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Mobile Computing


Alternative Vehicle Options: Upfitted Vans for Utilities

Utility workers and linemen work in one of the most mobile industries in the country. Think about it: utility workers are always moving from one project to the next as efficiently as possible. Since utility workers rely so heavily on their work vehicles, it is critical that they drive a vehicle...

Utilities Opt to Automate Crew Scheduling, streamline work

For many utilities, scheduling each day’s construction and restoration work means manually organizing and keeping tabs on ever-changing crew schedules and resources. Managers meticulously update whiteboards dotted with color-coded magnets representing crews and trucks. Augmenting the...

Technology Adoption and Integration


The Truth About Field Data Management

Field data management: The value and challenge of asset health insight BY PAUL BARNETT, JOHN STEWART, Tennessee Valley Authority & PAT BROWN, Electric Power Research Institute Intelligent management and operation of assets is of major importance to electric utilities. In an era where assets are...

Telematics and GPS Tracking


ENHANCING REMOTE WORKER SAFETY

Remote field operations present the safety organization with a myriad of challenges when it comes to ensuring the safety of the people that you send out to work in the field every day. Without a doubt, this includes the line workers, but it also includes nearly every member of the staff whose...

Utilities Share Fleet Management Best Practices

Valuable information from managers and directors BY PHILL FELTHAM, Executive Editor Electricity Today Magazine Electric utilities are facing operational cutbacks and lower budgets due to the recent economic downturn. However, many of these same utilities are taking a fresh approach to maintaining...

Fleet Management

Mobile Workforce Using Augmented Reality

Plugging workers into data analytics and information technologies

BY JOHN SIMMINS, Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI)

Collectively, North American electric utilities operate in a unique environment. They need to serve all willing customers; they are in one of the most capital-intensive industries; and their product is consumed immediately. Yet the planning and pricing for that product might have lead times greater than a year, even as utilities suffer from the same rapidly evolving technology challenge...

Fleet Management Articles