3 Ways to Extend the Life and Value of Utility Data

We can do a lot more with our data when it’s uniform, meeting the right standards. Consistency in deliverables lets engineering firms give data a longer life. No more manual standardization or sending back submissions. We get the data we want, how we want it, every time. 

But it takes consistency and context to deliver ongoing value and long-lasting data.

What we want from our data collection subcontractors, our clients want from our engineering: the best information and deliverables in the format they need, with the context that helps them get maximum value from their data. 

Whether you serve IOUs, cooperatives, or municipalities, here are three ways you can make sure you’re delivering the kind of data that helps your clients win.

The Right Type of Utility Data 

Rushing the setup process is one of the best ways to waste calendar days. So often, we’re more concerned with being efficient—getting the project going, boots on the ground, and deliverables out the door—that we fail to get on the same page beforehand.

If you’ve been serving your client for years, you probably know what kind of data they want. But if you’re breaking ground in a new area, spend some time figuring out what your client is looking for and setting clear expectations. It may slow down the process a little in the beginning, but it saves so much time in the long run when you don’t have to make huge shifts or change your entire process. 

Our team will often address this by starting at the end. We’ll start with questions like: 

• What should the deliverable look like? 

• How will the data be used? 

• Is there anything we should know about the process—standards, pole loading analysis, requirements, etc—that would help us deliver the most valuable data? 

Pilot projects can help with this, too, so teams can identify kinks, ask questions, and work through issues quickly. When it comes time for the real project, you can sprint with a lot more confidence that you’re going in the right direction. 

The Right Format for Data

This is part of the setup process, but how we present the data is just as important as the data we collect. In the same way that we don’t want to have to sort through data and manually standardize, our clients don’t either. Creating the deliverables that match their specific needs and standards gives them more flexibility and keeps them from doing unnecessary or redundant work. 

Understanding clients’ standards and end goals means we can tailor our output to help serve them best. It also helps us make sure data can be integrated easily so clients can ingest data for updating records and managing information. 

This is one of the benefits of read-user access. By setting your clients up with a free read-user account, they can organize shared data, collaborate with your team, and provide feedback. They can download data as needed and view all shared jobs in one location. 

The Right Amount of Data 

When we want to create maximum value, we have to know how the data will be used and what extra context can help clients win. We can deliver the bare minimum, or we can help provide long-lasting value. 

For example, if we’re collecting data and engineering for make ready, that data can be used for more than just new attachments. For one, good designs help kick off the post-construction inspection process, but up-to-date asset information can also help first responders prioritize work and notify customers during storm response. 

Make ready and pole data can update equipment records, or prep for field deployment, or guide grid upgrades and distribution work. Information about potential double wood conditions can inform resolution workflows to build a safer grid. 

Oftentimes, providing that context isn’t a huge life either. If you’re calling make ready in Katapult Pro, you can include pole loading analysis and results, too, using the integrated engine. 

With the level and speed of grid advancements we’re seeing these days, it’s not enough to just give the bare minimum. Utilities need more data and more context to maintain the grid and meet the growing demands. 

When you provide better data now, you stand out as the team that not only goes above and beyond but has the foresight to deliver value before it’s asked of you. 

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