Utilities

Electric cooperatives are essential in delivering power across extensive territories. As these cooperatives face increasing challenges in maintaining efficiency and reliability, the integration of advanced field data collection technologies becomes crucial.

Are your analyses being slowed down by incomplete or inaccurate data making its way into your GIS tools? Here’s why, and how to fix it.

AI is transforming utility maintenance by predicting failures before they happen, slashing downtime and unnecessary costs. With smart integration of IoT sensors and real-time analytics, utilities can now catch issues early and plan targeted fixes. This blog unpacks how AI-driven predictive maintenance reshapes grid reliability, energy efficiency, and long-term infrastructure health.

Explore the depths of water utility innovation with our comprehensive guide to harnessing the transformative power of Fulcrum field data collection and process management platform. Designed for water utilities and their partners, this data sheet outlines the challenges in the field and presents a detailed exploration of how the Fulcrum platform empowers teams to achieve unprecedented levels of efficiency, accuracy, and connectivity.

Geospatial technology is transforming the energy sector by enabling smarter planning, monitoring, and management of resources. Through tools like GIS, satellite imagery, and drones, geospatial technology provides accurate spatial data that improves infrastructure development, energy distribution, environmental monitoring, and sustainability practices. As the sector faces increasing complexity and environmental demands, geospatial technology emerges as a foundational tool for efficiency, resilience, and innovation.

Are you seeking to transform your electric grid operations? If yes, our on-demand webinar is a must-watch. Watch to learn how advanced geospatial data collection significantly boosts the efficiency, sustainability, and resilience of electric grid operations.

Dive into the world where technology meets geography in Fulcrum Insider – Issue 34. This March, we celebrate the confluence of March “madness” with the methodological precision of geospatial data collection. Significantly, we’re marking milestones and partnerships that redefine efficiency and strategic decision-making in the field.

Explore how digital inspection platforms like Fulcrum help electric utilities prevent infrastructure failures by modernizing utility pole inspections. By combining digital data collection with GIS, AI, and IoT, utilities can move from reactive maintenance to proactive, data-driven strategies that improve safety and grid reliability.

The electrical cooperative industry faces many challenges, including operational inefficiencies and security vulnerabilities. Fulcrum’s advanced field data collection and process management platform offers a promising solution to these issues. By integrating innovative technology with on-the-ground tasks, Fulcrum transforms the way electrical utilities manage their field operations, resulting in increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved service reliability.

Hey there, Fulcrum community! Jim Grady here, and I’m very excited to share some news that marks a significant milestone for us at Fulcrum and, more importantly, for you, our valued users. Our journey with Esri has taken an exciting turn, and I’m here to dive into what this means for all of us.

Welcome to a quick look at Fulcrum’s powerful field data collection and process management platform. With our Fast Fulcrum Walkthrough video, you’ll discover how seamlessly Fulcrum integrates into your workflow, empowering field teams to efficiently gather and manage critical data.

Is your IT team struggling with data collection ambiguity, integration challenges, and required constant technical intervention? We’ve got you covered in this overview datasheet. Start by learning how Fulcrum’s security protocols protect your valuable data. Then discover how Fulcrum data collection tools for IT empower and optimize operations by:

Is your geospatial field data being used to its full potential? Watch this on-demand webinar with Coleman McCormick, VP of Product, and Jake Freivald, VP of Product Marketing, as they demonstrate how Fulcrum transforms data collection and management in the field.

Industries such as environmental consulting and utility services are increasingly recognizing the practical benefits of Fulcrum’s platform for field data collection and process management. Fulcrum’s approach focuses on rapidly evolving existing workflows to improve efficiency. Join us as we explore case studies from GeoForce, Great Lakes Wellhead Inc. (GLW), DIEHLUX, and TREKK Design Group to see firsthand how Fulcrum’s technology streamlines tasks and boosts overall efficiency with field workflow automation.

Embark on a journey to discover how geospatial data can redefine your field operations strategies. The following piece explores the geospatial capabilities of the Fulcrum platform, demonstrating its potential to transform organizational efficiency and decision-making with advanced location intelligence.

Geospatial data integration involves combining geospatial data (which is data related to specific geographic locations) from various sources into a single, comprehensive dataset. This process typically requires harmonizing different data formats, coordinate systems, and data models. The integrated data can then be analyzed and visualized more effectively, providing a comprehensive geographical perspective. This is particularly useful in fields like urban and rural development, environmental management, and construction, where understanding spatial relationships and patterns is crucial for decision-making and planning.

Utility Vegetation Management (UVM) is the strategic management of tree and vegetation growth around electrical power lines and infrastructure to prevent power outages and ensure the consistent delivery of electricity, playing a vital role in safeguarding the reliability and safety of our power supply.

Welcome to the Fulcrum Insider – Issue 33 for February 2024! Inside we’ve got invaluable insights on digital field data collection and management. This edition is brimming with expert advice and cutting-edge strategies designed to enhance efficiency, boost ROI, and navigate the complexities of geospatial data management. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, this newsletter is your gateway to staying ahead in the fast-evolving landscape of data collection technology.

Even though you might not have heard the term “FieldTech ecosystem,” if you’re with an organization that collects data outside of an office setting, you have one. 

GPS tracking enhances field data collection by capturing detailed movement, location, and environmental context, which improves data quality and decision-making. Explore the fundamentals of GPS logging in fieldwork and how Fulcrum’s mobile platform leverages this technology for flexible, real-time data capture.

Broadband deployment is essential for modern societies, driving economic growth, enhancing communication, and enabling access to a wealth of information and services. Central to the expansion of broadband infrastructure are pole attachments – a seemingly mundane yet crucial aspect of network deployment that involves attaching cables and equipment to utility poles. Recognizing the importance of these attachments, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has proposed a series of reforms aimed at streamlining the process and addressing longstanding issues that have impeded broadband deployment.

As a GIS professional, you know the power of Esri ArcGIS in project planning, analysis, and management. But what if we told you that Esri integration with Fulcrum could elevate your field teams’ capabilities and take your GIS to the next level? With seamless integration between Esri’s best-in-class GIS software and Fulcrum’s industry-best data collection platform, you get more. More robust field-collected datasets, more support for your field teams, and more efficiency for your GIS operations.

Geo Week 2024 marked a significant milestone in the evolution of geospatial intelligence (GEOINT). The event showcased significant advances in airborne, terrestrial, and commercial 3D technologies. In response to evolving geospatial and built world professionals’ needs, it brought together experts, innovators, and enthusiasts from around the globe. As a result, it served as a melting pot of technology, ideas, and advancements in the field. Moreover, it emphasized the fusion of traditional geospatial methods with the latest trends. Additionally, it integrated AI and big data analytics into mapping and spatial analysis.

Explore the future of field operations with our latest infographic featuring the Fulcrum platform, a groundbreaking solution revolutionizing field data collection and process management.

FieldTech refers to the integrated hardware and software systems that support field operations in demanding, remote, or regulated environments. From drones and sensors to AI-powered platforms and offline data sync, FieldTech helps field teams capture accurate data, reduce inefficiencies, and bridge the gap between the field and the office. As industries push for greater efficiency, safety, and compliance, FieldTech continues to evolve as a critical part of modern operations.

As a GIS Manager, you’re at the forefront of merging the traditional with the modern, ensuring that your organization leverages the best of spatial insights to optimize its operations. The implementation of an Enterprise Geographic Information System (GIS) is a pivotal step in transforming your business’s field data capabilities. But how can you seamlessly incorporate this technology to maximize its impact?

Ever wondered how digital data collection influences your bottom line? In this webinar, we’ll demonstrate the critical role of data collection in process management and explore the ROI of FieldTech.

Discover the transformative power and benefits of field data collection software! In the following infographic, we’ll unveil the remarkable advantages of integrating modern field inspection technology into your business operations.

Standards form the backbone of operational excellence, defining the quality, safety, and efficiency expectations for organizations. In contrast, inspections play a critical role in ensuring successful business operations by upholding standards and evaluating compliance. Bridging the gap between broad standards and practical digital inspections is critical for effective standards implementation.

Welcome to the Fulcrum Insider – Issue 32 for January 2024, a gateway to the latest advancements and insights in field operations technology. In this edition, we do a deep dive into the powerful integration of Fulcrum’s platform with leading GIS and SaaS tools, unlocking new efficiencies and accuracies in fieldwork.

Discover the power of GPS tracking for water environments using Fulcrum, demonstrated in a two-minute video by Jake, Fulcrum’s own VP of Product Marketing. This instructional video provides practical insights for field teams, showcasing the ease of capturing and mapping a water sump area using Fulcrum’s digital data collection app.

Welcome to the future of accurate GPS tracking for power lines using Fulcrum FieldTech!  Join Jake from Fulcrum as he demonstrates the simplicity and power of our application in tracking downed power lines – a task critical for maintaining safety and restoring services.

Water assets, crucial elements like rivers, lakes, and treatment plants, are the cornerstone of environmental health and human well-being. This blog navigates the world of water assets, highlighting their importance and the challenges in managing them – and the role of digital data collection platforms like Fulcrum in streamlining these efforts. These technological advancements not only enhance efficiency but also ensure sustainability, marking a significant step forward in how we interact with and protect our water resources. Join us in exploring the integration of technology and environmental stewardship.

Embracing cutting-edge solutions in today’s fast-evolving operational landscape is essential, and one such innovation is the convergence of Field Technology (FieldTech) — technology built for and managed by field teams — with Geographic Information System (GIS) Software as a Service (SaaS) offerings. These integrated platforms are revolutionizing industry workflows by providing unprecedented agility and capacity to adjust to market and environmental alterations quickly and effectively.

Utility companies may hesitate to embrace a SaaS (Software as a Service) field data collection software and management solution due to the substantial investments in their current methods, from pen-and-paper to complex in-house digital platforms. These entrenched systems represent significant sunk costs in time, money, and training – investments that may be painful to put aside in favor of a SaaS solution, despite the benefits.

An added benefit to our increased ability to collect geospatial data is our equally heightened ability to display it. When we combine data collection solutions with geospatial technology, we can enhance how our data is communicated. In effect, we can create dynamic data visualizations.

Geography influences a vast array of business, government, and personal decisions. The “how” and “why” of processes and developments often come down to the particulars of place. The physical realities of a location are important, obviously, but so are the social specifics. The environmental context is also vital. Understanding not only what all those attributes are but also how they interrelate requires a thorough collection of geospatial GIS data.

Fulcrum stands out as a dynamic data collection platform, expertly tailored for the varied needs of both field and office teams across industries. In the field, it simplifies data gathering and improves productivity. In the office, it boosts the use of data to make more informed decisions. This dual capability makes Fulcrum an essential tool for organizations aiming to enhance their operational performance and strategic depth.

Data increases in value and impact as it gets shared. So how can you maximize the value of the field data you collect in Fulcrum? And how can you maximize Fulcrum’s use of data from other systems? There are many integration techniques in Fulcrum, and we’re here to demo some of them for you.

Discover the transformative power of the Fulcrum data collection platform. Download the data sheet below to explore how Fulcrum redefines the efficiency and accuracy of field operations. This is more than just a tool; simple field data collection with Fulcrum is a strategic asset that propels your field activities into a new era of productivity.

Ramping up operational productivity in the field is a major goal for any GIS Manager, and it hinges on one crucial factor: quality data. Forget the old-school methods of scribbling notes in a notebook. The game has changed with the advent of data collection technology. This isn’t simply about the replacement of outdated tools with new technology. Instead, it’s a fundamental shift in how we handle field data.

Water touches every aspect of modern life. Obviously, drinking water is vital, but we also need plentiful water for agriculture. The manufacturing and technology sectors use water for cooling purposes, as does power generation. In fact, America uses more water than almost every other nation on earth. However, the infrastructure that provides, cleans, and delivers that water is crumbling.

The global use of electricity continues to grow every year. In fact, electricity usage in 2022 was more than three times higher than in 1980, and demand continues to climb. A robust plan for electrical infrastructure maintenance is essential to safely meet the needs of our interconnected world.

Fulcrum Insider – November 2023

As 2023 draws to a close, utilities face considerable headwinds, finding themselves squeezed by regulator-driven demands for sustainability and environmental care, and grappling with escalating service delivery costs. In this challenging landscape, GIS-enhanced data collection emerges as a crucial tool for utilities, aiding in balancing these demands while maintaining operational efficiency.

Electricity is the lifeblood of modern society, powering everything from homes to hospitals. Yet, this critical service is surprisingly vulnerable to the natural world, particularly the untamed antics of wildlife. Every year, curious critters are the cause of widespread power outages, leading to significant economic losses and reliability issues for utilities. As electrical utilities seek innovative solutions to mitigate these interruptions, data collection software emerges as a pivotal tool in the strategic arsenal against wildlife-causing power outages. This blog explores an interesting use case for such software: managing wildlife interference effectively to ensure the protection of both animals and the reliability of utility services.

As the global climate continues to fluctuate, water disasters are on the rise. The United Nations (UN) recently reported that harmful water events top the list of the world’s most destructive disasters. The number of water-related disasters has increased by a factor of five over the past 50 years, driven by climate change and weather extremes (and also, at least in part, higher population density and better reporting). And while the death toll of these events have leveled out over the years due to better warning systems, the economic toll of the crises has not. Over the same time period, costs related to water emergencies averaged out to $202 million USD per day.

You know how, when you’re in the field, you sometimes need to step back to get a little perspective? It’s similar with software. We recently took a few minutes to host a webinar, Chart new territory with lines and polygons in Fulcrum, to help our customers understand how our geospatial innovation and capabilities fit in with our purpose as a company.

With the alarming increase in extreme weather events, electrical poles face an unprecedented challenge. Damaged poles can incapacitate a grid, leaving communities in darkness, cutting off communication, and stalling vital services. However, the solution is not costly-full scale replacement of the many poles that make up a grid. Instead, utilities are much better off reinforcing poles and implementing preventative measures. Fortunately, field data collection and inspection software can help utilities strengthen electrical poles, grids, and services against future storms.

The power of where in emergencies

In the critical moments following a disaster, the ability to pinpoint and act upon geolocation data can be lifesaving. For utility companies, this information is the compass that directs the restoration efforts in a landscape where traditional landmarks may no longer exist. Geolocation data provides clarity amidst the confusion, enabling a swift return to normalcy.