NISC Announces Expanded Operations and Engineering Platform

The technology cooperative has launched NISC Operations Analytics, an integrated analysis platform for engineers and system operators of electric systems.

Lake Saint Louis, Mo., May 3, 2018 — National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC), an IT cooperative serving utilities and telecommunications organizations worldwide, announced the launch of NISC Operations Analytics (OA), an integrated platform for engineers and system operators of electric systems, which harnesses hourly AMI reads and the granularity of time-series data for better decision-making.

“NISC Operations Analytics is a true paradigm shift,” said Todd Eisenhauer, NISC vice president of Strategy & Operations Solutions. “It changes the way utilities manage and operate for their distribution network, giving users greater visibility into system performance.”

Leveraging a time-series approach, NISC Operations Analytics allows users to look beyond peak system analysis to better grasp real system performance. Data gleaned from NISC’s Meter Data Management System (MDMS), GIS, and Members’ Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) allows users to create realistic models and run calculations to make better-informed decisions.

The core engine of NISC Operations Analytics is provided by EDD’s Distributed Engineering Workstation (DEW), which can analyze interval AMI data in a detailed electrical model, allowing it to be thoroughly vetted. Users can review large quantities of data collected over long periods of time, and identify trends and patterns in usage to make better planning and operational decisions.

Previously, Verendrye Electric Cooperative, Velva and Minot, N.D., had been using seasonal models to make approximations, often over or underestimating equipment sizes and having to redo installations in the field. With the deployment of OA, Verendrye has saved time and money, properly sizing equipment in the field thanks to the ability to analyze real, hourly meter data.

“At Verendrye, we see the implementation of OA as being the culmination of something we’ve been working on for years,” said DJ Randolph, electrical engineer at Verendrye. “It starts out with your GIS system and getting that data as accurate as possible to build a more accurate model. Then, implementing an automated meter reading system that allows us to do hourly reads and see those reads on a real-time basis, and working with our SCADA system to be able to collect the substation data. Finally, you have OA bring all those things together and allow you to do real-time analysis.”

For more information on NISC Operations Analytics, please visit nisc.coop/operations-analytics or email operationsanalytics@nisc.coop.

About NISC

National Information Solutions Cooperative (NISC) is an information technology cooperative that develops, implements and supports software and hardware solutions for our Members/Customers. We deliver advanced solutions, services and support to more than 860 independent telephone companies, electric cooperatives and other public power entities. NISC is an industry leader providing information technology solutions including billing, accounting, operations, automated mailroom services, third-party integration as well as many other solutions. With facilities in Mandan, N.D., Lake Saint Louis, Mo., Cedar Rapids, Iowa and Shawano, Wis., NISC and its subsidiaries employ more than 1,200 professionals between the four locations.

Additional information about NISC can be found at www.NISC.coop.

About EDD

Electrical Distribution Design (EDD) is a software organization that has provided integrated system models for electrical system analysis since the 90’s. Their Distributed Engineering Workstation (DEW) that powers NISC’s platform was born as a result of their efforts to provide a solution that could handle the complexities involved with electrical system operations and planning. It harnesses an accurate calculation that can quickly provide customizable results in a time series manner. They have provided solutions for large utilities around the world and have multiple publications about their solutions and successes.