Cambridge, March 2, 2020 – IQGeo (AIM: IQG), developer of mobile-first geospatial productivity and collaboration solutions for the telecoms and utility industries, is helping Peninsula Light to create a digital twin of its electric network and a new mobile meter deployment capability.
IQGeo’s software has enabled Peninsula Light to digitize the rollout a major meter upgrade project that will see line crews and operational personnel using the IQGeo mobile software to install 33,000 new meters during 2020.
In the past, Peninsula Light crews relied on manual systems and multiple applications with often inconsistent data to view project status and customer information. Providing a single source of truth, the IQGeo Platform integrates data from Esri, CIS meter data and active meter service orders into a geospatial view that can be accessed by users across the organization. This same consolidated geospatial view is also synced to iPads that can work offline without a network connection for employees in rural locations where mobile phone or WiFi signals are not available.
All meter service orders are now assigned to field crews, and collated and validated within the IQGeo platform. Using IQGeo’s mobile solution, field crews can now perform meter installations, complete forms, confirm checks have been conducted, capture photos as needed, and share these data updates to improve collaboration. They can also activate the meters directly from the field using their tablets using a connection from IQGeo to Verizon Grid Wide. The information is then sent back to the CIS and system for post processing.
The IQGeo Platform will also be visible to customers through a new initiative being launched by Peninsula Light. On the utility’s website customers will be able to view a meter installation progress map using IQGeo’s geospatial software. Customers can immediately see and monitor the status of their meter installation.
Amy Grice, Manager of System Engineering and Operational Technologies at Peninsula Light, said: “When you first see the IQGeo Platform it’s a real eye opener. It’s modern looking and easy-to-use with a simple user interface, unlike any other geospatial system. It gives us all the data we need in one place, delivering a live view of the field from the office without the need for custom coding. It’s all right there and ready to use.
“This is so exciting for us. We anticipate saving two – five minutes per meter per installation, and we are currently installing 33,000 meters, so this is as huge time and cost saving. And it’s only just the start of what the IQGeo platform can help us deliver. As an electric cooperative, we’re committed to technology advancements that improve service for our members, safety, system reliability and employee relations. IQGeo helps us to tick a lot of these customer satisfaction boxes.”
Jay Cadman, GM of IQGeo Americas, said: “It’s great working with the team at Peninsula Light and developing this solution in partnership with them. The collaboration with Amy and her team has helped us create solutions tailored to their needs. The flexibility of our platform means that the opportunities are endless if you have an inventive customer, and we’re now working on phase two that will see us add even more features including integrated vehicle location and current meter status. We’re looking forward to Peninsula Light realizing the many benefits of the IQGeo Platform and continuing to develop and grow the solution to provide even safer and more reliable customer service.”