CAD Designers Linked to PLM System by SA Power Networks

SA Power Networks is undertaking significant efforts to enhance management, safety, and efficiency outcomes by integrating backend industrial systems, specifically aiming to reduce outages and improve safety in working with zone substation infrastructure. The utility is leveraging Bentley Systems’ MicroStation computer-aided design (CAD) software within its existing product lifecycle management (PLM) process and system, which are used by engineering teams and other downstream users.

Integrating PLM with CAD is a common goal in many industrial organizations. This integration aims to ensure that all teams involved with an asset, along with associated designs, data, and documentation, remain unified and synchronized. This holistic approach is crucial for maintaining the integrity and efficiency of operations.

Leigh Menzel, a CAD specialist, highlighted at Bentley Illuminate 2024 in Sydney that SA Power Networks must excel in its operations to limit electrical infrastructure outages. He pointed out the significant financial penalties the company could incur if it fails to manage outages effectively. Zone substations, although a subset of the electrical infrastructure, play a critical role in SA Power Networks' operations.

Substation and SCADA system designers at SA Power Networks use Bentley MicroStation software for their work. By integrating this software with the PLM system, these designers can now contribute to the maintenance of the utility's 400-plus substations. This integration not only ensures better management of assets but also provides designers with the flexibility to choose the engineering tools that best suit their needs. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for designers working on newer greenfield zone substations, which constitute the largest volume of design work currently.

However, there are some technical issues related to the integration that are still being addressed. One of the challenges is ensuring that SA Power Networks can upgrade to newer versions of MicroStation in the future while maintaining compatibility with the PLM system. This compatibility is essential as the PLM vendor's plug-in has specific versioning requirements.

Despite these technical challenges, the integration has already led to a significant increase in safety around working with substations. Menzel noted that safety has "massively increased" because the same lifecycle process is applied to every type of document. This consistent approach ensures that all documentation is up-to-date and accurate, thereby enhancing overall safety standards.

Additionally, Menzel estimated productivity benefits from the integration, amounting to around "11 days of engineering time per month." This increase in productivity highlights the efficiency gains achieved through the integration, which can lead to substantial time and cost savings for the organization.

The integration of Bentley Systems’ MicroStation with the PLM process at SA Power Networks exemplifies the potential benefits of such technological advancements in the utility sector. By unifying CAD and PLM systems, organizations can improve asset management, enhance safety, and increase operational efficiency. This integration also allows for more effective maintenance and management of critical infrastructure, ultimately leading to better service delivery and reduced downtime.

Furthermore, the integration reflects a broader trend in the industry towards leveraging advanced software solutions to streamline operations and improve outcomes. As utilities and other industrial organizations continue to adopt such technologies, the benefits of improved synchronization and unified asset management are likely to become increasingly apparent.

In summary, SA Power Networks' integration of Bentley Systems’ MicroStation CAD software into its existing PLM system represents a significant step towards improving management, safety, and efficiency outcomes. This integration not only enhances the maintenance and management of critical infrastructure but also provides substantial productivity benefits. Despite some technical challenges, the overall impact of this integration is likely to be highly positive, leading to better service delivery and reduced outages in the long run.