Cornice Engineering

Information Systems Audits and Master Plans

Information and automation systems are important tools to enable utilities to deal with increasing pressures to meet the changing needs of customers and demands of regulators. Unfortunately, many utilities are not positioned to make optimal use of their computerized systems. In some cases, utilities are limited because they have not yet decided to implement the computer applications that would solve their unique challenges. In other cases, programs previously chosen now limit the utility’s flexibility.

In addition to these shortcomings, computerized applications at some utilities are not designed to operate together. This lack of integration among data-intensive computer applications limits their usefulness and increases the effort required to maintain operations. Recent developments in web services and middleware technologies make it possible to streamline utility business processes and optimize access to information.

Increasingly utilities also must be concerned with data security and NERC Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) compliance. The traditional approaches to computer security have been adequate when access to critical data and systems was strictly limited, but, in many cases, will prove inadequate when information systems become more open and data are shared with customers and business partners.

A. Information Systems Audits

The coordinated use of a utility’s data-intensive computerized applications can lead to reduced operational expenditures, improved customer service, better management decision-making and the ability to respond rapidly to changing conditions. The information systems audit is a cost-effective means to review the utility’s computer systems with a view toward making targeted modifications with the highest potential benefits for the least investment in time and money. This overview might be sufficient direction for some utilities or it may be completed as the first step in a more comprehensive Information Systems Master Plan.

Cornice Engineering provides the following services as part of an information systems audit:

Develop strategies for the improved use of computerized tools to better achieve the utility’s corporate objectives.
Inventory the computerized application programs currently in use at the utility.
Characterize the current status of application program integration.
Develop high level recommendations for immediate actions to improve the use of computerized applications and the state of interoperability among those programs.

B. Information Systems Master Plans

The optimal use of the utility’s information systems can lead to increased ability to compete in the utility market. Competitiveness can be enhanced by reducing operational expenditures, improving access to information about customer needs and desires as well as facilitating responsive and flexible management. Each of these strategies is supported by the proper choice and use of the utility’s data-intensive computer applications. The Information Systems Master Plan provides a detailed, phased implementation plan to achieve the information goals of the utility.

Cornice Engineering provides the following services in the form of an information system master plan:

Work with representatives of the utility to develop strategies for the improved use of computerized tools to better achieve corporate objectives.
Inventory the computerized application programs currently in use.
Assessment of in-house resources (hardware, software, networks, and personnel).
Development a detailed data model of the computerized application programs and current means of interconnectivity, if needed.
Develop detailed recommendations regarding data locations, linkages, security, timeliness, and consistency to assure a maintainable database design
Develop detailed recommendations regarding installation or upgrade of computer network hardware and software

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