Locusview’s Digital Construction Management Solutions: Revolutionizing Utility Operations

Locusview is at the forefront of digital construction management, offering comprehensive solutions tailored to the unique needs of electric and gas utilities. During a recent interview with Danny Petrecca, VP of Business Development at Locusview, we explored how the company is bridging the digitization gap in utility construction management, especially in the face of modern challenges such as grid modernization, distributed energy resource (DER) integration, and wildfire threat reduction.

Understanding the Digital Construction Management Gap

Danny highlighted that while utilities have made strides in many areas, there remains a significant gap in how they manage construction data in the field. Traditional methods, often paper-based or reliant on siloed applications, introduce inefficiencies and errors, particularly in the collection and management of as-built data. This is where Locusview steps in, providing a digital construction management (DCM) solution that transforms how utilities handle data from design to closeout.

Tackling Challenges in the Electric Utility Sector

Electric utilities, as Danny explained, are currently facing immense pressure to modernize the grid. This modernization involves various initiatives, from undergrounding power lines to enhancing grid resilience through advanced distribution management systems (ADMS). However, these projects demand accurate, up-to-date data, especially within a utility’s geographic information system (GIS). Unfortunately, many utilities still rely on outdated methods, which not only slow down the process but also compromise data quality.

Locusview’s DCM solution addresses these challenges by digitizing the entire construction workflow. By equipping field crews with easy-to-use digital tools, Locusview ensures that accurate spatial data, material data, and inspection forms are captured and efficiently integrated back into GIS and asset management systems. This digitization significantly improves capex efficiency and accelerates project closeouts, all while reducing the potential for human error.

A Comprehensive and User-Friendly Platform

One of the key features of Locusview’s platform, as Danny emphasized, is its usability. The platform is designed to be intuitive and easy to use, even for those in the field who may not be tech-savvy. This ease of use is critical because if a system is too complicated, field crews are unlikely to adopt it, undermining the entire purpose of digitization.

Locusview’s solution integrates seamlessly with various hardware, including high-accuracy GPS devices and barcode scanners. It also incorporates managed services, making it a comprehensive package that minimizes the need for multiple vendors and ensures that all components work together smoothly. This one-stop solution simplifies the adoption process for utilities and contractors alike.

Real-World Success: The Black Hills Energy Case Study

A notable success story for Locusview is their work with Black Hills Energy, particularly in implementing their DCM solution for electric utilities. Previously, Black Hills Energy relied on a mix of disparate GPS, paper, and manual solutions to record as-builts for their electric operations. Locusview’s solution streamlined this process, resulting in significant time savings—hundreds of hours per month across various crews. The implementation was quick, taking only about four to five months, and has since set a new best practice standard for electric as-builting.

Embracing AI and Emerging Technologies

Locusview is also exploring the integration of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) to further enhance data collection and streamline field operations. While they are excited about the potential of these technologies, Danny stressed the importance of practicality. Locusview’s approach focuses on providing simple, effective tools that field crews will actually use, such as AI-driven barcode scanning or machine reading that can quickly and accurately capture asset data.

The Competitive Edge

When asked why utilities should choose Locusview over competitors, Danny pointed to their comprehensive, turnkey solution that is already proven in production across over 30 tier-one utilities worldwide. Locusview’s ability to offer a complete package—software, hardware, and managed services—along with their innovative culture and strong partnerships, positions them as a leader in the industry.

Looking Ahead

Locusview continues to innovate and expand its presence, with upcoming appearances at major industry events such as the American Gas Association Operations Conference and the Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference. As they do, they remain committed to helping utilities navigate the complex landscape of digital construction management, ensuring that they are equipped with the tools needed to meet modern demands.

For more information about Locusview’s offerings and upcoming events, visit their website at www.locusview.com or follow them on LinkedIn.

Tags: Digital Construction Management, GIS Integration, Grid Modernization, Locusview, Utility Operations, Utility Technology Solutions

Categories: Locusview, Video Interview

This entry was posted on Friday, August 16th, 2024 at 9:22 am. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. Both comments and pings are currently closed.