Modernizing a utility’s Geographic Information System (GIS) is no longer a back-office IT upgrade—it’s a strategic initiative that underpins grid modernization, operational resilience, and enterprise-wide digital transformation. As utilities adopt advanced technologies like distributed energy resources (DERs), electric vehicles (EVs), advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) and advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), GIS must evolve into a real-time, integrated system of record and analysis.
This transformation hinges on three core pillars: digital workflows, cross-functional collaboration, and system integration—each supported by modern GIS platforms such as Esri’s ArcGIS Modern Network Information Management System paired with user-based, utility-specific applications like ArcFM Solution XI.
1. Digital workflows: Enabling data-driven operations
Legacy GIS environments often rely on disconnected systems, manual data entry, and batch updates that introduce latency and errors. Modern GIS platforms—especially those built on Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network—support transactional, rule-based workflows that enforce data integrity and enable real-time updates.
For example:
- Topology-aware editing ensures that connectivity rules are enforced during asset updates.
- Attribute rules and contingent values automate validation and reduce human error.
- GIS-based graphic work design applications allow for integration between WMS, AMS, and ADMS for a fully digitized workflow between multiple departments and eliminate design backlogs.
- Mobile GIS applications allow field crews to capture geospatial data directly into the enterprise system, eliminating paper-based workflows and post-processing delays.
These digital workflows not only improve data quality but also support network modeling, real-time tracing, and scenario analysis, which are essential for outage diagnostics, load forecasting, and DER planning.
2. Organizational collaboration: Breaking down silos
Modern GIS is a cross-functional platform that supports collaboration between engineering, operations, customer service, planning, and IT. When GIS data is centralized and accessible, it becomes a shared source of truth across the utility.
Consider the following:
- Engineering teams use GIS to model network connectivity and simulate switching operations.
- Operations teams rely on GIS-integrated OMS and ADMS for fault location and crew dispatch.
- Customer service accesses GIS-based outage maps to provide accurate restoration ETAs.
- Planners and asset managers use spatial analytics to prioritize capital investments and maintenance.
This level of collaboration requires not only technical integration but also governance frameworks that define data ownership, update protocols, and change management processes. Utilities must invest in training, role-based access, and cross-departmental workflows to ensure GIS modernization delivers enterprise-wide value.
3. Integration with grid operations and enterprise systems
To fully realize the benefits of GIS modernization, utilities must integrate GIS with core operational and enterprise systems, including:
- SCADA and ADMS for real-time grid monitoring and control
- Outage Management Systems (OMS) for fault detection and restoration
- Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) for lifecycle tracking and maintenance
- Customer Information Systems (CIS) for personalized communication
- Workforce Management Systems (WMS) for optimized field operations
This integration enables spatially contextualized decision-making. For example, when a fault is detected via SCADA, GIS can trace the affected network, identify impacted customers, and trigger OMS workflows—all in real time. Similarly, GIS-linked EAM systems can prioritize asset replacements based on spatial risk factors like flood zones or vegetation encroachment.
Utilities should adopt API-first strategies to ensure interoperability and scalability. Leveraging platforms that enable GIS to interoperate with each enterprise system involved in the grid management lifecycle, utilities can expose GIS services to other systems, enabling seamless data exchange and operational alignment.
Conclusion
GIS modernization is a strategic enabler of utility transformation. By implementing digital workflows, fostering cross-functional collaboration, and integrating GIS with grid and enterprise systems, utilities can unlock new capabilities in network modeling, outage response, asset management, and customer engagement.
The journey requires more than technology—it demands a holistic strategy that aligns people, processes, and platforms. Utilities that embrace this approach will be well-positioned to navigate the complexities of the modern grid and deliver resilient, data-driven service to their communities.
Schneider Electric’s One Digital Grid Platform built in concert with Esri’s ArcGIS Modern Network Information Management System enables exactly this kind of strategic modernization. Get in touch.
About the author
Matthew Crooks, Global Product Management Leader for ArcFM
With over 14 years at Schneider Electric and a deep well of industry experience, Matt plays a key role in shaping the vision and strategy behind ArcFM XI and EcoStruxure™ Grid Asset Performance (EGAP) tools.
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