Utilities Tech Outlook Weekly Brief
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The utility industry's successful integration of technologies will be instrumental in addressing the challenges posed by an evolving workforce and changing customer expectations.
FREMONT, CA: In today's utility industry, efficient field service management is pivotal. The rising demand for electricity and other utility services is coupled with the imminent retirement of a significant portion of the workforce in the coming decade. As a result, utilities face the challenge of achieving more with a reduced workforce. This transformation is reshaping the landscape of field service operations within the industry.
Fieldworkers play a crucial role in the utility sector, responsible for maintaining and managing assets vital to utilities' seamless operation and business continuity. Their role includes collecting precise and timely data, a foundational element for effective utility operations. However, with technological advancements, the nature of their work is evolving. One notable challenge in the utility sector is the vast and diverse territories that utilities cover. These territories often encompass rural or remote areas with limited network coverage. In addition, complex urban environments place fieldworkers in situations where maintaining reliable device connectivity can be a daunting task.
Utilities increasingly embrace modern digital tools to streamline field service operations and ensure vital data is efficiently transmitted to the back office. These tools encompass tablets, notebooks, handheld devices, and sensors. Field service management relies heavily on dependable network connectivity to be effective. The emergence of 5G technology promises to resolve these connectivity issues. 5G brings high-speed, broad-bandwidth, and low-latency connectivity, potentially revolutionizing the digital transformation efforts within the utility sector. Fieldworkers with 5G-enabled devices can benefit from real-time data collection, automatic job status recording, and heightened safety measures. Real-time analytics can empower resource managers to optimize crew routes, allocate tasks efficiently, and enhance fieldworker safety by providing real-time location and activity monitoring. Sensors also play a pivotal role in offering real-time visibility to fieldworkers, even in challenging coverage areas, ultimately enhancing safety and operational efficiency. Utilities are increasingly exploring the utility of drones for inspections. Drones with cameras, LiDAR, and thermographic sensors can offer comprehensive intelligence about utility infrastructure. Nonetheless, for these drones to operate effectively, they require low latency and high bandwidth for transmitting live data from demanding locations to the central office.
5G connectivity is poised to meet these demands, enabling senior technicians to view and inspect drone-captured images and videos in real-time. This capability allows for on-the-spot decision-making, enhancing operational efficiency and safety by eliminating the risks associated with manual inspections in hazardous locations. Utility companies are venturing into applying virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) in field service management. VR modules, for example, provide fieldworkers with an immersive experience, allowing them to work with high-voltage substation equipment and learn safety practices without exposing themselves to real-world dangers.
AR offers valuable tools for field crews during equipment damage or power outages. AR-enabled devices overlay digital information onto real-world assets, facilitating efficient communication between on-site technicians and experts who guide video chat. Both VR and AR rely on a network with low latency and high-speed data transfer to facilitate real-time communication.
