Developing an Integrated
Business Solution
with Telemetry and
Geographical Information
System
Presenter
• Michael Waddell has over 20 years experience leading software application projects specializing data integration. • Applications Development Practice Leader at CDM
Smith, which delivers integrated solutions in water,
environment, transportation, energy and facilities to public and private clients worldwide.
Presentation Outline
• The Problem With Technology Projects
• Puerto Rico Aqueduct & Sewer Authority Telemetry • Opportunity for Leveraging Telemetry & GIS
• Examples from PRASA Telemetry Integration Service • Benefits and Uses
• Architecture • Summary
The Problem With Technology Projects
• Technology projects like instrumentation and automation can require a significant investment for what typically
comprises a single, departmental system
• Operational data often become information “silos” that cannot be easily accessed or reused
• Focus on departmental needs misses opportunities to extend information beyond initial boundaries
• Shared data:
– Reaps benefits for the whole organization – Increases return on investment
Telemetry Investment at PRASA
• 2008 – 2010: Puerto Rico Aqueduct and Sewer Authority (PRASA) implemented an island-wide telemetry system • 1,500+ sites and 100,000 I/O points - one of the largest
water/wastewater telemetry projects in the US • Part of $2.3B capital improvement plan
• Goal: Deliver reliable, real-time monitoring and control distributed across
five regional
operating centers and headquarters
Telemetry Focused On Operator Use
• Regional monitoring systems wirelessly transmit water tank levels and pressure readings hourly from solar-powered monitors:
Telemetry Focused On Operator Use
• Operators view data through a Human Machine Interface (HMI) in forms, tables and graphs
• Simple Google map provides a spatial reference
Leveraging the Investment
• PRASA and CDM Smith recognized the opportunity for extending the business benefits of both the telemetry
data and its existing web-based geographical information system (GIS).
• Goal: Build a rich, easy to use visualization interface that delivers
– Enhanced operational support – Faster decision making
– Strategic insights
– Broader information distribution
• Pilot: PRASA Telemetry & GIS Integration in “AquaWeb” and “AquaPad”
Leveraging the Investment
• By tapping into the telemetry data that is already being collected…
Data Integration Concept
• Insight: Integrate telemetry data with island-wide GIS to gain new organizational value
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GIS Integration Hub Supports iPad –
“AquaPad” app
Benefits & Typical Uses
• Improved responses:
– Operators and staff can more easily
understand alarm conditions and consider
– impacted facilities – affected population
– topographical characteristics
– View linked sectorization documents in the field
• Analyze trends:
Telemetry Details Viewer
• Presentation content starts here
Interactive trend analysis
PRASA Telemetry Integration Service
• Configure matching links between telemetry and GIS
GIS Facility ID
PRASA Telemetry Integration Service
Te l e m e t r y D a t a +
G I S L i n k s • Configure matching links
between telemetry and GIS
• Poll hourly and process new telemetry data from the FTP server
• Convert raw data into relational data records
Integration Roadmap
• Envision the benefit • Engage stakeholders • Select the data sources
• Team with Subject Matter Experts • Start small
• Solicit quick feedback
– Agile Development methodology – Screen mockups
– Prototypes
– Architect flexibility and resilience
Developing an Integrated Business Solution
with Telemetry and GIS - Summary
• Summary
• Why data integration?
– Leverages your technology investments and creates new value – Provides a shared, easy to use user interface beyond “silos” – Builds engagement across multiple business units
– Provides insights into operational and business trends
• Critical Success Factors
– Know what you’re integrating - partner Subject Matter Experts – Maintain data in its silo – employ single “source of truth” principle
