Asset Management Completes Successful Update of Cascade Software

Cascade, a work management system, provides an effective and efficient platform to support and manage the maintenance of the ATC transmission system.

The Cascade system is an important component of ATC’s management of assets, including substations, transmission lines and related equipment. It is a key tool used to drive ATC's routine and emergency testing, and reporting of results.

In 2002, ATC evaluated several alternative solutions and determined that Cascade was the best to meet its needs. The system was developed and continues to be supported by Digital Inspections. The system was installed in 2003 and supports 150 field units as well as remote access from ATC's customer’s and contractor’s offices. In Wisconsin, the system is used not only by ATC but also We Energies and Alliant Energy.

System Upgrade

Earlier this year ATC identified a number of improvements to the Cascade system, including

• improvements in application environment,
• replacement of “end of life” field units to improve performance and reliability,
• leveraging of changes in system architecture technology, and
• reduction in connection times and a resulting reduction in communication costs.

This upgrade was coordinated with all users to ensure minimal impact on inspection and maintenance services. The Cascade system is complex and its four major components were included in the upgrade:

• the underlying architecture and hardware were updated,
• field units were replaced and field synchronization was improved,
• direct access by ATC users was improved, and
• access through remote databases by non-ATC users was improved

The upgrade was successfully completed by mid-June and the updated field units were redeployed on schedule. Pete Holtz, ATC general manager noted that, "The cooperation and patience of all of the users during the upgrade process was greatly appreciated."

Training

ATC is reviewing training needs of users based on the function being performed. Holtz offered that ATC "will look at consolidating training sessions to improve the effectiveness and to minimize travel on the part of all participants."

Future Enhancements

ATC's continually evaluates of the functionality of the Cascade system. It is currently evaluating some additional improvements including:

• adding GPS mapping capabilities to improve locating and access to facilities,
• implementation on a limited basis of wireless data communication with potential expansion if successful and economical, and
• the potential addition of RFID tagging to simplify equipment identification.

ATC wiill continue to keep users informed concerning these improvements and their possible system-wide implementation.