My thoughts from Trimble User Conference 2018

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The annual Trimble User Conference 2018 was held on 25th and 26th January in Jyväskylä, central Finland. There were around 600 delegates based in the fields of electricity, water and heat distribution, along with public administration. The two days included presentations from over 40 guest speakers, in conjunction with product demonstrations, workshops, and networking events. Business Development Manager Scott Haslam presented the NM Group approach to 3D asset management and vegetation risk management for utilities. Here, he shares his thoughts following the event:

The Trimble User Conference was a great opportunity to discuss the latest industry developments and to meet and share ideas with other utility experts. I found it particularly useful to hear from different end users about their specific challenges and how they are currently using Trimble software. 

I was there primarily to present and demonstrate our 3D Asset Management System, Caydence®, and its potential to serve up a precise 3D world populated with asset information. For example, how we use geospatial analysis to identify and display the risk of vegetation falling onto an overhead line or how high resolution imagery and infrared can help generate condition inspection reporting. Judging by the number of questions and comments this was well received.

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Showing close up structure images in the office environment enables condition based maintenance

There was also a lot of interest regarding integrating Caydence® with other Trimble software. A 3D world populated with asset data combined with Trimble NIS and UTG could provide better network understanding to improve decision making, actionable work management, field mobility and network reporting – all of which offer major advantages for operators. The good news is that this is actively being worked on and I look forward to sharing more on this in the future.

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Caydence® user completing a virtual patrol before the field teams go to site

The conference was an impressive event. I was delighted to share NM Group’s approach and very much enjoyed learning more about how utilities use Trimble’s services to improve performance and hearing about current industry challenges and priorities. I’m looking forward to next year already!

For more information on NM Groups 3D Asset Management System, Caydence® click here.