• Call entry and visualization
• Incident creation and management
• Graphical User Interface (GUI) based on ArcMap
• Near real-time operation and fast, efficient updates
• System reliability calculations (CAIDI, SAIDI, SAIFI, MAIFI)
• Historical information and outage documentation
• Crew dispatch and tracking
• Network management (switching, tagging, splices/jumpers, etc.)
• Support for web and desktop access
• Support for alarms and events
• Study modes
• An application built on open standards - which utilize non-proprietary programming languages and provide standard interfaces for integration with other systems such as SCADA and telephony.
  
  

Data Maintenance

A key advantage of Responder is its use of an existing ArcFM GIS database. Other systems require a separate database, so when changes are made to the network, an update to the GIS database must be made, and then the same information must be entered into the OMS database. Responder automatically incorporates changes made to the ArcFM GIS database, which significantly reduces the time and expense of data maintenance.

Implementation for Utilities of Any Size

Building on work already done for an ArcFM implementation significantly reduces the time necessary to implement Responder. A fully scalable architecture ensures that Responder provides an answer to the outage management needs of utilities of any size. It also allows Responder to grow with the organization.

Multi-tiered Distributed Architecture Adapts to Your Organization

Responder takes advantage of state-of-the-art multi-tiered technology to offer even the most remote offices a robust, real-time representation of system switching state and outage conditions.

The component-centered, distributed design of Responder allows for great flexibility in combining hardware, software, and people for optimum performance within various geographic and organizational constraints.

User Interface

Responder features a Microsoft Windows-based GUI that is shared with ESRI's ArcFM Viewer. Both have the same look and feel, eliminating the need for utility personnel to learn yet another interface. The multiple document interface allows users to tile, cascade, minimize, maximize, move windows, configure and save a map layout, or use layouts (including symbology, layer definition, and settings) established by a system administrator.

Integration

Responder makes use of the ArcFM RuleBase Engine (RBE), open architecture, non-proprietary programming languages and Microsoft's COM protocol to greatly simplify integration and customization. The ability to interface Responder with SCADA, IVR, and work management systems creates a sophisticated enterprise outage management environment.

Since Responder’s real-time and historical data is readily accessible in your choice of RDBMS, using popular tools like Visual Basic, Crystal Reports, JDBC, ArcView, etc., customized means of visualizing, distributing and reporting outage information are a snap to develop in-house.

The Responder Architecture

Responder is built utilizing the industry leading Microsoft .NET development environment. The following design principles highlight the approach and strategy for Responder: