Use of geographic information systems has improved the utility’s decisions and bottom line

REGINA, Esri Canada User Conference – September 19, 2017 – SaskEnergy Incorporated, Saskatchewan’s natural gas distribution company,  today received Esri Canada’s Award of Excellence for leveraging geographic information system (GIS) technology to improve decision-making across the Crown Corporation. Using ArcGIS, SaskEnergy centralized its transmission and distribution pipeline data, creating a single repository for its assets, and providing staff with better access to valuable data.

"SaskEnergy has effectively built up their use of ArcGIS. They previously managed data using computer-aided design or CAD files, which only a few trained staff could work with. Data was also being duplicated across several systems. As a result, decisions had the potential to be made on inaccurate information," says Alex Miller, president, Esri Canada. "With GIS, they can now make decisions based on current, accurate and reliable data.”

SaskEnergy began using ArcGIS to centralize information on its transmission assets in 2012. This has enhanced business processes such as new pipeline design, because it provides engineers with access to valuable information, such as recent imagery, cadastral data and environmental data, to effectively study the location and surrounding area of a proposed pipeline.

"We’ve increased our efficiency with improved access to spatial data and spatial analysis capabilities," notes Randy Hoffman, Supervisor, Technology, SaskEnergy. "That means that our business groups can access and share accurate data, resulting in more timely communication and overall collaboration."

In 2016, the utility began converting their CAD files into GIS format and consolidating all distribution asset data into a single repository. This will significantly increase efficiencies because more staff can now work with the data, and employees no longer need to open multiple applications to access similar information. Most recently, SaskEnergy deployed ArcGIS Enterprise portal to share asset information efficiently and increase collaboration with its natural gas transmission subsidiary, TransGas – providing a common spatial analysis tool.  

In the future, SaskEnergy plans to extend ArcGIS into the field to allow for collection of project, program and asset information via mobile devices. They are also considering using ArcGIS Online, Esri’s cloud-based solution, to increase collaboration with other organizations, including emergency responders and municipalities, and deliver data on a self-service platform.

Learn more about ArcGIS at: esri.ca/arcgis

About SaskEnergy
SaskEnergy Incorporated, a Crown Corporation, has been providing natural gas distribution, transmission and storage services to Saskatchewan for more than half a century.  SaskEnergy delivers the benefits of safe, convenient and environmentally friendly natural gas to more than 390,000 residential, farm, commercial and industrial customers through its 80,000 kilometre distribution and transmission pipeline network.  For more information about the company, visit SaskEnergy’s website at: www.saskenergy.com

About Esri Canada
Founded in 1984, Esri Canada provides enterprise geographic information system (GIS) solutions that empower businesses, governments and educational institutions to make timely, informed and mission-critical decisions by leveraging the power of geography. The company distributes the world's leading GIS software from Esri, Schneider Electric, Cityworks–Azteca Systems, LLC and other technology partners. Headquartered in Toronto, the company serves over 10,000 customers from 16 regional offices across Canada. Esri Canada joined the elite rank of Canada’s Best Managed companies in 2012 and became a Gold Standard winner in 2015. The company has also been named to the Branham300 and Canada’s Most Admired Corporate Cultures. More information can be found at esri.ca. Follow Esri Canada on Twitter, Facebook, YouTube and LinkedIn.

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