Critical utility projects can be challenging to see. For instance, achieving the promise of grid modernization demands robust connectivity across a power system. Field assets (towers, substations, distributed generation, and more) must constantly communicate, share data, and execute actions to keep power flowing steadily and efficiently.
Connectivity is the foundation of digital transformation. In a new survey developed by Sitetracker and studioID’s Supply Chain Dive, utility professionals across the U.S. and Canada said upgrading field connectivity is their organizations’ second-most crucial near-term priority.
Several forces are driving utilities to accelerate connectivity upgrades. Two of the biggest drivers are:
- Renewable energy is growing fast. Renewable energy is taking center stage as utilities transition away from fossil fuels. Over 40% of survey respondents said that renewable energy growth is one of their utility’s top strategic priorities. The energy transition requires constant, precise, real-time control and monitoring of various assets.
- Staying ahead of reliability problems. Significant trends are amplifying power grid challenges: aging infrastructure, EV charging, the impacts of climate change, and more. Over one-third of survey respondents said that boosting reliability is a top priority for their utility. Highly granular situational intelligence is essential to maintain reliability under increasingly complex system demands.
Obstacles to Connectivity Upgrades
Three-quarters of survey respondents reported encountering at least some obstacles that can hinder or even derail connectivity upgrades. Specific concerns mentioned include:
- Existing budget constraints (cited by 33%)
- Complexity of comparing technologies (32%)
- Insufficient staffing (31%)
- Folding connectivity into more traditional asset upgrades (25%) to gain regulatory approval
- Lack of in-house technical or engineering expertise (23%)
- Utility leadership not making connectivity a high priority (20%)
- Managing contractors (17%)
- Managing and forecasting project pipelines (13%)
Project Management for Successful Connectivity Upgrades
Digital transformation of a utility’s processes and systems can effectively promote and accelerate the digital transformation of power grids. The survey asked what could help the connectivity project succeed. Among the most popular answers were:
- Centralized project management software (cited by 44% of respondents). Connectivity upgrades are highly complex technological, logistics and contractor-involvement projects. Enterprise-level project management software—especially with features tailored to utility needs—can make connectivity upgrades less daunting. This also saves time and reduces errors and costs.
- Simplified handoffs between teams (39%). Connectivity upgrades require tight coordination between many utility departments: construction, data/IT, operations, etc. Outside contractors also engage in these projects differently and at different points. When work shifts smoothly from one team to another, project timelines and budgets are more accessible to meet.
- Advanced mobile collaboration (36%). The “field” part of asset connectivity upgrades can be especially challenging. Utility power systems can span vast territories, including remote or densely developed areas. Equipping everyone involved helps to access the most current, relevant project information, regardless of location, to ensure that the right work gets done in the right place at the right time.
- Streamlined workflows (34%). Appropriate automation can help follow all steps in every process within the project without wasting time. This reduces redundant communications to confirm orders and approvals, increasing efficiency while reducing errors.
Sitetracker enterprise software for project, site, and asset management offers all these capabilities backed by our extensive experience helping utilities navigate complex projects. To learn more about how we can help you eliminate obstacles to field connectivity upgrades, download our report today.
