1.1 Introduction

   Utilities operate their water, gas, or power assets through control systems. The scope of control may include production facilities, bulk transmission networks, distribution networks, and supply points.

   The most basic control system provides Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition (SCADA) functions. More sophisticated systems provide simulation and analysis applications that help the operators optimize performance, quality, and security of supply.

   We will use the umbrella term Utility Management System (UMS) to refer to this class of system. It covers Water Quality and Energy Management Systems (WQEMS) in the water sector, and Energy Management Systems (EMS) or Distribution Management Systems (DMS) in the power sector.

    Figure 1-1 illustrates a UMS. Two interfaces are shown as block arrows: SCADA interface (which will be covered in other RFPs) and the analysis data interface (the subject of this specification ).

   Equipment Telemetry UMS

   See section 1.4 for terminology (separate RFP’s) (this specification)

   Figure 1-1 Utility Management System

   The applications in a UMS employ extensive physical models representing networks, production facilities, and demand behavior among other things. These models distinguish a UMS from other types of control system.

   For example, a power system model in an EMS may contain several hundred classes representing both physical and circuit theoretical concepts. Parts of this model must be understood by any external application that hopes to interpret the simulation and analysis results.

   However, in all extant systems, this model is implemented in one or another proprietary database management system. There are no standard query languages or APIs for today’s EMS, DMS, or WQEMS resident data.

   This sets the UMS data access problem apart from conventional database access on the one hand, and from SCADA data access on the other where just a few classes are involved representing generic concepts such as measure and device.

   Notwithstanding the difficulties, the need for inter-operation between the UMS and other applications or systems is evident. The UMS automates key utility activities that touch on many other parts of the business. Moreover, UMS functions are being redefined as the utility business environment is reshaped. Consequently, new inter-operation requirements are steadily emerging.

   The goal of the Utility Management System Data Access Facility is to improve the interoperability of these UMS applications with other applications and systems.