One-Line visualization is an interactive diagram of the electrical distribution system in a facility. In that interactive environment, we aren’t looking at a static view of equipment, but we get real-time live information around the status of equipment, feedback on the conditions of the system and critical status of parameters that make an impact on the floor. Imagine real-time power monitoring at your fingertips!
Why Does Visualization Matter?
First and foremost, it increases Safety by providing the ability to remove the risk associated with engaging with the equipment. Knowing how close you can get to your equipment is critical but what if you could learn what was needed without physically being in the presence of the equipment? This is possible and also improves the accuracy of the information available, such as:
- Ensures equipment readiness
- Diagnostic capabilities for the power distribution system
- No more wondering if the drawings you’re looking at (if you’re lucky enough to have drawings) are accurate and up to date
Who Benefits From Single Line Visualization?
The main benefactors of a system that has visualization capabilities are to the team members that are performing maintenance, electricians, engineering personnel. At the end of the day, we want each person that engages with electrical distribution equipment to go home safely and single line visualization enables that. Also, when projects are involving outside contractors, they will have all the necessary information available at their fingertips.
How To Get Started?
Getting started with a project like this involves many areas: electrical technicians, management & engineering, and especially IT (as you are now moving large pieces of data) are all areas that could be impacted by implementing a project such as this. Getting everyone on the same page in regards to power terminology could be a key step to ensuring alignment. Starting small is a good idea as the technology is scalable. Begin with one piece of critical equipment that allows users to get a system in place to give that immediate experience with the technology. Once the proof of concept has time to grow legs internally you may find it easier to expand the system in the future.
Devices such as power meters, tripping devices & protective relays are great areas to start with when building an initial system. A gateway device would be necessary and that could be your source of aggregation and visualization for the project. Ensure you are working with a qualified partner because the last thing you want is implementation hurdles due to systems not being specified correctly in the early stages of design. Rely on experts that have proved this technology out in the past to increase the likelihood of success for your project.
What To Look Out For
Potential friction points to be aware of are typically in the areas of IT and OT. Clear lines of responsibility are important to define as you look to bring in new devices into play from a networking standpoint. You must be able to bridge the conversation between IT and OT. It is recommended that you focus on this in the beginning to have a successful outcome of your visualization project. Overcoming the roadblocks early and even achieving alignment across multiple departments will go great lengths in a successful system.
At the end of the day, you can improve the safety of all those involved with operating and interfacing with electrical systems by implementing a one-line visualization system. Give your team the best tools available to understand, react and diagnose conditions in realtime.
Check out this video of our Power & Control Solution Architecture Manager, Mike Rathbun, as he walks through how to begin implementing this technology inside your facility.
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