CIM Based
Outage Management
Outage Management System
Real-Time
Notifications
SCADA
Integration
An outage management system (OMS) is a specialized software solution used by operators of electric distribution systems to efficiently detect, manage, and restore power outages. By integrating with supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems, geographic information systems (GIS), customer information systems (CIS), among other systems, an OMS provides real-time situational awareness and decision support. Key functionalities include outage detection, fault location identification, restoration prioritization, and workforce management. OMS solutions leverage data analytics and the Common Information Model (CIM) to enhance network visibility, optimize response times, and improve grid reliability. These systems also support switching order management, real-time notifications, and outage analysis, reducing downtime and improving customer service continuity.
Outage Management System Modules
Full Service OMS
Our (Common Information Model) CIM-Based Outage Management System is a solution designed specifically for transmission organizations. By utilizing an AUTOMAP CIM Network Connectivity Model integrated with comprehensive Asset Management Data, we provide a seamless experience for managing network topologies and real-time situational awareness. OMS combines modules for Planned and Unplanned Outage Management and Switching Order Management. It offers native integration with other systems such as SCADA, DMS, PSS®E, various mobile solutions, lightning and weather data, Lidar, and many others.
Switching Order Management
Switching Order Management presents an important part of OMS and it is developed for managing the processes of providing conditions for safe operation on elements that are subject to disconnection requests.
It is fully compatible with Planned Outage Management and Unplanned Outage Management Modules, and all functionalities fully apply to planned and unplanned outages.
Switching Order Management enables the automatic creation of outage and clearance zones, the definition of borders, and the setting of appropriate tags. Users can use Switching Order Management to add, edit, and delete switching orders and all related entities, such as clearance orders, hotline hold orders, and switch hold orders. It also provides a mechanism for authorization and tracking all activities during the process.
How IPS®OMS Work
Benefits
Outage Monitoring
Real-Time Outage Analysis
Instant Alerts
Reduce Risk and Lower Costs
CIM Network Model or Asset Management based Geo Map presentation of the Outages with lightning information and real-time thunderstrike simulation, stations, and overhead line search.
Outage Monitoring
CIM Network Model or Asset Management based Geo Map presentation of the Outages with lightning information and real-time thunderstrike simulation, stations, and overhead line search.
It can record the history of outages through the operations and provide real-time insights into the systems.
Real-Time Outage Analysis
It can record the history of outages through the operations and provide real-time insights into the systems.
IPS®OMS features a notification center with outage identification and instant alerts via configured communication channels (e-mail, SMS, wake-up calls, ...).
Instant Alerts
IPS®OMS features a notification center with outage identification and instant alerts via configured communication channels (e-mail, SMS, wake-up calls, ...).
Users can leverage smart autosuggestions and insights to bundle outage requests and consequently reduce risk and save resources.
Reduce Risk and Lower Costs
Users can leverage smart autosuggestions and insights to bundle outage requests and consequently reduce risk and save resources.
When dark mode is not an option
Learn how to predict and manage outages faster with Outage Management System. Book a free demo and see OMS in action.
FAQs about Outage Management System
According to Gartner®, “An Outage Management System is a utility network management software application that models network topology for safe, efficient field operations related to outage restoration. OMSs tightly integrate with call centers to provide timely, accurate, customer-specific outage information, as well as supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) systems for real-time-confirmed switching and breaker operations. These systems track, group, and display outages to safely and efficiently manage service restoration activities.”
Gartner IT Glossary, Outage Management System (OMS), 8 November 2024
https://www.gartner.com/en/information-technology/glossary/outage-management-system-oms
GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in U.S. and internationally and is used herein with permission. All rights reserved.
The Common Information Model (CIM) in Outage Management plays a crucial role by providing a standardized framework for interacting and managing network connectivity and asset management data. CIM also helps in network topology management, translating it into asset management hierarchies and optimizing planning for asset-related programs. It also enhances visualization and analysis through geo maps and schemes, improving outage information management. Overall, CIM boosts the efficiency and reliability of OMS by offering accurate outage data, enabling faster resolution and prediction of outages.
OMS can manage two different types of outages. The first is planned outage management, which refers to managing scheduled downtime. During the planned outage, services are intentionally taken offline to perform maintenance, repairs, or inspections. The second is an unplanned outage, which refers to the process of managing unexpected disruption in the grid that occurs without prior notice and is usually caused by unpredicted events such as equipment failure, inclement weather, etc.
The OMS handles forced outages through several functionalities. Forced outages are defined as unscheduled events within the Unplanned Outage Management Module that collects crucial information on outage events for root-cause analysis. It maintains operational logs for documentation, alerting, and reporting, ensuring all activities are tracked. Visualization tools allow for detailed planning of forced outages, while integration with the IPS®ENERGY Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) system streamlines the incorporation of asset management data into the outage management process. Overall, OMS provides a comprehensive approach to efficiently handling, documenting, and analyzing forced outages.
The difference between downtime and outage in the context of power utilities is that downtime usually refers to any period when a system or equipment is non-operational; not all downtimes result in outages for customers. Outage refers specifically to the loss of power supply in a system or network, and it can be planned or unplanned.