Digital operations management

The implementation of a lighting management system requires the consolidation of all inventory data in the software. Individual light point information can be imported from various sources such as an existing GIS system, SQL database or Excel document through the software's open interfaces. As a rule, basic information such as geo-coordinates, candelabra number, light point height and luminaire type is already digitally available in a database. Additional data such as feed point (distribution cabin), fuse protection (fuse element), luminaire controller as well as detailed information on mast and luminaire type are often maintained by operators in a separate Excel list. The starting position in Delémont was optimal thanks to the comprehensive database. During the conversion to CityTouch, the already existing, extensive light point information could be integrated in a simple manner.

Main Street, Delémont

In municipalities and cities without an extensive database, various options are available to complete the inventory data. Light point information can be detailed or completed manually using the mobile capture tool. The application's pre-built catalog feature with custom drop-down selections simplifies this process.

Alternatively, mobile light measurement can be performed using an acquisition system such as LimeCam. This new light measurement technology is particularly suitable for initial stocktaking. The measurement is carried out during ongoing traffic, with the measurement electronics mounted directly on an ordinary PW. Compared to conventional, costly methods, mobile light measurement enables large-scale, efficient data collection of up to 200 light points per hour. The most important lighting characteristics, such as illuminance distribution, GPS coordinates and light point height of all luminaires, are efficiently recorded in one pass.

The imported data is visualized in the map-based software. Due to the captured geo-coordinates, the luminaires automatically appear at the correct position. The individual light point information serves as attributes for the visualization, as they enable useful representations - for example, by luminaire type, feed point or stored dimming profile.

The number of stored attributes is project-specific and can be individually defined by the operator. The attribute structure can be flexibly adapted to new requirements if necessary. The evaluation of the attribute "Telemanagement" enables a clear presentation of the rehabilitation progress without administrative effort (Fig. 2). Thus, visualization according to certain criteria increases data transparency.

Visualization refurbishment of the lighting infrastructure in Delémont

In addition to the existing infrastructure, the new, networked luminaires in Delémont are also managed in the light management system. The compatibility of the software with luminaires without telemanagement (so-called passive luminaires) and networked luminaires was therefore a prerequisite when making the choice.

Compared to the data import for passive existing luminaires, networked luminaires couple with the software immediately after commissioning. After plug-and-play installation, the luminaires automatically transmit all luminaire information and additional operating data on a daily basis, such as energy consumption for recording energy costs, operating hours for efficient maintenance planning, and fault messages. These enhanced functionalities open up new possibilities in resource management: Lucchina sees great potential in this to increase the efficiency of operations management and plans to adapt internal processes to this end.

Delémont has already implemented the new system.

Like Delémont, many municipalities and cities are in the midst of refurbishing their street lighting and are operating passive and networked luminaires. To be able to use the extensive functionalities of networked luminaires for the entire lighting infrastructure without replacing all the luminaires, the software offers two options (Figure 3). On the one hand, external light controllers can be connected to the luminaire's DALI interface and existing LED luminaires can be integrated with it. Secondly, existing ripple control receivers can be replaced with the CityTouch control panel and then entire luminaire strings can be switched. In Delémont, these options were not initially used, as the city opted for a comprehensive refurbishment.

CityTouch working capital management

On a day-to-day basis, public lighting operators such as SID in Delémont are particularly concerned with maintenance, troubleshooting and periodic checks. The concentrated, complete display of all light point information simplifies everyday operations, as Lucchina recounts. In the digital operations management system, the planning and documentation of all work that needs to be done is listed in a central software. Operators can record and schedule individual tasks or entire workflows.

As Julien Lucchina explains, the software is also ideal for handling reports of device malfunctions in passive luminaires. Especially when it comes to safety-relevant issues such as the handling of malfunction reports, digital documentation can provide more transparency and a shorter response time.

Fault message CityTouch

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The detection of the failure of a passive light is done directly in CityTouch at the corresponding light point. The SID can record the measure to be carried out or the repair order in the system and assign it to a fitter or installer. The fitter works on the move using the intuitive mobile app, which provides an overview of all assigned tasks. After successful completion, reports are made directly via the app, which Lucchina particularly appreciates as head of the power grid. Handwritten routing slips and reports are no longer necessary. At the same time, the continuous exchange of information on a common platform increases data quality and transparency. The operator can view the status of tasks to be completed at any time and has a complete history of all work processes. Redundant data streams can be avoided and efficiency increased.

As demonstrated in the Delémont project, the digitalization of operations management has simplified the management of individual task areas. Periodic checks can also be planned in advance and the corresponding personnel resources allocated. The various evaluation options in the form of reports serve as a control instrument as well as an overview for potential remediation measures. Time-consuming inventory listings are no longer necessary. For example, luminaires can be listed or mapped according to useful life in order to plan and budget for upcoming refurbishments at an early stage.

The use of central software for the control, management and maintenance of the entire lighting infrastructure simplifies processes and provides a meaningful overview of the condition of the street lighting. Julien Lucchina, Head of Electricity Network SID (Services indust- riels de Delémont), recognized this potential and sees a great opportunity in the integration of the public lighting infrastructure into the "Internet of Things". The flexible software solution provides the necessary technological flexibility in this dynamic environment with continuously increasing requirements.

In Delémont, the extensive functionalities of CityTouch are not yet fully exploited, Lucchina reports. Nevertheless, the energy city is already benefiting from optimized, simplified process flows and the high-quality information and evaluations provided by the system. The consolidated presentation of all relevant operational data allows synergies to be exploited and redundancies to be avoided. The seamless history of all activities and changes leads to a sustainable increase in data transparency.