Asset Focused Business Strategy

Product & Service Offerings

Business Analysis

Many utilities are struggling to define an asset focused business strategy and how it fits with improving customer service and containing or lowering the cost of service. Some utilities define an asset focused business strategy as a single asset repository for all records. This results in a reduction of the (sometimes overlapping or redundant) software systems required to maintain asset records. Also, using a common database will change the way maintenance will be performed and recorded. Others utilities look at the cost of installation and benefits prior to an asset being installed, and keep a record of the costs associated with maintenance and failures. Still others do 5-10 year asset strategic planning based on life-cycle models that include costs, life expectancy, maintenance, and replacements to develop the optimal mix of maintenance versus capital expenditures.

Which way is correct? They all are. Which is best for your utility depends on your utility’s present business situation and the condition of your general assets , records, available funds, etc. Yanco Associates works with each utility client to understand your specific situation, issues, and opportunities. Based on this analysis, we will develop a logical series of steps to move you towards your vision of an asset-centric operation model.

Yanco Associates, working with small teams from your organization, will review the present situation and seek out and identify opportunities based on either business practices or systems to improve the overall "to-be" process while documenting the present "as-is" situation.

Asset Focused Strategic Planning

Yanco Associates works with your leadership team to define a scope of work that is logical and includes each phase of the effort to ensure the utility gets a return on the investment for the work done. This is typically done in an executive workshop, where we outline the opportunities and prepare the logical roadmap to move toward the desired end result. These discussions include the scope of the work, expected costs, and the benefits to the utility, both short and long term. Both the logical and sequential groupings of the work are presented and discussed to develop the best plan for your utility.

Process Reengineering Support

Once the scope is defined, we will work with your utility’s team to define the required business processes, as well as the systems required to support the desired changes. The business processes are typically captured in flowchart or UML Activity Diagram format to allow the development of procedure manuals and/or the supporting software.

While working with the team to define the process, we work very carefully to define the desired end-state, not only for this phase (if multiple phases), but also for the entire project. This allows the team to understand the present and future business processes and the overall system requirements. For example, to develop an asset strategic model for overhead distribution will require data on items such as costs, life expectancy, maintenance, consequential results, etc. in a fairly detailed and accurate format. It may take a year or two to capture the required data once the asset repository is developed to an acceptable level of confidence.

Functional and Technical Requirements Development

Yanco Associates works with the client to prepare both the functional and technical requirements for the development of the required databases and systems, or for the purchase and configuration of the systems. We provide detailed specifications suitable for use in an RFP, or as an internal document for in-house development.

Work Focused Business Process Modernization, Product Specifications, Configuration, Implementation Planning, and Installation Support

Typical Services

Business process review, a walk through of major functions and business activities, and a delivery evaluation and opportunity presentation.
Business process, system, and data assessment based on the current process and systems that are used to facilitate the work.
System specifications, including available packages, custom application features, unique (utility specific) designs, interfaces, etc.
System selection, project planning and implementation support.
Installation, integration, and project management.
Data conversion and migration.
Software prototyping, FAT, SAT, SIT testing.
Change management.
Documentation and training.

Representative Experience

The Consolidated Edison Company of New York - The development of the technical and functional requirements for a new Distribution Switching System that requires the use of a company-wide asset repository to store information on all existing and future overhead and underground distribution equipment.

The Consolidated Edison Company of New York - The development of the technical and functional requirements for a new Electric Distribution Inspection System that requires the use of a company-wide asset repository to store information on all existing and future overhead and underground distribution equipment and structures.