If you’re a utility provider, you are no stranger to the importance of data collection standardization. Utility projects - be it during the installation phase or managing O&M needs - have to deal with a vast array of incoming data. Now, if this information is not available in a consistent format, it becomes a headache to compare different data sets and ultimately impacts decision making.
Today, our focus will be on how Grid can be used by utilities to standardize data collection and enhance their reporting capabilities. We will highlight our flexible platform’s features like digital checklists, specialized forms, image verification, etc, that eventually allows for greater accuracy in data reporting and management.
How Grid’s Frontline App Standardizes Data Collection and Eliminates Misreporting?
With Grid, frontline teams in smart metering projects can employ specialized forms or digital checklists which helps them collect/capture data in a consistent format. This is achieved via several key capabilities, like:
Standardized data collection approach
With Grid, teams can use specialized forms or digital checklists which ensures that every data point is captured accurately. This information is collected with regards to various key metrics such as date, location or zone. In this manner, instances of misreporting or discrepancies are reduced with the quality of dashboards being significantly enhanced, such as highlighting smart meter performance across districts.
Error reduction mechanisms
Grid’s platform incorporates several features that help reduce errors and redundancies for enhanced data reliability.
Form validation: Every single entry is to be validated against predefined criteria to ensure accuracy before submission at all times.
Default values: Grid can be used to assign values to certain fields, which minimizes instances of incorrect or incomplete entries.
Dropdown menu with options: The multi-select option limits chances of input errors by providing predefined choices.
Customization for specific requirements
Our no-code platform is highly customizable, which means that utilities can tailor it to suit their operational needs and regulatory frameworks. This approach allows them to capture all necessary data accurately and efficiently, ensuring alignment with existing workflows.
Media capture
During data collection, Grid’s solution also provides an image verification support feature that helps increase the accuracy in reporting. Suppose a field worker is conducting inspections for asset maintenance, and they come across a smart meter that might have hardware damages. The digital checklist forms can already be customized to capture detail for every single asset (fixed and variable) inside a smart meter. In addition, the forms also have an ‘image upload’ option which are automatically linked to corresponding inspection reports of each smart meter or equipment. With this feature to upload visual evidence, field workers can significantly reduce possibilities of data misreporting or miscommunication between field coordinators and managers.
This standout feature of Grid’s platform not only increases accurate reporting but also helps in ensuring a comprehensive audit trail. If any discrepancy occurs, the image evidence enables for quick resolution and in turn, increases the reliability of the collected operational information.
Real-Word Use Cases of Grid for Data Standardization for Utilities
Use Case: Smart Street Lighting Projects
Our no-code solution helps in enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of data collection processes for utility projects across sectors. In this section, we will explore how Grid can be used for various operational needs in ‘smart street lighting projects.’
Meter installation
Here, the objective is to standardize the installation of street light meters and ensure a uniform data collection process. Each technician can use a custom checklist during the installation phase, which includes fields such as:
- Meter ID
- Date of installation
- GPS coordinates (location)
- Name of the technician
- Pole number
By following the above standardized checklist approach, managers and field coordinators can reduce discrepancies in data entry since every installation is following the same procedure. Grid also allows project managers to track the installation of meters in real-time. In this way, they can ensure that projects are being completed as per schedule and operational standards.
Asset inspections
Once the meters are installed, it is important to ensure that every equipment is functioning efficiently for the smooth running of operations. Our utility data management solution Grid can be used to enhance the accuracy in asset inspections. This is achieved via features such as standard documentation and image verification support.
Image verification: When field operators are assigned locations to conduct regular inspections and check-ups, they can use Grid’s frontline app to upload images as proof for the data collected.
Reporting forms: Here, field operators can also fill out standardized forms that capture asset details like:
- Asset ID
- Condition rating
- Recommendations for maqintenance
In addition, the uploaded images act as records for future proof so as to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements.
Automated alert generation
Grid also has the capability to track the status of communication between smart lights and centralized monitoring systems. It is within this context that Grid’s worksheet is automatically filled with communication error alerts whenever hindrances occur. These specific ‘alerts’ are auto-captured in a detailed worksheet, covering details such as:
- Device ID
- Device type
- Type of alert
- Communication status of the device
- Event type (such as, not communicating)
- Event number
- Exact time of alert generation
Field user allocation
After the alerts are updated in the worksheet, managers can allocate field users to resolve the issues in a quick manner. These worksheets can be customized to capture all the necessary data required for field technicians. Some of the mandatory details that are included in the worksheet are:
Type of device (dual or group controller)
Zone that has been impacted
Type of alerts
Name of allocated technician
Details about escalation
Dashboard and reporting
Once the data has been collected in a standardized and consistent manner, it becomes easier to segregate and present that information as per operational requirements. For instance, let’s consider data collected from one of the previous sections. We are referring to ‘automated alert generation’, where utilities are able to keep a transparent eye on alerts raised for specific devices. Once the data has been collected, utility teams can leverage Grid’s reporting capabilities to view the information as per their needs. For instance, the alert data can be viewed as:
- Total number of alerts raised
- Number of alerts that have been resolved
- Pending alerts that need attention
- RFC and DLCU alerts segregated by alert type
As explained in the example above, not only does Grid allow for standardizing the data collection process, utilities can also enable accurate reporting so as to gain detailed insights into every aspect of their operations.
Conclusion
The customization and flexibility provided by Grid allows utilities to break free from the chaos of inconsistent data formats. By being able to easily document their findings via checklists, and eliminating guesswork with insights, utilities can transform their operations into a well-oiled machine where every data point adds value to the overall business framework.
Wait no more, reach out to us today and explore how Grid can revolutionize your approach to utility data management.
