its own network information system, were merged into one. Vattenfall Verkko had to merge all data into one system and, at the same time, decide on the system to be used.
"We compared the functions of different systems and, in the end, chose Tekla Solution for electricity utilities. The choice was also influenced by the fact that the future of Tekla's solution looked promising. The decision was right," states Karjalainen.
He continues, "In our company, Tekla's solution consisting of Tekla NIS (Network Information System) and Tekla DMS (Distribution Management System) forms the center of several information systems. We have integrated the solution with our processes and other information systems, such as the customer service system and the multi-channel communication system."
Since the introduction of the solution, Tekla and Vattenfall Verkko, in collaboration with other partners, have completed several system development projects in constructive partnership.
"We have developed standards for the whole industry. The industry is changing constantly, and developers must work in a customer-oriented way. Tekla has responded well to this need,” says Karjalainen.
System development is part of process development
"We are a customer service company operating in a networked world, and we have a wide partner network that manages, for example, field work related to the construction and maintenance of electrical networks. This requires smooth transmission of information between Tekla Solution and the other systems so that also outside partners can easily access the information needed. System development is part of process development," says Karjalainen.
"The data to be maintained in Tekla Solution can be used, for example, in communications with customers. If, for some reason, a power outage occurs, information on the objects can be immediately found on the Web or obtained in audio form via a telephone answering machine. Furthermore, customers who have signed an agreement with us will receive notification of the matter by text message or e-mail, and everything happens automatically," he expands.
The database is always up to date
Vattenfall Verkko's partners use and edit the data in the company's database. Therefore, special attention has been paid to the interface protection level and data security.
"We create the initial data for network contracts in Tekla NIS for contractors. After this, the contractors can process the plans directly in Tekla NIS. With comprehensive electronic planning, also the documentation process has been streamlined. Excess communication between us and the contractor has been eliminated, as have many unnecessary phases of saving and transfer. As the work progresses, the contractor documents it directly in the original plan. Therefore, we always have up-to-date information," says Karjalainen.
He sums up, "Every year, we process about 10,000 orders requiring documentation. It is easy to conclude that the current work method reduces maintenance costs and the amount of administrative work.”
AMR provides information on the electrical network and consumption
Vattenfall Verkko was the first company in Finland to adopt intelligent electricity meters that can be read remotely. The meters installed on the customers' premises are read automatically with Tekla DMS via an interface to the AMR system. In Tekla DMS, managing the switching states of the low-voltage network was possible before, but now, thanks to the integration of AMR and Tekla DMS, the data from remotely readable meters can be smoothly transferred directly to the distribution management system. This way, Vattenfall Verkko is also able to monitor the low voltage network automatically and in real time.
"The integration of Tekla DMS and AMR more than tripled the length of our automatically controlled network. We obtain data from each household in our area of operation, including summer cottages," says Karjalainen with satisfaction.
Data gained from the integration of Tekla DMS and AMR can be used in many ways in Vattenfall Verkko’s operations.
"We obtain reliable data on network status, power quality, power consumption, and changes in the consumption. The data can be used as a basis for strategic decision-making, investments, and risk management," Karjalainen says.
One of the areas of focus in Vattenfall Verkko's operations is easily accessible customer service implemented not only through the automatic provision of information on faults but also through high-quality service.
"Since AMR always informs us in the event of a power outage, we are able to locate and repair the fault in less time than before. Therefore, the duration of power outages is shorter. With AMR, we obtain real-time data on power consumption for each household, and the calculation is done on the basis of the actual numbers. We have gotten rid of billing based on estimates, which is to the advantage of all," says Karjalainen.
He expects that, in addition to enhancing operations, the integration of DMS and AMR will produce clear savings.
System development cooperation is vital
Karjalainen, who is responsible for information technology development at Vattenfall Verkko, states that the system supplier must do more than just develop and sell the product.
"Tekla's developers visit our office regularly. Together we examine the ways in which the solution could be improved or the kinds of functionalities that should be developed. In the joint development steering group, we maintain short-term operational plans as well as long-term strategic plans,” he explains.
Vattenfall Verkko and Tekla are currently developing an application with which Vattenfall Verkko will be able to visualize the location of assembly staff and other contractors from the control room, via a map in the Tekla DMS application.
Says Karjalainen, "In order for us to be able to coordinate the work well, we need to have a clear visual indication on the map of where the groups of workers are moving."
Photos by Vattenfall Verkko Oy
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