The advancements in technology have paved the way for new types of services that have previously been unavailable. Vast amounts of information are available to utilities that were once unknown variables. The key to propelling the energy industry into the future is utilizing data and increasing efficiencies.

Recent pressures from legislators, government agencies, environmental groups and even consumers have brought the energy industry into the spotlight. No longer is it acceptable for consumers to receive their bill 30 days after they have used electricity. Customers want to know how much energy they are using and they want to know it now. Environmental groups are forcing electric utilities to change the way they generate electricity and the government is calling for a move toward a smarter grid.

These pressures are forcing utilities to think innovatively on how to get the information currently available into the hands of the appropriate audience, whether it’s consumers, internal personnel and key stakeholders. It was once said that “We are drowning in information and starving for knowledge.” This statement is a key principle in the utility industry. Given the large number of data sources available, as seen in the figure at right, it is apparent that utilities have access to various sources of information. It would be advantageous for utilities to have a central application that would allow information to be shared to a chosen audience. The key question is “How do we get information from various islands of information into the hands of the consumers, internal personnel and key stakeholders?”

MySource LLC has developed numerous applications for the end-use consumer and utility personnel. These applications, designed with smart grid in mind, will help consumers decrease their energy consumption and increase a utility’s operational efficiencies. The central focus of the MySource Enterprise architecture is to bring islands of data into an integrated knowledge base and then push that data out to the specified audience.

The MySource Enterprise system is a framework that allows utilities to maximize consumer satisfaction, communications and operational efficiencies. MySource applications take advantage of the latest smart devices, as well as provide a traditional web interface.  The MySource Enterprise system provides innovative solutions for utilities by meeting the anticipated needs of the new, changing energy industry.

Smart Energy Source partners can optimize their assets and leverage their resources by achieving the highest level of productivity and efficiency, while encouraging energy efficiency. This will be accomplished through the MySource Enterprise custom interface applications.

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Business Model Challenges
Utility systems operate independently of one another, and crews working in the field have limited access to system information. Workflow processes require much data re-entry, which is inefficient and time consuming. The challenge will be to create a system that allows for integration of multiple systems in an easy-to-use platform that allows for real-time data in the field while giving information to consumers and stakeholders.

Business Process Challenges and Requirements
The challenge of implementing an enterprise application involves integrating it into current workflow processes. Technologies will have to be put in place that may be new to the utility.  Although there may be some start-up disruptions, the technologies have been utilized by many businesses with little problems.  However, with the new technology in place, the utility will realize cost and time savings. 

Business Organization Challenges and Requirements
Implementing the MySource Enterprise application with gateways for both business and customer collaboration will require hardware and software investments as well as training for employees. Support staff will be needed for integrations, and workflow will need to be determined for process mapping.

Business Customer Challenges and Requirements
Businesses may need to install servers with greater capacity in order to handle the vast amount of data provided by AMR/AMI meters.   It may be necessary to train some customers to use MySource Meter.

Business Data Challenges and Requirements
Data collected and stored in the MySource Enterprise application will need to be integrated with other utility systems and processes. Data accessibility is also needed to complete critical business functions.

Business Application Challenges and Requirements
The MySource Enterprise application must have a user interface with built-in workflow for process efficiency. Software maintenance and upgrades will always be needed, as well as a process monitoring tool to manage daily workflow. 

Business Technology Challenges and Requirements
Communication schemes and integration with utility systems are always a challenge.