Workflow Automation in the Utility Industry
Workflow automation is the gold standard when it comes to the utility industry in general, and outage restoration in particular. The term refers to the digitization of pre-defined and repeatable processes involving the coordination of resources, and it can help utility companies reduce outage time and expense, facilitate more efficient customer communications, and improve restoration safety metrics, among other benefits.
How Workflow Automation Can Help Emergency Restoration
Workflow automation involves software that digitizes forms and organizes complex decisions by converting manual processes into an automated workflow solution. Within each workflow, after an employee executes the appropriate step, the solution immediately routes the task to the next required person.
Workflow automation aims to reduce the number of steps it takes to get things done, which allows people, material and money to flow more efficiently. As such, there are many ways in which it can help streamline emergency response, including but certainly not limited to:
- Crews can be deployed in a way that maximizes the speed of the overall restoration effort.
- Shift turnover can execute faster to minimize downtime.
- Access to information and analytics can be centralized so that all personnel have access to the same, accurate information as soon as it is available.
- Automation of manual tasks can reduce errors, saving both time and money.
- O&M costs should decrease because automation improves efficiency which means that companies can do more with less.
- Ensures improved regulatory compliance
For a more detailed look at workflow automation, click here.
It is definitely a tricky business case, but the bottom line is that anything that can automate previously manual processes can help improve emergency preparedness and restoration performance. Yes, it may take years and millions of dollars to implement the ideal workflow automation solution, but the payoff will be worth it in the end.
