Investigation and Development of an Asset Capability Business Process

Abstract

A project was undertaken as part of the University of Canterbury Master of Engineering Management Programme that addressed the issue of how Orion New Zealand Limited can improve their asset capability information and associated business processes. An audit approach was used to review data quality and availability, information systems integration, management processes and information flows that would support the development and implementation of branch and cyclic/dynamic ratings. The project found the existing Orion environment does not fully support asset capability information management. Information systems are well integrated, complex and hold substantial, but incomplete asset capability data. Asset policies, plans and documentation are comprehensive, but do not specifically reference asset capability information. The project concluded implementing a full asset capability information management regime was not considered feasible at the time. However, there was merit in improving existing data acquisition, system integration and business processes to enable the development of asset branch and cyclic/dynamic ratings in order to enhance network utilisation. Recommendations focus on establishing a standard for asset capability information, improving information system solutions through further integration and refining existing business processes through incremental changes. Field-­‐testing, computer modeling and load flow analysis on the effects of cyclic/dynamic ratings were recommended to confirm the merits of full implementation.