How does it work?

While the capabilities of eVMS are powerful and robust, full implementation of the system does not require a great deal of change to current UVM processes. What does change is how the information is input and managed. Rather than utilize paper to document and track necessary information, the system incorporates internet and hand-held technology to capture and manipulate the resulting data.

eVMS was designed to work utilizing the four common UVM steps involved at most utility companies in North America. These steps include scheduling the system work (can done be on a circuit or grid basis), pre-inspecting the sites to determine exactly what needs to be done (i.e. prune, remove, treat the ROW, etc), performing the work utilizing the appropriate crews and equipment (bucket, climbing, herbicide crews, etc.), and closing the loop by post-auditing (either full post-audits or statistically valid samples).

Here is a quick overview of the four key steps utilizing this new technology:

Step 1 - Schedule: Initially, the utility inputs their projected schedule into the system. However, this process becomes automated as the database is populated with accurate real-time information and records.
Step 2 - Pre-inspect: In many respects, this is the most important step in populating the database. During the first cycle, the pre-inspector accumulates the required information to populate the database with accurate baseline information. (Note: This is done concurrently while the pre-inspector is identifying actual work that needs to be done.) At the end of the first cycle, the utility has a complete computerized tree/vegetation inventory. During subsequent trips to each location, the historic information is simply updated with any new or changed information.
Step 3 - Perform the Work: The information obtained by the pre-inspectors is automatically sent to the contractors and the work is assigned and tracked. Once the crews complete the work, the records are updated and billing is initiated.
Step 4 - Post-Audit: The system will automatically generate post-auditing assignments. The results of which can be used for purposes such as validating invoices or monitoring contractor performance. As you should be able to tell, the same people and processes currently used by the UVM industry remain intact. The primary difference is that this is an electronic versus paper-based process.