WHITE PAPER

IFS AND GIS:

A POWERFUL TOOL FOR
ENTERPRISE ASSET
MANAGEMENT
April, 2016

By Patrick Zirnhelt
Vice President Enterprise Service & Asset Management, IFS North America

HIGHLIGHTS

P1
Operators can associate and
store a variety of important asset
information in the IFS EAM™
database. The IFS integration to
GIS then allows that information
to be easily viewed on a
computer based geographic map.
P3
The IFS integration to GIS quickly
displays accurate and relevant
problem information on the map
display. This rapid identification
and accurate visual display of
problem locations allows
companies to speedily dispatch
technicians and crews to remedy
the problem.
P4
IFS integration with GIS
facilitates gathering, updating,
and viewing asset information
from the field, where the
assets are typically located.
Field technicians and surveyors
can remotely record and
update data regarding asset
location planning, installa-
tions, configuration updates,
problems, maintenance, and
more.
CONTENT

PETROLEUM PIPELINES................................................................................................ 1

GAS PIPELINES............................................................................................................ 2

ELECTRIC UTILITIES..................................................................................................... 3

MINING........................................................................................................................ 4

MOBILITY..................................................................................................................... 4

CALL BEFORE YOU DIG................................................................................................. 4

SUMMING UP............................................................................................................... 5

ABOUT IFS................................................................................................................... 6
 IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT

IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTER-

PRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT

Geographic information systems (GIS) are being used today in hundreds of thou-
sands of organizations. Examples include: agriculture, banking, forestry, govern- Operators can associate
ment, insurance, mining, petroleum, real estate, transportation, and utilities, to and store a variety of
name just a few. important asset information
in the IFS EAM database.
The IFS integration to GIS
The use of computer-based maps in organizations and across society in general
then allows that information
is becoming pervasive. Maps make it possible to view a wide variety of infor-
to be easily viewed on a
mation in a geographic format. And that geographically displayed data
computer based geographic
empowers people and organizations to analyze information more precisely,
make more informed decisions, and improve operations.
map.
IFS has aligned itself closely with Esri and has developed a robust integration
with the Esri GIS software. This IFS integration with Esri enables geographic-
based data visualization and analysis for multiple diverse purposes.
Several industries that use IFS Enterprise Asset Management™ (IFS EAM™)
solutions can leverage the IFS integration with Esri to track, monitor and
maintain physical assets—such as those found in energy, mining, pipelines, and
utilities. Organizations in these and other industries are realizing significant
benefits through the use of IFS/GIS integrated solutions.
Following are a few examples of how the IFS to Esri integrated solutions
are helping these organizations increase the performance and lifecycle of their
assets, improve regulatory compliance, reduce operational costs, boost
employee productivity, and enhance customer satisfaction.

PETROLEUM PIPELINES
Companies engaged in gathering, transporting, and distributing crude oil and
petroleum products must know the precise location, configuration and mainte-
nance history of every asset that comprises the pipeline network. Classified as
a hazardous liquid, petroleum product transportation is highly regulated by
the Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA), which
is part of the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT). These regulatory
agencies require that all hazardous material pipeline operators maintain specific
information, including latitude/longitude coordinates, for the individual assets
that make up the pipeline. The IFS EAM™ integration to Esri GIS pinpoints

1
 IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT
Operators can associate
and store a variety of
important asset
information in the IFS EAM
database, which can then
be viewed geographically
through the integration.
2
the geographic coordinates of each asset in the pipeline and can display the
pipeline details on a computer-based map. Different segments of pipelines
gather, transport, and distribute petroleum products to the end users. These
pipelines are made up of varied components, including multiple pipeline
segments, processing/refining facilities, pump and compressor stations, treat-
ment and storage facilities, etc. Each of these pipeline components may consist
of multiple assets. The IFS integration to Esri GIS provides pipeline operators
with a comprehensive view of the entire pipeline network and all the individual
assets contained within that network. Operators can associate and store a variety
of important asset information in the IFS EAM database, which can then be
viewed geographically through the integration. Such information includes static
asset data, such as serial number, date of manufacture, current location, etc.
And transactional data about each asset, such as purchase date, repair and/or
replacement history, inspection and routine maintenance history, move/
relocation details, upgrade details, pipeline leak information, and a variety of
other data regarding each individual asset in the pipeline is captured and stored
in IFS. Data can then be easily accessed and analyzed. And a right-mouse click
over an asset icon on the visual map displays relevant information about each
asset in the pipeline. This GIS-related data also enables the creation of reports
required by regulatory agencies.
GAS PIPELINES
Natural gas and and propane pipeline operators share most of the same
challenges and requirements as hazardous liquid pipeline operators. However,
gas presents the possibility of deadly explosions. So up-to-date, accurate tracking
of gas pipeline assets and asset events is of paramount importance. Moreover,
regulatory agencies can impose substantial fines on both gas and petroleum
pipeline operators for regulatory violations; for example, a natural gas utility
was fined more than US $1.5 billion for the deadly gas explosion in San Bruno,
California in 2010. Gas pipeline operators must track details about each asset
in the pipeline infrastructure, including the pipeline itself, fractionation and
processing facilities, compressors, storage facilities, and even stations where an
odorant is added to the gas. Because natural gas pipelines are common in densely
populated areas (which regulatory agencies define as a High Consequence
Area–HCA), precise information about the performance and reliability of the
the assets is crucial. For example, gas leak detection surveys performed in the
field must immediately update data about a section of pipeline that may be
leaking. Such information can be quickly displayed on a geographic map,
showing the precise location of the potential problem. Crews can then be
 IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT

instantly dispatched to that location to remedy the problem. The IFS integra-
tion to the GIS system enables the quick visualization of both the asset location The IFS integration to GIS
and all associated asset data, including asset events (such as a leak), up-to-date quickly displays accurate
configuration information, and all asset maintenance and repair history. As and relevant problem
with petroleum pipelines, this data also enables the creation of reports required information on the map
by regulatory agencies. display. This rapid
identification and accurate
ELECTRIC UTILITIES visual display of problem
Electric utilities provide power to residential, commercial, government, health- locations allows companies
care, and industrial organizations. Constant, consistent distribution of electrical to speedily dispatch
power is essential in our daily lives, even more so than petroleum and natural technicians and crews to
gas transportation and distribution. Therefore, electric utilities must continuous- remedy the problem.
ly monitor the performance of the distribution network. SCADA (supervisory
control and data acquisition) systems enable that continuous monitoring, but
it’s an integration to GIS solutions that enables the visualization of the SCADA
data on a digital map. Electric utilities track an array of different assets and
facilities that ultimately provide power to homes and businesses, from power
generation plants, through high voltage transmission lines, to transmission and
distribution substations and transformers, to distribution lines delivering
power to homes, commercial enterprises, and industrial facilities, and finally to
the meter itself at the end-user location. IFS integrations with SCADA facilitate
the rapid collection and storage of data about problems in the electricity distri-
bution network, such as a fault detected in a transmission line, a problem with
a transformer, or a downed power line due to a storm. And the IFS integration
to GIS quickly displays accurate and relevant problem information on the map
display. This rapid identification and accurate visual display of problem locations
allows electric utilities to speedily dispatch technicians and crews to remedy
the problem.
As with petroleum and natural gas pipelines, the IFS EAM solution also
keeps track of all pertinent information about each asset throughout the elec-
tricity distribution network, including all maintenance and service history.
Moreover, the IFS/GIS integration provides electric utility operators with
easy to understand digital maps showing the impact of system outages on a
community, including detailed information about each asset in the electric
distribution network, empowering them to dispatch power restoration crews
to the locations and/or the facilities with the greatest and most immediate need.
Electricity distribution is also regulated by local and state agencies, such as
a Public Utilities Commission. These agencies have the power to enforce fines
if certain performance standards are not met, including fines for failing to

3
 IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT
IFS integration with GIS
facilitates gathering,
updating, and viewing
asset information from the
field, where the assets are
typically located. Field
technicians and surveyors
can remotely record and
update data regarding
asset location planning,
installations, configuration
updates, problems,
maintenance, and more.
4
restore electrical service to customers in a safe and prompt manner when an
outage occurs, even if the outage is caused by a storm. The utilities can also be
penalized for environmental regulation violations, such as not properly trim-
ming trees that are in the path of power lines. The IFS EAM integration with
GIS can help utility operators pinpoint actions that must be taken avoid such
fines.
MINING
GIS integration with the IFS EAM solution offers mining companies improved
geological insight. Mineral and ore deposit information can be displayed on an
interactive map, allowing mining operators to plan new or expanded drilling
and mining operations more accurately. As with the other industries discussed
above, mining operations are very asset-intensive. Mining companies use com-
plex machinery to extract, haul, and process minerals and ore. Large, powerful
equipment such as conveyors, dozers, drills, graders, haul trucks, loaders,
longwall machines, roofbolters, scoops, underground rail, and many other
valuable assets must be tracked. The IFS integration with GIS gives mine
operators the ability to visualize asset locations, asset bills of material, asset
installation and movement history, asset service and maintenance history, and
more.
Visualization and analysis of this mining equipment data empowers mine
operators to plan and manage projects more effectively, increase the yield from
mining operations, boost worker productivity, and grow the bottom line.
MOBILITY
GIS integration with IFS EAM also facilitates gathering, updating, and viewing
asset information from the field, where the assets are typically located. Field
technicians and surveyors can remotely record and update data regarding asset
location planning, installations, configuration updates, problems, maintenance,
and much more. Smart phones, tablets, laptops, and ruggedized devices can be
used remotely to gather and record pipeline, electric utility, mining, and a
broad range of other GIS-related data. All GIS and IFS EAM asset data can
also be visualized on these remote devices.
CALL BEFORE YOU DIG
IFS/GIS integration also provides information essential for infrastructure
maintenance and planning. We’re all familiar with the concept of “call before
you dig”, the service that alerts construction and maintenance crews about
underground assets, such as power lines, pipelines, sewers, etc., that may be
 IFS AND GIS: A POWERFUL TOOL FOR ENTERPRISE ASSET MANAGEMENT

buried beneath the ground where they are about to dig. It’s integration of EAM
data with GIS software that provides the data and digital map displays that IFS Enterprise Asset
make “call before you dig” services possible. IFS contains asset information Management is tightly
such as work history, landowner information, repair and/or replacement data, integrated with Esri’s GIS
supplier details, and more, all of which are readily visible on the visual GIS software, the dominant
map display. geographic information
system platform in use
SUMMING UP throughout the world today.
IFS Enterprise Asset Management is tightly integrated with Esri’s GIS software,
the dominant geographic information system platform in use throughout the
world today. IFS has leveraged its robust integration to GIS to build solutions
for each of the examples cited in this paper, as well as many other solutions for
a wide range of organizations. IFS’s integrated software can include all of the
capabilities described in this paper, plus many more.

PATRICK ZIRNHELT
As Vice President of Enterprise Service and Asset Management for IFS North America,
Patrick Zirnhelt is responsible for the organization’s strategy, development, and execution
in asset intensive industries.
Patrick is responsible for the creation and execution of sales strategies to asset
intensive industries such as in oil & gas, power generation, and mining.
Patrick works closely with the global Center of Excellence for Oil and Gas to manage
pursuits on new customer acquisition, develop marketing messaging, partner relation-
ships, and identify new business development opportunities.
With more than 20 years of information management experience, including enter-
prise software implementation, development and training, Patrick is well versed in the
challenges facing service and asset intensive organizations. He has served on the IFS
advisory council for enterprise asset management, assisting in the strategy for research
and development of IFS Applications.
Patrick holds a BS degree in Mechanical Engineering from Queens University, and an
MBA focused on MIS Strategic Management and Marketing from York University— Schulich
School of Business.

5
ABOUT IFS
IFS is a globally recognized leader in developing and delivering
enterprise software for enterprise resource planning (ERP), enterprise
asset management (EAM) and enterprise service management (ESM).
IFS brings customers in targeted sectors closer to their business,
helps them be more agile and enables them to profit from change.
IFS is a public company (XSTO: IFS) that was founded in 1983 and
currently has over 2,800 employees. IFS supports more than 1 million
users worldwide from its network of local offices and through a growing
ecosystem of partners.

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