AMI (advanced metering infrastructure) has brought about a significant shift in how utilities manage their metering operations. Although this development has paved the way for a long list of benefits for both utilities and consumers alike, it also introduced operational complexities. Smart meters generate vast amounts of data at regular intervals, with information ranging from real-time usage trends to device health and anomaly detections. For any utility, managing this huge influx of information requires having systems that help them seamlessly process, analyze and leverage this data in an efficient manner.
However, investing in a data and operations management solution may not provide the desired outcome utility leaders were looking for. Factors like expert coding requirements, lengthy deployment periods and rigid solutions frameworks often lead to companies failing to adapt the solution as per business requirements. In this context, no-code utility solutions have emerged as game-changers, with teams being able to build custom solutions without possessing IT expertise. Moreover, No-code platforms can also help bring down the set up time, fast-track project initiation and streamline utility operations.
In this blog, we will explore how no-code platforms like Grid allow for building transformative solutions across various scenarios.
How Utility Teams Can Build Customized Solutions with No-Code Platforms
By eliminating the burden of extensive coding or lengthy deployment periods, no-code platforms have fundamentally changed the way utilities overcome their operational hindrances. These platforms act as an essential link, bridging the gap between various complex systems within the infrastructure. No-code solutions like Grid also facilitate seamless integration with components like smart meters, HES (Head-End Systems), MDM (Meter Data Management), consumer portals, WFM (workforce management) tools, and more.
Below, we dive into how no-code capabilities eliminate dependencies on specialized IT resources and accelerate time-to-value by focusing on three critical areas- data warehousing, business process automation and workforce management.
Data warehousing and analytics
There are no two ways about. For any modern enterprise, data is the new oil. However, realizing its true value would depend on how effectively it is stored, analyzed, and used across projects by a utility. An ideal data warehousing and analytics solution with a no-code framework provides several advantages for teams as listed below:
Custom reporting capabilities: Utilities are generally large scale enterprises with varied operational needs, where the ability to build use case specific reports as per operational needs become a priority. This can include theft detection, load analysis, VEE reporting, prosumer trends, energy audits, etc. With no-code solutions like Grid, utilities can now configure their reporting capabilities without relying on IT departments. For instance, teams can create reports that identify energy theft by conducting an analysis of discrepancies between meter readings and expected consumption patterns. Another scenario would be the creation of loss accounting reports which can be customized to pinpoint areas with high-level technical losses, facilitating targeted interventions for the same.
The above capabilities of a no-code platform ensures that relevant stakeholders have access to actionable insights in desired formats and aligning with their workflows.
Business process automation
For any modern utility, manual business processes are the Achilles’ Heel- resulting in inefficiencies, delays, and inconsistencies in operations. No-code business process management solutions allow utilities to address the above hindrances by automating workflows based on predefined rules. These rules can be established by linking them to incoming information such as smart meter data, where the system would automatically trigger actions in response to specific anomalies. Here, instead of complex coding, users can simply define specific conditions and actions under which the system would automate workflows.
Let’s say an overvoltage event is being detected by smart metering systems during peak hours. A no-code business process automation engine like Grid Flow can be customized by a utility to report such instances by auto-generating alerts for investigation. The system can also be set up to notify the operations team without human intervention to unlock a proactive approach and maintain service reliability.
The no-code capabilities of a BPM (business process management) engine like Grid can also be leveraged to define predictive maintenance workflows. For example, if a transformer does not transmit data (eg: 48 hours), Grid’s system could be set up to auto-schedule a maintenance job, enabling the utility to address issues before they escalate into serious problems.
Workforce management
Inefficiencies in field operations for utilities can directly impact customer satisfaction and often result in increased costs. Be it responding to outages, conducting maintenance checks or inspections, no-code solutions like Grid help streamline workforce management.
One of the core goals in WFM (workforce management) is ensuring that the right personnel are available at the right place, at the right time. With no-code WFM solutions, businesses can automate and streamline processes to dispatch a skilled technician for any issue, within close location proximity and ensure faster resolution. So, how is this achieved?
A WFM solution like Grid built on no-code set up integrates directly with the AMI system, continuously monitoring data like voltage readings, outage reports, etc. With a no-code interface, business rules can be created, such as ‘If meters report missing voltage data for more than 30 minutes, then tasks should be created.’ Along with task creation, platforms like Grid also are configured to automate task scheduling, such as identifying the location of the affected meter and assigning jobs to available technicians with required skillset. By setting up the platform to capture necessary details, field technicians get access to all required data- meter location, problem type, level of priority and historical information.
For utility leadership teams, who understand the gravity of field operations, but might not possess coding capabilities can also define rules and configure the platform themselves. Moreover, they can adjust these ‘rules’ or ‘workflows’ based on evolving business requirements, helping them maintain service reliability and reducing downtime.
No-Code Solutions: A Strategic Upgrade
Modern utility challenges call for solutions that are robust, agile and scalable, and no-code solutions precisely deliver that. Adopting a solution built on a no-code framework enables utilities to streamline workflows as per changing requirements, improve collaboration, and ensure compliance at scale. Like our solution Grid, which can be configured by teams to identify anomalies, set up maintenance workflows, create detailed energy reports, and more.
If you’re curious to learn more about how Grid can be tailored for your utility requirements, connect with our team or request for demo today.
