Oklahoma Gas and Electric (OG&E) is in production with the ArcFM GIS Solution and Designer graphic design software for its electric services. The utility is taking full advantage of the integrated package’s interface with the company’s enterprise resources planning (ERP) system software, SAP.
The ArcFM GIS (Geographic Information System) Solution, based on the ESRI ArcGIS platform, provides a complete, out-of-the-box solution for utility facilities management. Yet, the configurable architecture of ArcFM and Designer allows customization for data import from and export to OG&E’s SAP. The interface between the SAP and Designer’s Workflow Manager supports OG&E design work flow states throughout the job - from pending design, through approvals and construction, to final posting.
Other Designer integrations let OG&E users interface with the OG&E-developed cost engine as well as the company’s document management system; its engineering analysis tools for adoption of OG&E construction standards; and its CU (Compatible Unit) RuleBase for rapid selection of devices for design.
Lee Mooney, OG&E’s lead Application Support Coordinator for Designer, summarized OG&E’s experience with Designer: “Having this single, integrated application allows us to better track jobs through various design states. Further, using digital maps and documents is reducing the number of jobs that are bogged down in the 'paper shuffle.' Now, approximately 90% of our distribution jobs are completed using Designer.”
OG&E began production with Designer early in 2008 and currently has about 120 desktop users throughout the company. It is now considering the implementation of mobile Designer, which would allow the utility to complete designs and 'as-builts' in the field and incorporate them directly into an overall workflow.
