September 26, 2011 -- 3-GIS, a GIS software solutions company based in Decatur, Alabama has announced Decatur Utilities has deployed 3-GIS’ Express Solution to its gas operations division to perform gas valve inspections in an initial step toward complying with the Federal Government’s Distribution and Integrity Management Program (DIMP) Guidelines.

3-GIS’ Express Solution consists of the thin-client web-editing tool Network Express, the mobile solution Field Express and the configuration tool Express Conductor. Network Express is the GIS industry’s first browser-based fully functional edit application defining the next generation of asset management for the utility market. Field Express, the field side software of 3-GIS’s mobile solution, has the ability to be deployed in a variety of mobile devices. This solution developed by 3-GIS will initially help Decatur Utilities collect gas valve inspection information, and compile the inspection information in such as way as to improve their effectiveness as warranted by the DIMP initiative.  Future plans for the Express Solution tools include leak survey, Cathodic Protection inspections, and regulator station inspections, among other asset management functions in the company. 

The State-Federal DIMP Implementation Team was created to support improvements in the integrity of the Nation’s gas distribution pipeline systems through development of inspection methods and guidance for evaluation of an Operator’s Distribution Integrity Management Program. 

Decatur Utilities use of Express Solution will record and manage a history of issues related to their gas distribution network initially as well as record leak surveys and cathodic protection readings in future deployments.  Issues evaluated will include mechanical damage, pipeline corrosion, operating conditions, operating environmental factors, and help identify any threats system wide or localized.  With the implementation of this software, a record is being kept along with the GIS mapping that can create and attach pictures, diagrams, documents and notes.  This will in turn facilitate Decatur Utilities ability to address threats, take measurements, and associate a performance measure to reduce any risks.

“Field Express will greatly improve the overall management in accordance with the new DIMP regulations.  Crews are using this effective GIS solution to record inspections relative to these guidelines, creating a sustainable history of data that will give value to inspections not only now but many years to come.”  Said John Kuhlman, Information Systems Supervisor at Decatur Utilities, “The simplicity of this software allows the information to be recorded and obtained quickly, so decisions can be made in an resourceful manner.”

Jerry Golden, Chief Operating Officer for 3-GIS said, “We have a long history of developing software that meets a utility’s urgent need.  We know the industry and we are able to create tools that are simple for workers to use.  In return they can be trained quickly and deployed in the field in a matter of days.” He added, “That’s a great return on investment for a company and that’s a great return on investment for their customers.”

About Decatur Utilities
Decatur Utilities is located in Decatur, Alabama and is a municipal utility owned by the City of Decatur. Decatur Utilities (DU) is the operating name of the Municipal Utilities Board of Decatur, Morgan County, Alabama. The Board was created by Local Act No. 89 of the Alabama Legislature in 1939. Decatur Utilities has 165 employees working to achieve our vision of being your “supplier of choice” for utility services.

About 3-GIS
3-GIS is a leading innovator of smart geospatial solutions and proud recipient of the 2011 Esri Partner’s Choice Award and the Esri Private Web Application Award.  3-GIS’ software for desktop and field use, takes complex GIS information and makes it simple to understand and fast to access from every level of the enterprise.  Visit  www.3-GIS.com