Remote ADMS Implementations – Myth or Reality?

Many utilities face challenges completing SCADA, Outage Management System (OMS), and Distribution Management System (DMS) implementations when vendor access to facilities is limited. In these cases, projects often pause until on-site support is available.

That’s not the case for Survalent customers. Survalent can implement and support all of its ADMS applications remotely, without requiring an on-site presence.

You might wonder how that’s possible when most major ADMS suppliers rely heavily on in-person services. To find out, we spoke with Survalent’s Manager of Project Delivery, Joe De Filippis, who shared how the process works.

1. Are remote services a new offering from Survalent, and what do they include?

Joe: We’ve provided remote services for more than five years. These services cover a wide range of customer needs, including ADMS software upgrades, system performance validation, new application implementation, database and graphics updates, commissioning, and training.

2. Does Survalent’s implementation methodology change for remote projects?

Joe: Our implementation methodology remains the same for both remote and on-site projects. A successful implementation depends on coordination and collaboration between Survalent and the customer’s teams to ensure every activity is completed on schedule. While the tools we use for coordination differ in remote projects, the core methodology does not change.

The process begins with scheduling and planning. We hold conference calls with the customer to outline prerequisites, such as hardware installation, network configuration, communication channel setup, and VPN access for the Survalent team.

We also share a daily agenda that details the responsibilities of both Survalent and the customer, helping each team allocate the right resources throughout the implementation period.

VPN access for the Survalent team can be established directly to the production system or through a secure gateway. If VPN access isn’t available, alternative tools like video conferencing can be used to maintain communication.

Once implementation begins, daily video conferences are held to coordinate activities. Each morning we review the day’s tasks, and each afternoon we recap progress, review the next day’s agenda, and provide a written summary report.

3. What does a customer need to ensure a successful remote implementation?

Joe: The customer must ensure that hardware, field devices, networking, and VPN access are installed and configured before the start of services. They should also make sure their staff is available for scheduled activities. In some cases, local personnel may need to configure or test field devices (RTUs, IEDs, etc.), but if remote access is available, this may not be necessary.

4. How long does a remote implementation take?

Joe: The duration depends on the project scope, but the timeline for remote and on-site services is usually very similar.

5. What challenges can arise during remote ADMS implementations, and how does Survalent address them?

Joe: Most challenges involve communication with field devices, which are the same issues faced during on-site projects. Survalent uses diagnostic tools to identify and resolve communication problems quickly. We work proactively with the customer to investigate and correct any issues, leading and coordinating video conferences with the appropriate departments to explain findings and next steps.

Interested in learning more?

Discover how Survalent’s remote services can help you keep your system upgrades and grid modernization initiatives on track. Contact us to connect with a Survalent team member.