In large enterprises, cloud-based data warehousing is the backbone for storing and analyzing large amounts of data. The global market for cloud data warehousing is witnessing exponential growth. In the 7-year period from 2023-2030, it is expected to grow at a CAGR of 23.5%. The shift from traditional on-premise solutions to cloud can be attributed to multiple factors. Scalability, light on the pocket, as well as global events like Covid-19, that pushed businesses to embrace cloud services.
Utilities such as energy bodies are built on a massive network of interconnected devices. Each component generates, or receives data at regular intervals —- without interruptions. Add to that challenges of aging infrastructure, consumer expectations and net-zero mandates — it is the recipe for a perfect storm.
A central platform that is flexible enough to manage these vast datasets and analyze those information, wherever they may be coming from, is essential.
A cloud based data warehousing framework enables all that and more. Today, we will explore the role of cloud-based data warehousing in utility operations.
But, what is a cloud-based data warehouse?
What is Cloud Data Warehousing?
Simply put, a cloud data warehouse is a central location to store, manage and analyze data. If we compare it to on-premise solutions, organizations are provided with greater flexibility, scalability and near real-time data processing features.
Utilities are no exception, as the industry is going through an interesting shift with regards to regulatory policies, challenges of aging infrastructure, and rising demands for DERs (Distributed Energy Resources). Managing millions of data points daily is a critical challenge. Having to deal with uncertain challenges due to the sector going through a seismic phase is a layer of added complexity. Today, the question for utility leaders is not whether they should opt for cloud-based data warehousing models.
But, how quickly they are able to adopt and implement it.
The importance of cloud data warehousing is not fading away anytime soon. In fact, it is just the beginning.
The Role of Cloud Data Warehousing in Utility Operations
Real-time operational insights
For any utility provider, having information at their fingertips when needed is a critical advantage. On-premise solutions often struggled in this area due to its limited scalability and complex infrastructure management. In response, cloud-based solutions like Grid act as a central repository for every data point that is travelling through the network.
How does it achieve this? —- By seamlessly integrating with every operational component, be it MDM, HES, CRM, and even SCADA systems. With this integration, data processing is done in real-time. Utilities get access to a host of advantages, such as:
- Anomaly and theft detection, as identifying instances of missing phases and current imbalances become easier.
- Detailed analysis of energy loss across segments, such as feeders, transformers or locations.
- Grid performance monitoring in real-time, helping reduce outage durations and improving uptime.
Data democratization across teams
One of the most common blockers for utilities in providing seamless service —- data silos. Legacy on-premise platforms often followed a framework that hindered data sharing and collaboration across teams. Also, once the physical hardware is set in place, it becomes difficult to change set frameworks. Every department ends up managing data independently, without capabilities of integration or sharing. Data silos end up becoming no longer just a hindrance, but an unfortunate reality.
Cloud data warehousing platforms like Grid changes all that. Interoperability becomes a core mantra as the cloud solution integrates seamlessly with existing components within the utility network. For example, in a smart metering network, the integration would facilitate continuous data sharing about details such as, but not limited to:
- Detailed insights into meter configurations, operational status and performance
- Location details and parameters like voltage, metering type, consumption/generation thresholds
- Data about alarms, along with timestamps of each event and stored with occurrence count
- Processed data that has undergone VEE process — ensuring seamless billing and reporting
Scalability without hindrance
On-premise data warehousing models were not built with an approach for cost-efficient scalability. Back in the day, it made sense. It was a world where data volumes were predictable, and IT environments were controlled rigidly. Today, it is altogether a different ball game.
Be it real-time data, consumer analytics, fault information, device monitoring, etc, the sheer data volume and velocity of utility data being shared is unprecedented. It is not to say that on-premise solutions cannot be upgraded to deal with new technological and data hurdles. The hindrance comes in the form of large capital expenditure it would require. Also, the time taken to scale up the hardware could sometimes take months. Now, imagine doing that every time a new technological demand comes up.
In contrast, cloud models offer instant and almost unlimited storage. What makes them more viable? —- Utilities can scale their storage capacity based on real-time demand. Modern utilities today process more than a billion data points on average. Without a cloud architecture model, this feat would not have been possible. Perhaps the most notable feature of cloud platforms is that additional hardware need not be purchased to increase storage capacity. Scalability is achieved without spending money on new hardware, and often at a much lower cost.
The ability to scale without compromise is not about data management or enhancing faster query times. It is about exploring data from every degree, ensuring no hidden patterns escape, and processes are optimized even at the most granular level.
Scalability is indeed about storing more data. But the endgame remains utilizing that data to create or discover more business opportunities.
Future-Proofing Utilities with Cloud Data Warehousing
Cloud data warehousing is not just a central location where the utility data resides. It is a gateway for faster resolutions, lower compliance costs, improved query processing, and much more. The volume of data being generated from the utility server is only going to increase. Processing this data in real-time and creating a rapid response framework to anomalies will be crucial —- to minimize downtime, improve resource allocation and enhance the consumer experience.
With unparalleled scalability capabilities, cloud solutions allow utilities to adapt ever increasing data volumes, without intervals or interruptions. Like Grid, which can be seamlessly integrated into your existing utility network. The benefits —- real-time monitoring, enhanced business processes, proactive planning and decision making, data quality assurance, and the list goes on.
Contact our team for a deeper understanding as to how Grid facilitates your utility transformation journey.
