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Esri Canada is recognized as a Certified Smart Grid EcoXpert. As the first North American service provider to be a certified provider of Smart Grid EcoXpert solutions, Schneider Electric is recognizing their advanced technical capacity and their success in providing the highest-level of customer satisfaction to implement and support EcoStruxure ArcFM Solution XI Series on Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network platform.
“Digital transformation” is an often-used term when discussing the changes occurring with electrical distribution grids globally. The massive underlying implication of any “digital transformation” is the surge in data that becomes available and the criticality of that data to a successful transformation. Schneider Electric’s ArcFM and the modern network management capabilities of Esri’s ArcGIS platform enable the successful creation, management and analysis of that data and facilitate delivering it to critical downstream systems. Maintaining and improving data quality, integrity, accessibility, integration time, and standardization are paramount, and the geographic information system (GIS) is the foundational repository of data for today’s distribution utilities. Esri’s ArcGIS provides a system of record for distribution utilities, and it offers not only asset traceability but enables complex connectivity for network hierarchies that is highly scalable for wider analysis. As a system of record, the GIS can serve as the data source for the operational network model for the grids of the future.
One grid operator we spoke with described their estimation that 90% of their time was spent understanding the meaning of their data, and 10% of their time using the data.
Schneider Electric’s ArcFM Solution XI Series provides added value to distribution operators by delivering time-saving utility-specific workflows, improving efficiency and productivity from design through construction, and enabling integrations to downstream systems such as ADMS. The Smart Grid EcoXpert program certifies Service Providers with a track-record of success, deep technical & domain knowledge to design and architect data models with the right level of fidelity to meet utility-specific needs. They need to be experienced and equipped to implement software tools that enhance productivity while improving validation & logic with user-specific applications and utility-specific workflows.
Why does ‘Certification’ matter?
As a Certified Smart Grid EcoXpert, Esri Canada has demonstrated their ability to support true digital transformation for Canadian utilities through value-based approach to grid data management. Schneider Electric recognizes not only a long history of partnership with Esri Canada and their implementation of solutions with EcoStruxure ArcFM but specifically acknowledge Esri Canada’s domain expertise with Esri’s Utility Network platform.
As utilities transition their GIS from the Geometric Network to the Utility Network, they are anticipating significant, enterprise-wide impact from the new functionality and capabilities to support the growing challenges and complexities of their operations. EcoXpert partners are well-versed in Schneider Electric applications and can drive adoption of the Utility Network in groups traditionally siloed from the GIS.
- EcoXpert partners can implement Schneider Electric’s ArcFM Designer and ArcFM Mobile to leverage the Utility Network and extend the GIS through construction phases of capital investments and grid reinforcement projects by digitizing new designs directly within the GIS. These applications also enable field crews to submit edits and confirm as-built drawings directly – reducing the use of paper maps in the field by 90%
- EcoXpert partners can increase efficiencies and help ensure data accuracy for their customers with Schneider Electric’s ArcFM Editor and ArcFM Geodatabase Manager. ArcFM Editor users can be up to 75% faster in executing common GIS workflows than working in ArcGIS Pro alone.
- Additionally, ArcFM Geodatabase Manager automates processes required to provide the most up-to-date network information to all stakeholders — saving up to one hour per day per GIS editor — and enhancing crew safety and customer service response with accurate data.
What is an ‘EcoXpert’?
The EcoXpert Partner Program is unique in its approach and broad in its scope. The program brings together a global network of certified solution providers. These partners are trained and certified in Schneider Electric’s EcoStruxure solutions, which focus on digitization and electrification to drive efficiency and sustainability. 17 different competency certifications provide opportunities for solution providers to stand-out as recognized leaders in their domain.
The Smart Grid EcoXpert competency certification offers solution providers two paths to Certification:
- Advanced Distribution Management Systems for solution providers with demonstrated expertise in providing next-generation SCADA and advanced Outage Management Solutions to small and mid-sized distribution utilities with EcoStruxure Grid Operation.
- Geographic Information Systems for solution providers who maintain partnership with both Schneider Electric and Esri. They provide implementation services with EcoStruxure ArcFM Solution XI series for utilities leveraging the modern network management capabilities of Esri’s ArcGIS platform to deliver massive value in terms of performance, scalability, analysis, integrated workflows, and enhanced data quality.
Esri Canada has pursued certification following the Geographic Information Systems path and achieved Certified status through demonstrated excellence in implementing the ArcFM Solution XI Series. Esri Canada is not only a trusted partner and committed solution provider but is leveraging their expertise and experience to extend the value of the GIS throughout their customer’s operational workforce.
What’s next for Esri Canada?
Esri Canada recognizes that Schneider Electric is a market leader in the smart grid transformation amongst utilities and will continue to build upon its long-standing relationship with Schneider Electric as customers embark on further digital transformations. Esri Canada will engage with customers to identify opportunities to leverage the Utility Network and ArcFM XI series capabilities that will improve data and associated workflows from the office to the field. Esri Canada coupled with Schneider Electric products and services will progress a utility’s asset information and network connectivity integrity therefore reducing risks that impact reliability, safety and customer service.
With the increased demand for migrations from the Geometric Network to the Utility Network, utilities around the globe are looking for partners who have demonstrated expertise in working with the complexities of the utility network. Additionally, users around the world are seeking ArcFM Solution XI as a critical component of their digital transformation strategy. EcoXpert partners, such as Esri Canada, are well-positioned to support those projects with an EcoXpert stamp of approval.
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