ESB Group and IPS®SYSTEMS Implementation

ESB Group has been using IPS®ENRGY products since 2007 in both ESB International and ESB Networks. The system was initially introduced to capture commissioning and maintenance, testing and storing data, and making it available for future reference to optimize maintenance activities and enable the generation of customized reports.

The latest expansion of the IPS®SYSTEMS in ESB Networks has enabled field technicians to capture inspection data on iPads with the IPS®MobApp. This data then feeds into the creation of Asset Health Indices.

ESB International

The IPS system was implemented in the Asset Management Services of ESB International in 2007. It is currently in use by site-based and office staff via laptop computers as an on-premise solution.

The system is embedded as the primary maintenance tool for the Maintenance department of Asset Management Services. It covers all assets currently serviceable on the electricity network from 10 kV to 400 kV.

The primary modules in use are Asset Management, Maintenance Concept, Work Ordering & Work Execution.

The foundation of the ESB International use of IPS is based on an extensive and accurate Asset Type Library, which facilitates the creation of specific templates for these assets.

Tasks are performed via pre-populated templates assigned to specific asset types within Work Execution, ensuring a consistent and transparent method for all work activities. These templates are available for all users of IPS®SYSTEMS and can be partly or fully completed, depending on the task at hand. Upon synchronization to the database, other users of the system are free to view all completed or partly completed maintenance tasks. This eliminates duplication and allows for tasks to be completed by more than one individual.

All test files, results, and data recorded from the site are now captured immediately on completion of the task. IPS recognizes the format of each test file type and as such, once synchronization is performed, it allows for immediate reporting of findings/results to the Client(s).

Remote synchronization capabilities allow the field users to remain on-site for extended periods without the need for a regular return to the office for downloading of results. This results in work flexibility and enables the user to spend more time on-site to complete work. There is also a significantly reduced likelihood of data loss due to loss/theft/failure of hardware.

ESB Network

In 2016 ESB Networks expanded the use of the IPS®SYSTEMS to include mobile device data capture and creation of Asset Health Indices (AHI) for all primary substation equipment. This project primarily used the new IPS®MobApp on iPads so that field technicians could record substation inspection data in both online and offline mode. The offline capability was developed during the project to overcome the issue of weak mobile signals at more remote substations.

This data was then linked to the historical diagnostic data in the ESB International database to calculate AHI for the primary assets. The information is displayed in both dashboards and interactive maps with an alert indication in the WebSuite module.

Subsequently, the oil laboratory test result database has been linked up so that our AHI are automatically recalculated upon new oil analysis test results being uploaded from the laboratory. Integration with the company ERP system, SAP, was also successfully achieved via a manual process until ESB Networks are in a position to integrate fully.

Shortly ESB Networks plans to utilize the IPS®Business Process Management and IPS®Topology Manager modules to gain further efficiencies in our processes.