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MapFrame News Release MapFrame Wins Contract to Provide Inspection Software for Vegetation Management DALLAS (JUNE 27, 2001) - MapFrame Corporation announced today that it is customizing its FieldSmart Inspect™ software for Allegheny Power (Greensburg, PA) as part of a new map-based vegetation management system. Field personnel equipped with mobile computers will use FieldSmart™ software to inspect right-of-way for overhanging tree branches and other vegetation that can hit and damage power lines during a storm. The automated system will make it faster and easier to carry out inspections and to accurately report information. It will also increase the efficiency of the “property owner” notification process as well as providing annotated maps to crews responsible for tree trimming and other vegetation control measures. FieldSmart Inspect is replacing a paper process that requires contractors to make notes and draw diagrams on paper maps and paper forms at each property location. Not only is this time-consuming and duplicative, but errors occur when handwriting is hard to decipher or notes have inconsistencies. Plus, there is no easy way to save data or post changes to a database. As a result, inspectors have to start over each time they re-inspect an area. With an electric service territory that covers parts of five states, Allegheny saw an opportunity with FieldSmart Inspect to greatly increase productivity in the field and also reduce the incidence of damaged lines. The map-based system is a business solution that not only addresses the spatial nature of the vegetation management process but also leverages the utility’s existing mobile mapping technology. Two years ago, Allegheny installed MapFrame’s FieldSmart map viewer, a mobile system that lets field personnel access stored facilities maps from the company’s Smallworld GIS. With a pen computer mounted in a service vehicle, someone can quickly find a map, then view attribute data by tapping on a map symbol. Currently, about eight hundred field workers are routinely using GIS data to help with maintenance and repair activities. The vegetation system will integrate this viewing functionality with inspection features including options for quickly entering new information. For example, inspectors can redline a facilities map by selecting and placing a preformatted note on a power line or they can use the mouse/pen to hand print a comment on the map. They can also select “action” items from a drop down list specifying the need for Tree Removal, Herbicide Application, Brush Disposal, etc. Inspectors can even indicate “crew type” that will be needed to accomplish the recommended action (Bucket, Manual, Aerial Spray, etc.) There are other benefits as well. By creating a digital loop between the office and the field, crews can access and confirm customer data at the work site. Back in the office, this information is uploaded into the utility’s CIS, increasing the efficiency of the notification process. The new system will also assist crews doing remediation work. For example, instead of receiving a bundle of work orders generated from handwritten notes, crews will receive a computer-generated map as part of a work order with highly precise information. Allegheny’s Vegetation Management system will begin to rollout in late summer. After the initial inspection is completed, the central database will serve as an integral part of the ongoing inspection process, providing information to a variety of corporate systems and, in turn, receiving updates from the mobile units. Allegheny Power provides electric service to approximately 1.5 million customers in parts of Maryland, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Virginia, and West Virginia. # # # Press Information: Heather Patton, MapFrame email: Click here tel: 214.741.2264 x105 General Information: Click here |
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