UGL Revamps Work Order Planning through Digital Transformation After Securing Significant Electricity Contract
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Quick Overview
- UGL implements a digital work order management platform using SAP FSM.
- The new system boosts effectiveness and clarity in electricity maintenance tasks.
- Power BI integrated for superior reporting and analytics.
- Future advancements in automation and AI are anticipated.
- Possible growth into additional sectors such as construction.
- Cutting-edge data gathering techniques being tested with vehicle cameras.
UGL’s Digital Revamp in Work Order Management
Optimizing Operations with SAP FSM
The engineering services company UGL has initiated a robust digital work order management framework, utilizing SAP field service management (FSM) to improve operations under an electricity maintenance contract in Western Australia. Quality and systems manager Dean Engelbrecht presented the system’s features at the SAP NOW AI summit in Melbourne, emphasizing its function in synchronizing numerous teams statewide to efficiently handle the maintenance and replacement of power poles.
Immediate Monitoring and Intelligent Data Collection
The system enables comprehensive management of work orders, from inception in SAP ECC to planning jobs and dispatching crews. It features a dispatch board for real-time monitoring, permitting back-office teams to track job acceptance, travel, and work conditions through a centralized interface. In the field, digital smart forms are employed for data collection, ensuring proof of completed tasks and streamlining administrative activities.
Improved Reporting and Client Clarity
UGL has embedded sophisticated reporting and analytics capabilities with Power BI, granting clients clear visibility into job advancement and results. This openness has been positively embraced by clients, enhancing trust and collaboration.
Future Opportunities: Automation and AI Integration
In the future, UGL aims to integrate automation within the system to refine job scheduling. This includes utilizing AI capabilities via SAP Joule to further boost productivity. Transitioning from ECC to S/4HANA is planned to facilitate these upgrades.
Innovative Strategies for Asset Maintenance
UGL is also investigating tech-driven methodologies for asset maintenance, including the use of vehicle-mounted cameras for automatic data acquisition of power pole conditions, with the goal of enhancing accuracy and efficiency in identifying and addressing defects.
Conclusion
UGL’s digital transformation in work order management represents a major advancement in enhancing operational efficiency, client clarity, and data management. With ambitions for automation and AI integration, UGL is positioned to broaden its capabilities, potentially influencing other sectors beyond utilities.
Q&A
Q: What is the primary technology defining UGL’s new system?
A: The system is founded on SAP field service management (FSM), interlinked with SAP ECC for complete work order management.
Q: In what way does the system improve client transparency?
A: Clients gain read-only access to real-time dashboards through Power BI, offering clear reporting and analytics of ongoing tasks.
Q: What upcoming enhancements are planned for the system?
A: UGL plans to incorporate automation and AI features, particularly utilizing SAP Joule, to refine job scheduling and operational efficiency.
Q: How is UGL innovating in terms of asset maintenance?
A: UGL is piloting vehicle-mounted cameras for automatic data gathering on power poles, aiming to better defect identification and maintenance precision.
