Utilities

In this Issue 38 of the Fulcrum Insider, we’re all about Esri User Conference, our takeaways from the event, and sharing resources focused on the GIS element of the Fulcrum GIS field data collection platform. See below for a sneak peek!

Leaks in water distribution systems have long been a persistent problem for utilities. According to the EPA, leaks account for an average of 14 percent of treated water never reaching customers, with some systems experiencing water losses exceeding 60 percent. Traditional methods of leak detection can be inefficient and costly. To bridge the gap between these outdated practices and the need for more efficient and reliable water management, advanced solutions like acoustic monitoring are becoming crucial. Integrating this technology with comprehensive field data collection platforms like Fulcrum can significantly enhance leak detection and management capabilities for water utilities.

Urban areas are plagued by the eyesore and safety hazard of double utility poles. Addressing this issue requires a deeper understanding of why double poles exist, the scope of the problem, safety concerns, and effective solutions. Tools like Fulcrum can significantly streamline the management of this problem.

In our push for sustainable energy, hydroelectric power is a key player. It generates electricity without greenhouse gases, making it vital in combating climate change. The effectiveness of hydroelectric power relies on regular, advanced inspections to ensure safety and reliability. Additionally, these inspections optimize peak efficiency, maximizing hydroelectric power’s contribution to environmental conservation.

Efficient and accurate data collection is the backbone of many businesses, especially those with teams in the field. Integrating your field data collection platform with other systems can significantly enhance your operations. This integration not only boosts efficiency and accuracy but also provides numerous other benefits that can transform how your business functions. Here, we explore these benefits and outline steps for a successful integration.

Engineers, scientists, consultants and constructors helping municipal, private and federal agencies solve complex environmental challenges.

Ready to help turn your customers’ field operations from chaotic to cutting-edge? Discover the powerful benefits of a Fulcrum partnership. Download our data sheet now to see how we can give you the competitive edge you’ve been looking for.

Water utilities are facing unprecedented challenges today, including aging infrastructure, population growth, climate change, and regulatory pressures. To address these issues, many utilities are turning to cloud-based solutions which provide numerous advantages, including enhanced flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. Read on to learn how cloud-based software can revolutionize field operations, streamline data management, and pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for water utilities.

With changing climate patterns and increasing urbanization, proactive stormwater management has become essential for cities worldwide. The intensity and frequency of extreme weather events, such as heavy rainfall and hurricanes, are on the rise, posing significant threats to urban infrastructure and public safety. As cities expand, impervious surfaces like roads and buildings prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground, exacerbating the risk of flooding. 

Uncover how cutting-edge technology is revolutionizing field operations in this on-demand webinar, presented in partnership with Geo Week. Learn practical steps to integrate FieldTech like drones and sensors as well as AI into field ops to enhance efficiency and data accuracy.

This customer success story explores how TREKK Design Group, LLC uses Fulcrum to revolutionize how it performs utility inspections. This Missouri-based civil engineering firm specializes in practical solutions for community growth and restoration. With expertise from road design to underground infrastructure, TREKK offers down-to-earth answers to complex challenges.

The Challenges

Needed to replace outdated paper-based inspections with a digital solution compatible with existing Access databases and Esri ArcGIS Online for GIS data

Field data collection quality control issues ranging from inaccurate or irrelevant data and/or missing location information.

Inspections of incorrect assets or structures within complex lines or grids due to inaccessible or missing spatial components.

Frustration in the field and home office fighting with non-purpose-built inspection and data collection tools while trying to deliver on customer reporting and compliance requirements

Unreliable hotspots and internet connection results in teams “flying blind” in the field, unable to access databases or reliably collect information

Key Outcomes

Ability to rapidly create customized, “smart” client and project-specific mobile inspection apps that enable data integration and use across GIS, asset management, and other client operations platforms

Guaranteed data accuracy and consistency using mobile inspection apps that make use of data-driven conditional and required field logic coupled with automatic latitude and longitude tagging of every record and data point

Asset inspections are validated by ensuring that the right location data flows directly from the GIS to the inspector’s handheld device

High field adoption and engagement with user-friendly mobile inspection apps created using a wide range of data types, conditional logic and streamlined workflows to deliver automated, turnkey reports included in GIS deliverables

Fulcrum’s offline data collection not only allows teams to use databases but also to collect geotagged information for later syncing, without worrying about a network

Background

TREKK provides a wide range of expertise to municipalities, specifically for utilities and transportation, encompassing design and planning, geospatial information systems and asset management, and construction engineering and inspections. TREKK aptly describe its services portfolio as follows: “Need a road designed? We can help. Want to understand your underground infrastructure? We can do that, too. Have a problem and just need a commonsense solution? We’ve got you covered.”

Welcome to Issue 37 of the Fulcrum Insider, your monthly resource for the most innovative solutions in GIS data collection. This June, learn how enhanced grid stability, optimized field operations, and cutting-edge multimedia documentation can revolutionize your approach to electrical utility management.

Subsidence is the gradual sinking or settling of the Earth’s surface, driven by both natural forces like soil compaction and human activities such as groundwater extraction and mining. Threatening more than two billion people globally, The effects of subsidence include cracked building foundations, reduced aquifer capacity, damaged infrastructure, increased coastal flooding, and habitat deterioration. With urban expansion leading to increased groundwater extraction and climate change intensifying drought conditions, the need to monitor and mitigate subsidence has never been more critical.

Achieving a balance between customization and standardization in field processes is essential to maintain flexibility while ensuring consistency and efficiency. Here’s how to strike that balance effectively.

Are you struggling with complex workflows and rapid operational demands? Southern California Edison (SCE) faced similar challenges and found a powerful solution with Fulcrum field data management. This comprehensive case study reveals how SCE leveraged Fulcrum to streamline operations, enhance regulatory compliance, and improve emergency response efficiency.

The Challenges

Internal restructuring and rapid growth of staff and contractors were difficult to quickly scale with existing data collection methods

Introduction of new wildfire programs and complex data sets from LiDAR brought new requirements

Emergency management during storm-induced outages required quick adaptation and data access

Key Outcomes

Fulcrum facilitated the quick setup and management of an expanded workforce, streamlining operations despite the scale increase

Fulcrum effectively incorporates large LiDAR data sets and supports new regulatory compliance programs with quick data processing and integration

Fulcrum allows for real-time data partitioning and rapid team mobilization, enhancing SCE’s response to emergencies

About Southern California Edison

Holly Palmer, Senior Specialist Data Analytics, admires SCE for its commitment to constant innovation. “What I love most about Edison is its goal of continual improvement,” says Palmer. “I’ve been on the contractor side and now with SCE itself, and I’ve seen so many changes. SCE is always seeking to enhance and improve its systems.”

Tired of data overload and inefficient processes? It’s time to take control. We’ve designed an exclusive infographic to help you visualize a day in the life of field data and streamline your field data workflow.

As we gear up for the 2024 Esri User Conference, Fulcrum is excited to showcase several groundbreaking features and recent developments that enhance geospatial field data collection and management. These innovations promise to streamline field operations and improve data reliability, setting a new standard for GIS integration and field data handling.

Ready to revolutionize your enterprise operations? Choosing the right enterprise GIS solution is essential for businesses aiming to boost efficiency and drive growth. This guide is your ticket to making informed, impactful decisions that can elevate your organization’s capabilities.

Unlock new levels of efficiency and accuracy in your workflows with Fulcrum’s seamless integration capabilities. This guide explores how Fulcrum connects effortlessly with the tools you rely on, from mapping software to data management platforms. Learn practical ways to synchronize your systems, eliminate redundancies, and achieve a streamlined operation that keeps your team focused on what matters.

Implementing new field software can significantly enhance operational efficiency and data accuracy, but it requires careful planning and execution. To ensure a successful implementation, here are five best practice tips to guide you through the process!

For water utilities, the process of gathering accurate and comprehensive field data is critical in ensuring the reliability and efficiency of water systems.

With all the talk about technology revolutionizing field operations, it’s time to focus on practical implementation steps. This webinar will unveil how AI and FieldTech, including drones and sensors, transform fieldwork.

As the world continues to grapple with the pressing challenges of climate change and energy sustainability, the importance of renewable energy has never been more pronounced. Solar panels and wind turbines are at the forefront of this movement, providing clean, sustainable alternatives to fossil fuels. However, the successful deployment of these technologies depends heavily on precise planning and strategic placement. This is where Esri GIS and field data collection platforms such as Fulcrum come into play, offering unparalleled tools for identifying optimal locations and ensuring the success of renewable energy projects.

In Fulcrum Insider Issue 36, we focus on enhancing field operations with practical tools and strategies tailored for the electrical utilities sector. Check out these resources to help streamline your workflow and improve operational efficiency.

In our day-to-day lives, whether we’re brewing morning coffee or binge-watching our favorite series, we’re dependent on seamless utility field operations.

The old adage “a picture is worth a thousand words” takes on new meaning for field technicians documenting maintenance and restoration needs of electrical equipment. Multimedia has revolutionized the way we document electrical equipment in the field. Now, using high-resolution photos, videos, and audio, we’re capturing details like never before. These tools bring the intricate details of maintenance and restoration to life, from spotting a tiny crack on a transformer to hearing the subtle sounds indicating a potential issue. 

Electric utilities face a unique set of challenges, from dealing with geographically dispersed teams and lone workers to navigating rigorous regulatory demands and prioritizing public safety. It’s no wonder that these challenges make electric utilities and partners across the utility industry a prime candidate for the implementation of field data collection software. 

Unlock the full potential of field data with Issue 35 – April, where we highlight the significant impact of data collection in revolutionizing industry standards and operational efficiency. Fulcrum Insider is your go-to source for the latest trends, insights, and advancements in field data technology.

Electrical utility field inspection teams are faced with many challenges such as vegetation management, utility pole inspections, and emergency response. Discover how field data collection software can provide the necessary tools to enhance these operations. Such software offers streamlined workflows and improved response capabilities, ensuring that your team keeps the lights on efficiently and effectively.

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.