How Our Data Management Platform Can Streamline Utility Inspections

In this article:

• Uncover the challenges in traditional utility inspections, from navigation to data overload.
• Explore how Clearsight’s data management platform simplifies complex electric grid inspections.
• Learn Clearsight’s four-step workflow, from data acquisition to customized reporting.

At the core of Constellation Clearsight is a commitment to revolutionize the conventional methodology of utility inspections. Our data management platform is a key piece of the puzzle in our inspections. It simplifies the intricacies inherent in electric grids and provides electric utilities and cooperatives with a user-friendly interface to effortlessly maneuver through the complexities of their infrastructure and the volume and diversity of inspection-related data.

Challenges in Conventional Utility Inspections

There are a myriad of challenges that can impede efficiency, accuracy, and overall effectiveness of digitized asset inspections for stakeholders in the electric industry. Traditional methodologies for inspecting utility infrastructure, particularly in the area of electric grids, are inherently intricate and time-consuming. 

Some challenges may include:

• Complex Infrastructure Navigation: Conducting utility inspections requires navigating intricate electric grids, encompassing an extensive network of circuits, assets, and structures. The sheer volume of these systems present challenges in planning and executing effective inspections. Additionally, difficulties in GIS mapping and location arise, as utilities and cooperatives often lack a comprehensive view of their grid.
• Data Overload and Discrepancies: Digitized inspection methods often result in copious amounts of data that may be challenging to organize, review, and analyze comprehensively via existing, conventional asset and inspection data management platforms. Inconsistent or incomplete data can further hinder the generation of accurate insights.
• Limited Flexibility in Data Types: Many existing inspection approaches may be limited in their ability to accommodate diverse data types from various sources. As technology evolves, the incorporation of data from different sensors, drones, robotics, and other advanced tools becomes essential for a comprehensive understanding of utility infrastructure health.

As part of our comprehensive inspection solutions, our teams utilize cutting-edge technology, including drones, sensors, and wood pole health non-destructive examination tools, to collect digitized data during inspections. The platform is the means through which they make this data useful to electric utility and cooperative stakeholders. 

Let’s explore the benefits our platform provides.

Constellation Clearsight’s Proprietary Software

Our proprietary inspection data management platform is at the heart of what we do. With our patent-pending platform, you can be confident that you’re getting comprehensive and accurate insights.  The customer portal, the primary customer-facing component within the platform, offers: 

• Color-coded system for identifying priority levels of detected issues
• Geo-referenced information
• Ability to filter inspections and inspection data by date, circuits/project, asset type, inspection method, component attributes, or defect attributes
• Map and tabular views providing detail-level inspection findings
• Configurable dashboard views providing summary-level overview of inspection findings and a heatmap view for condition density
• Ability to import/export data from client systems and cross-reference within the portal
• Asset detail report with zoom feature and bounding boxes highlighting areas of interest

It is designed to be flexible and able to support a variety of data types from a diversity of sources supporting many different inspection methods. 

The platform supports data collected via innovative technologies, from ground or aerial data capture platforms. Insights derived via analysis of data from RGB cameras, thermal sensors, wood pole health non-destructive examination tools, and Light Detection and Ranging (LiDAR) sensors are all supported. 

Explore: See the technology we deploy to capture data during inspections.

How it Works

Our comprehensive approach consists of a four-step workflow process:

• Data Acquisition: Our field operation teams plan the mission, prep for the mission, and finally, collect the raw data using drones, robotics, and sensors, specifically selected in response to project objectives and parameters. If an asset owner wants to be responsible for the acquisition of the data, we can often accommodate that model as well.
• Data Processing: The acquired data is then organized, reviewed for completeness, and transferred to the platform’s cloud-based core, through a secure data upload. Data associations are established and any anomalies are corrected.
• Data Analysis: Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) combined with analytical tools and supported by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) work to review and analyze the data.  Observations and insights are generated and documented, and logged to the cloud-based storage infrastructure.
• Customized Reporting: The insights uncovered are made available to the asset owner via a variety of means, one of the most common being the web-based customer portal.  

Custom-Built Web Application

Our web-based customer portal application is designed to be user friendly, with an easy-to-use interface that requires no prior technical expertise. SMEs accommodate a diverse range of inspections with a consistent visualization strategy, from end to end, including pre-inspection demos and post-inspection customer success support.

With a custom-built web application, you can create a fully customizable report with prioritized actionable insights:

• Inspection scope
• Data acquired
• Key findings

The insights are presented in an easy-to-read format, with clear recommendations for action. Our software also provides you with customized filters and dashboards, providing you with the information you need at your fingertips.

Schedule a Demo of the Clearsight Platform

We invite you to schedule a demo of the Constellation Clearsight platform today. Our team of experts will provide you with a comprehensive overview of the software and its capabilities, demonstrating how it can help you to streamline your utility inspection processes and improve your overall results.