UTILITIES

With access to real-time grid data, Bolt Data remotely monitors infrastructure components’ performance across utility grids to ensure service reliability. Bolt Data can be configured to provide real-time notifications when performance anomalies are detected or when an unplanned change of state occurs. With close integration to utility companies’ mapping system, infrastructure status can be visualized for “at a glance” monitoring. To avoid false positives, Bolt Data partners with utility companies to define data cleansing and validation protocols to ensure service teams focused on the right messages.

With access to real-time device data, Al and IoT solutions can perpetually monitor infrastructure performance to ensure utilities are up and running as expected. As infrastructure components are perpetually replaced due to storm damage and other influences, the next-generation solutions have advanced sensors and connectivity out of the box. Utility companies are progressively installing a base of connected transformers that monitor performance and conditions; enabling time-series Al algorithms to predict load losses before they occur.

With the ability to remotely access and control devices from the Bolt Data app, utility companies enable their call center agents to triage and deliver select services remotely. This avoids unnecessary truck rolls and reduces service response time and costs. When field-based service is required, access to real-time and historic asset data helps field technicians quickly and accurately diagnose and resolve issues. Utility companies enable their field technicians with the Bolt Data mobile app so they have more information about the grid and specific infrastructure components as part of their triage process. With these insights, field technicians quickly identify root causes, spend less time figuring out the issue, and improve their ability to fix the issue correctly the first time. Service teams commonly see improvements in Mean Time to Repair (MTTR) and First Time Fix (FTF) metrics. Service teams also reports higher service technician job satisfaction and loyalty resulting from the adoption of modernized service capabilities.

While there are countless opportunities to leverage real-time data to automate service processes, one of the most impactful contributions of AloT solutions for utility companies is the automation of service response. In the utility industry, uptime is everything. Customers depend on utilities and revenue is directly tied to consumption, which requires the infrastructure to be operational. When unplanned outages occur, AloT systems that are closely integrated with field service solutions can immediately coordinate the service restoration response by indicating (geo-fencing) the areas of service disruption and dispatching the appropriate service team. Utility companies use Bolt Data to automate service team notifications, work order creation, and dispatch technicians. Bolt Data is also used to automate status updates to public communication channels; helping mitigate inbound calls to the call center during critical times. While customer meters are not commonly connected, utility companies plan to adopt connected meters to automate readings and speed time to invoice. Should a connected meter go offline, Bolt Data can automate the creation of service work order and dispatch a field technician to evaluate it.

Utility service teams require vehicles and heavy equipment to be available and reliable. Utility companies’ vehicles are common connected and capable of broadcasting location, condition, and performance data. Bolt Data can be configured to include an asset class for vehicles so they can be managed like any other field-based asset. Vehicle utilization drives usage-based preventative service orders to ensure the vehicles are properly maintained. Vehicles that travel outside of the work location, operate outside of planned service windows, or exceed speed thresholds automatically create a notification for the service team to investigate.

Personal safety has always been a key aspect of delivering utility services. As with all industries, the COVID-19 pandemic has raised the bar for safety requirements. Bolt Data helps utility companies improve personal safety by enabling them to evaluate and confirm the need for on-site service before dispatching a technician. While many service sites are outdoors and considered lower risk, avoiding the need to go on-site eliminates site safety risks altogether. When on-site service is necessary, Bolt Data augments existing safety protocols by providing system confirmation of safe working environments. Field technicians can visually confirm that a circuit is offline after a lockout/tagout. When failures create public and personal safety issues such as downed power lines, the ability to remotely stop service from the service management system reduces safety issues prior to and during the service event.