Back In The Day
Electrical Systems are described by data that is embedded in diagrams, spreadsheets and databases – managing and sharing this data in a consistent and easily shareable way has not changed in 25 years; back then, rekeying and recapturing data or sharing handwritten documents may have been acceptable. In today’s cost climate, coupled with an expectation of instant and accurate data availability this should no longer be acceptable.
Improving Data Management in Electrical Systems Design, Installation and Maintenance
Over the last 3 months of 2024, I encountered much more than the usual avoidable data management challenges stemming from inadequate data management practices within the electrical systems lifecycle. In today’s environment of increasing cost sensitivity and resource scarcity, inefficient data management leads to delays, increased costs, and potentially, flawed decision-making. Fortunately, these issues are readily addressable.
The Challenge:
A significant communication disconnect exists between designers, installers, and maintainers of electrical systems in buildings. The disconnect relates to how the data is transferred between the parties. This disconnect results in the loss, duplication, or complete absence of critical information, leading to inefficiencies, heightened risks, and increased complexity for all parties involved.
The Solution:
To resolve this, I propose three key initiatives:
Data Standardization: Establishing a standardized data structure ensures that all stakeholders utilize a common “language” for describing the electrical system throughout its entire lifecycle.
Common Data Sets: Defining common data sets for elements like cable types, circuit breakers, and other components eliminates ambiguity and promotes consistency across projects.
Machine-Readable Data: Ensuring all data is machine-readable enables seamless transfer and processing of information across various software applications, facilitates automated analysis, and allows for the utilization of low-code tools for efficient data management.
By implementing these measures, we can foster a connected ecosystem for building electrical systems. This will streamline information flow, reduce errors, enhance efficiency, and ultimately contribute to the creation of safer and more sustainable building infrastructure.