PSIgridmobile replaces the traditional clipboard and contributes to the efficient execution and documentation of work on the grid. Functions such as automatic time recording, individual feedback to assignments and mobile switching support accelerate the workflow and increase safety standards. A secure synchronization process is the basis for a seamless flow of information between field and office staff.
Netwok operations cover a wide range of tasks. Not all of them are predictable. An optimal processing requires operational and strategic integration. Major challenges are the documentation of work in the field and the communication between field crew and the dispatchers. Digitalization offers important support for both parties and enables the grid operator to design the grid expansion, maintenance and service restoration processes efficiently and comply with legal and safety-related requirements.
Benefits at a glance
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Efficiency and productivity The digitalization of processes with PSIgridmobile increases efficiency, improves the flow of information and increases productivity.
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Safety and Security Rapid response to potentially dangerous situations and support in complying with legal regula-tions, established state-of-the-art work processes and IT security standards.
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Reliability PSIgridmobile supports carrying out operations smoothly - even without an Internet connection – due to local storage capability.
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Scalability PSIgridmobile adapts to customer-specific needs and requirements through parameterization. It grows with the size or complexity of the grid and the ever-changing process.
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Responsiveness and dynamics PSIgridmobile provides a comprehensive overview of the current grid status so that field crews can react quickly and correctly to the present situation.
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Flexibility PSIgridmobile supports various hardware and operating systems, meeting the company's preference.
Functions
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Job editing PSIgridmobile simplifies executing a job by providing all required information and documenta-tion on the mobile device. Field crews can view and edit the details about inspections, faults or switching operations in the app. The documentation is created in parallel to the job execution. When the job has been finished, subsequent processes have been initiated. Additional modules such as cost booking, defect assessment or additional jobs can expand the area of applications significantly.
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Image and document processing PSIgridmobile's integrated image and document processing supports field crews documenting damages by photograph, accessing technical documents or other relevant information directly on site and upload processed information to the system. This function facilitates documenting, as-sessment and communication with other team members or the office staff much easier.
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Mobile switching execution support PSIgridmobile simplifies switching management by enabling field crews update switching operations in the application. Additionally, PSIgridmobile supports switching coordination so that switching operations can be executed by several teams. The app offers an intuitive user interface for the safe execution and management of switching operations based on digital step lists. Work steps are documented, the network status is updated in the control system and tags (e.g., notes and permit to work) can be set. The impact of the individual actions are directly available to all field crews and the updated grid status can be viewed immediately in the grid diagram (SCADA). In addition to improved grid stability, this leads to a faster response to possible faults.
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SCADA/ decentralized network management Comprehensive SCADA functionalities offer field crews a detailed overview of the current grid status and offer the option of decentralized grid management. By directly operating the non-remotely controlled equipment in the app, the control system checks the imminent action for in-terlocks - without placing an additional burden on the control room staff. By visualizing grid data in real time, the field crews are able to quickly identify problems and react accordingly. This minimizes outages and optimizes grid performance. This type of grid management enables providing efficient services that ensure a safe workflow.
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Access control/ person in substation PSIgridmobile offers the option to manage access to substations. Field crews log in and out of technical systems (e.g., a substation or a bay in a substation) using the app. By scanning the QR code on site, the system reports the presence at or in the installation. The information is also sent directly to the control system where a tag is placed on the object. This tag may, for example, prevent operations or request special caution when remote controlling. By personalizing the PSIgridmobile installation, the control room can directly access information such as the name, telephone number, company, etc. of the field personnel.
Modules and area of application
Filling jobs
The filling assignments module allows field crews to take on additional assignments (e.g., cycli-cal inspections) independently (“self-scheduling”) and then process them in the course of their other assignments. These filling assignments help field crews to use their working time efficient-ly and minimize idle time. The tasks selected need to have matching requirements for skills and location.
Recording defects/ functional locations
Fitters can use PSIgridmobile to independently record and document faults at grid stations or other technical locations. The central system generates new assignments based on these recorded defects. This seamless integration enables efficient recording and correction of problems, which subsequently improves the overall quality of the grid and minimizes downtimes.
Bookkeeping
The bookkeeping module supports to record the actual time worked automatically. The dispatching system determines from the status changes the time the assignment started, the arrival time or the end of works. Breaks, interruptions or other adjustments to the recorded working times can be edited by the field crew at any time before the assignment is completed. In the central system may transfer this data directly to the company's ERP system.
Digital step list
The digital step list enables field crews to execute pre-planned switching operations step by step. The switching operations are implemented as a two step process. First, the system verifies that the field crew member is at the right position (e.g. using QR code or other location information). After positive verification, the crew can start the operation. The system checks for interlocks. If no interlock is raised, the operation can be safely executed. The structure of the step list also shows the steps of other teams that may be working on the same circuit. The system indicates the already completed steps, the still pending ones, the blocked ones and those to be executed by another unit.
Material booking
The material booking list shows the field crew which materials and tools are required for the day's upcoming jobs. The information on this is derived from the individual deployment types and is maintained in the PSIcommand field force management system.
CarPlay and Android car integration
PSIgridmobile integrates with the vehicle’s communication system using either CarPlay or Android Auto. This supports presenting the basic functionalities directly on the vehicle's display. The field crew can use the mobile device to view the list of jobs and the job details, trigger status transitions and navigate to the destination. The list of jobs can be filtered using numerous filtering and sorting options and displayed on a map. The field crew has always an overview of the most important information about the operations and can keep his focus on the traffic.
- Areas of application -
PSIgridmobile is independent of network size and company sector. In the following, we address the areas of application in which the product is already successfully in operations.
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Transmission and distribution system operators
PSIgridmobile offers network operators an efficient way of optimizing switching processes and monitoring the status of their network in near real time. Particularly in areas of non-remotely controlled distribution grids, decentralized grid management helps creating a more accurate and therefore more reliable network model. The app also facilitates and optimizes the planning and execution of maintenance work as well as the rapid response to faults, which contributes to improved grid stability and greater security of supply.
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Municipal utilities
Municipal distribution grids are characterized by their high grid density. Additionally, other energy sources such as gas, district heating and water have to be considered at the same time. Into the bargain, some municipalities provide public transport such as trams. This complexity requires flexible and efficient flow of information from strategic planning to the execution of work on site. PSIgridmobile offers the ideal solution for mastering all the challenges of grid operation with its flexibility and adaptability. PSIgridmobile supports multiple job types, configurable feedback directly in the app and the ability to initiate new jobs or take over free jobs. Therefore, PSIgridmobile is the optimal tool for managing urban energy infrastructure (power, gas, water, district heating, etc.).
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Industry
PSIgridmobile offers industrial companies an efficient way to coordinate and record work on the grid and their technical objects. The app enables a rapid response to faults and supports the planning and execution of maintenance work.
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Traction power grids
PSIgridmobile facilitates the monitoring and management of traction power grids. The app ena-bles traction power grid operators to track the status of their rail network in near real time and react quickly to faults or problems. The support of the mobile switching execution is a major aspect here. Supporting operations in the event of a fault or maintenance work helps field crews to carry out their work properly and quickly. This improves the safety and reliability of the railway system and to reduce downtime.
Typical users
Field crews
PSIgridmobile is an indispensable tool for field crews, supporting efficient and precise execution of tasks. Instead of using paper order and documentation sheets and transferring them to the system later, the app offers a digital information display, execution and documentation of assignments. Individual process forms support a wide range of operations such as switching execution, service restoration, inspections and maintenance.
Automatic time recording and immediate data synchronization save valuable time and minimize the risk of communication errors.
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Capacity to act
Structured processing with access to all information - without the need for telephone consul-tation with the control room.
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Facilitating documentation
Instead of using paper and transferring the information to the system later, the information is available to all process participants immediately after entry.
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Error-free data entries
The direct and structured recording of activities and working times prevents incorrect trans-fers to the system.
Fragen und Antworten
Which operating systems care supported by PSIgridmobile?
PSIgridmobile is platform-independent. It is available for all common operating systems. Today’s industry standards iOS, Android and Windows are regularly tested and are fully integrated into the deployment process.
How and from where is the app installed?
The official Apple or Google app stores offer the app for download and installation. Access to Apple's Business App Store or Google's Managed Play Store requires company approval for downloading and installing the production version.
PSI provides an installer and a portable version of PSIgridmobile for Windows.
What does the app update process look like?
A new version of the app can be installed as an update from the app store. PSI provides an installer for Windows systems; updating simply executing the installer. The update process does not overwrite existing data and settings.
Is a PSIgridmobile test environment available?
Yes, there is a quality assurance version of PSIgridmobile available. The installation is done via the respective app store.
It is possible to use this version in parallel to the production version with your own configurations on the mobile device.
Is there a trial version of PSIgridmobile?
Yes, PSI makes a limited test version available, which includes all basic of PSIgridmobile functionalities. The installation includes demo data.
This version is a pure offline version of PSIgridmobile and does not allow connecting to a live system. The demo version is publicly available in the app stores.
