Category: SBS Blog

  • Rethinking Utility Design in the Age of GIS Migration

    Rethinking Utility Design in the Age of GIS Migration

    Why Decoupling Design from GIS Enables Better Performance, Integration, and Outcomes

    As electric and gas utilities move from GIS platforms like GE Smallworld and ArcMap to Esri’s ArcGIS Pro with the Utility Network model, they face a critical decision: how to manage network design workflows. While some attempt to embed design directly in GIS, leading utilities are instead decoupling design workflows to improve data quality, reduce bloating of their GIS system, and accelerate enterprise integration.

    This paper explores key challenges utilities face when managing design in GIS and outlines how decoupling design workflows – using tools like Automated Utility Design (AUD) by SBS – can deliver better performance and outcomes.

    Design in GIS: The Performance Penalty

    Many utilities store proposed design features directly in GIS databases. These designs, whether completed or not, often persist as orphaned data. Over time, this slows system responsiveness and increases maintenance overhead.

    “Proposed features were buried down in Designer versions. We had no lifecycle tracking for what was approved versus abandoned.” – GIS Analyst, Western Power (Australia)

    Esri partners report that managing numerous versions in GIS can increase editing overhead by up to 50%. Proposed features inflate map rendering time, affect network tracing, and complicate topology validations.

    Another aspect often overlooked is the impact on scheduled system maintenance. As more data accumulates, indexing and database cleanup routines become longer and more complex. Some utilities report that overnight batch jobs for topology validation and error checking can take several hours longer than necessary, often interfering with daily operations.

    Key Issue: Embedding design data in GIS leads to unnecessary system strain and growing technical debt.

    Design in GIS: Integration and Workflow Challenges

    Design is not just geometry – it requires integration with enterprise systems like ERP, EAM, and work management platforms. GIS-centric workflows struggle here. Designers must re-enter data into multiple systems or rely on fragile, custom-built integrations.

    “The number of contributors and systems involved in utility design means manual entry leads to inevitable errors.” – Industry Consultant, Burns & McDonnell

    GIS alone doesn’t support critical engineering calculations (e.g., voltage drop, gas pressure modeling). This forces designers to use separate tools and then reconcile results manually, introducing delays and errors.

    Even for basic job tracking, GIS environments may lack the necessary features. Many utilities find it difficult to enforce consistent design approval workflows when everything is done within GIS. Design statuses are often tracked using ad-hoc attributes, spreadsheets, or disconnected systems, resulting in inconsistencies and auditing difficulties.

    Key Issue: GIS platforms aren’t built for engineering calculations or seamless integration with enterprise systems.

    A Better Approach: Decoupling Design from GIS

    Using a dedicated design application like AUD offers clear benefits:

    • Lean GIS, Faster Performance: Proposed designs stay in the design tool until approved. Only final, as-built data goes into GIS, preserving performance.
    • Seamless Enterprise Integration: AUD integrates with work management, ERP, and EAM systems. This two-way integration enables synchronized cost estimates, BOMs, and work order tracking.
    • Advanced Engineering Tools: AUD supports model-based design, including load analysis, voltage drop, and cable tension. It also includes automation that helps reduce design time and human error.
    • User Adoption: AUD is built on AutoCAD, minimizing retraining and enabling faster onboarding. Designers retain access to familiar tools while gaining more powerful capabilities.

    “We saw zero disruption to our end users by keeping AUD and integrating it with Utility Network.” – Implementation Lead, LG&E and KU

    In addition to AUD’s capabilities, the use of a decoupled environment allows utilities to test design strategies more freely. Engineers can simulate various scenarios-such as different routing options or construction phasing-without affecting the integrity of the GIS database.

    Utilities like LG&E/KU and Enbridge Gas have successfully implemented this approach, modernizing GIS while maintaining fast, reliable design operations. Others are adopting similar approaches to increase agility and reduce risk during GIS modernization initiatives.

    Step-by-Step Guide: Connecting AUD to GIS and Migrating to Utility Network

    For utilities considering a transition to Esri’s ArcGIS Utility Network, a phased, structured integration of AUD can help ensure business continuity and minimize disruption:

    Step 1: Integrate AUD with Current GIS

    • Connect AUD to the existing GIS platform (e.g., ArcMap or GE Smallworld).
    • Enable bidirectional data flows for design and as-built updates, ensuring current network visibility.
    • Synchronize compatible units, templates, and design rules within AUD to reflect the utility’s existing standards.

    Step 2: Prepare for Utility Network Migration

    • Use AUD to begin capturing data using Utility Network-compatible schemas, even while on the legacy GIS.
    • Identify and catalog proposed features and stale data in the legacy GIS to clean up before migration.
    • Leverage AUD’s decoupling to maintain uninterrupted design work while GIS teams focus on data conversion.

    Step 3: Execute GIS Upgrade

    • Migrate GIS data to ArcGIS Pro and Utility Network using Esri-recommended tools and practices.
    • Validate topology, connectivity, and lifecycle attributes in the new GIS environment.
    • Avoid migrating unnecessary proposed features by using AUD as the buffer and filter.

    Step 4: Reconnect AUD to Utility Network

    • Configure AUD’s integration to now point to ArcGIS Utility Network as the new source of truth.
    • Enable design creation, editing, and validation against the new network model.
    • Finalize two-way integration with GIS, WMS, and EAM systems for end-to-end digital design workflows.

    This phased approach allows utilities to both pull forward the operational change management needed for a design too modernization and  preserve design productivity while modernizing GIS infrastructure. It minimizes disruption, controls technical risk, and sets the foundation for more scalable, integrated design processes.

    Conclusion: GIS and Design Are Stronger Together-But Separate

    The move to ArcGIS Utility Network is an opportunity to rethink design workflows. Decoupling design from GIS:

    • Reduces data bloat
    • Improves GIS system performance
    • Enables deeper enterprise integration
    • Enhances engineering accuracy
    • Supports scalable design operations
    • Improves user experience and productivity

    Tools like AUD provide a proven path forward. Let GIS serve as the authoritative system of record-and let purpose-built design tools handle the complexity of utility design.

    A decoupled design strategy is not just more efficient-it’s essential for successful GIS modernization.

    To learn more about how decoupling design from GIS can add efficiency to your workflow, get in touch here.

  • Registration Now Open for PUG 2025: Join Us in Denver!

    Registration Now Open for PUG 2025: Join Us in Denver!

    We’re excited to announce that registration is now open for the 2025 Peer Utility Group (PUG) Conference, hosted by SBS! This annual event brings together professionals from the utility to explore the latest in intelligent design methods and solutions.

    📅 Event Details

    • Dates: August 26–28, 2025
    • Location: Denver, Colorado
    • Venue: Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows

    🏌️‍♂️ PUG Golf Tournament

    Kick off the conference with our traditional golf tournament:

    • Date: August 25, 2025
    • Location:  University of Denver Golf Club at Highlands Ranch
    • Format: Scramble

    🎟️ Registration

    Secure your spot for PUG 2025 by registering through our official portal:

    👉 Register Now

    💡 Why Attend?

    • Expert Sessions: Gain insights from industry leaders on cutting-edge design solutions.
    • Networking Opportunities: Connect with peers and professionals from across the utility sector.
    • Product Demonstrations: Experience the latest offerings from SBS

    Agenda and speaker information will be posted soon. Don’t miss this opportunity to be part of a community dedicated to advancing utility design and infrastructure. We look forward to welcoming you to Denver for PUG 2025!

  • Introducing Automated Broadband Designer: Faster Fiber Design for a Connected Future

    Introducing Automated Broadband Designer: Faster Fiber Design for a Connected Future

    At SBS, we know the path to fast and reliable broadband service for everyone starts with better design. Today, we’re proud to introduce Automated Broadband Designer, a new product built to help telecom providers and engineering firms deliver fiber networks faster, with less manual work and greater accuracy.

    The urgency for broadband deployment has never been higher. As of 2024, fiber broadband now passes over 88 million homes in the U.S. alone, with 10.3 million new homes added just in the last year. Homes passed forecasts continue to grow with strong consumer demand and impactful incentives. The global broadband services market is projected to more than double over the next decade, driven by digital transformation, rising connectivity needs, and nationwide infrastructure funding. This surge in demand is creating both opportunity and strain, particularly as the telecom industry faces a growing shortage of skilled labor, increased pressure to accelerate time to market, and growing competitive threats.

    Automated Broadband Designer is built to help relieve that pressure. By automating time-consuming design tasks, embedding engineering standards, and connecting seamlessly with enterprise systems, the platform empowers smaller design teams to do more, faster. It also helps new designers ramp up quickly through built-in templates and embedded guidance, making it easier to scale your workforce without sacrificing quality.

    Design smarter, not harder

    With Automated Broadband Designer, busywork gets out of the way:

    • Repetitive design steps like underground details, enclosure placement, and drop layout are automated
    • Bill of Materials (BOMs) are generated in real time as you design
    • Permit drawings and construction packages are easily created directly from your model based on pre-defined standards

    Built-in quality and compliance

    Permitting rules and engineering specifications are embedded directly into your workflow. The Rules Engine validates designs as you go, so your team spends less time checking work and more time moving projects forward. Contractors and internal designers alike can follow the same process, maintaining consistency across the board.

    Keep your systems connected

    Fiber design doesn’t happen in isolation. That’s why we support two-way integration with GIS, EAM, and ERP systems. This ensures your network models, materials, and project data stay synchronized from design to as-built. Even during a GIS or platform migration, Automated Broadband Designer keeps design work running without interruption.

    Empower your team

    We’ve designed Automated Broadband Designer to be powerful but accessible. It’s easy for new designers to learn and use, especially for teams already working in AutoCAD. With FTTH-specific templates, automation, and embedded guidance, you can onboard faster and maintain high-quality output across internal and external teams.

    As organizations look to meet today’s broadband challenges head-on, Automated Broadband Designer offers the clarity, control, and speed that modern fiber projects demand. And as workforce capacity becomes a critical constraint in broadband expansion, tools like this help teams scale without overextending resources.

  • Utility Saves $6.4M, Increases Productivity by 78% with Automated Utility Design (AUD) Implementation

    Utility Saves $6.4M, Increases Productivity by 78% with Automated Utility Design (AUD) Implementation

    Like most of our customers, a large-scale west coast customer has invested time and resources toward becoming a fully digital utility. Robust systems monitor their electric and gas distribution systems, sophisticated GIS platforms aid operators in locating and managing utility assets, and back office financial systems automate many customer service tasks. But even with all this investment in technology, this utility’s designers and estimators were still manually performing engineering analysis calculations in multiple spreadsheets, creating duplicate drawings of the same assets to satisfy both civil construction and electrical design tasks, and manually generating bills of material leading to longer design times and potential errors.

    This utility decided to automate and standardize their design process using Automated Utility Design (AUD) from Spatial Business Systems.

    Updating materials and equipment: Before AUD, materials were tabulated through EES, spreadsheets, standards, and manual calculations. With AUD, materials are automatically updated when facilities change. This results in time saved, fewer manual calculations, and accurate selection of materials.

    Creating all-in-one drawings: Previously, separate drawings required updates with each change, which increased the risk of errors. Using AUD, a single drawing is used for both civil and electric focus, with stylized outputs as needed. This saves time and eliminates duplicate drawings and translation errors.

    Automating voltage drop, flicker, and cable pulling calculation: Manual calculations in Excel required extensive data entry before AUD. Now, AUD performs automatic calculations for flicker, voltage drop, and cable pulling, taking elevation changes into account. This leads to more accurate analysis and reduced data entry errors.

    Managing revisions: Minor changes previously took significant time to update and recalculate. With AUD, changes automatically update drawings and calculations. As a result, design processes are standardized, error chances are reduced, and design times are faster.

    In their full deployment of AUD, they have calculated a significant return on their technology investment:

    • The project saved a documented $6.4M in Year 2, with the breakeven point occurring in the first year
    • A 78% labor productivity improvement, representing an equivalent of 93 FTE design and engineering capacity created annually
    • In a 5-year project, they will realize over 700% ROI

    The adoption of AUD by this large-scale utility represents a significant leap forward in the efficiency and accuracy of their design processes. By automating and standardizing various aspects of utility design, the utility not only saves valuable time and resources but also minimizes errors and enhances overall productivity. The integration of AUD into their operations underscores the utility’s commitment to deploying advanced technology to improve service delivery and maintain a robust and reliable infrastructure.

    Learn more about AUD

  • Substation Design Suite 9.0: What’s New and Improved 

    Substation Design Suite 9.0: What’s New and Improved 

    The latest release of Substation Design Suite (SDS) version 9.0 brings significant enhancements to our Physical design product integrated with Autodesk Inventor. With improved design data, users can work more efficiently, reduce rework, and deliver high-quality construction packages to the field. Below are the key highlights of this release. 

    Expanded Compatibility and Easier Installation 

    • Inventor Compatibility – P4I now works with Inventor 2025 while maintaining support for versions 2022-2024. 
    • New Licensing Support – Now compatible with the SBS Identity Manager. 
    • Streamlined Installation – A single installer now covers Inventor versions 2022-2025,
      installing binaries for .NET 4.8 and .NET 8 with separate add-in files for different versions.
    • Signed DLLs – All necessary files are now signed, eliminating issues related to unsigned DLLs. 
    • Simplified Licensing Setup – Users can bypass the legacy serial number/license code process during installation and log in to the SBS Portal when starting Inventor. 
    • Improved Database Handling – Default databases will no longer be renamed with ‘.saved’ after a canceled installation. 

    Modernized Databases 

    • Upgraded to SQLite – Both the application and user databases have been upgraded to SQLite, with the option to set the application database to ‘Read Only.’ 
    • Refined Built-In Models – Models in the application database have been updated to Inventor 2022, with several improvements for better performance. 

    Enhanced Round Bus Model Creation 

    • More Accurate Wall Thickness – When placing a Round Bus (Pipe), the wall thickness will now be read from Size 2 in the SDS Content Editor table. 
    • Improved Weight Accuracy – Bus weight calculations in the model are now more precise. 
    • Easy Updates – The ‘Update Run’ tool now updates the wall thickness for older Bus models, ensuring they align with the Size 2 parameter. 

    Improved Tools 

    • Enhanced Delete Cable Tool – Now recursive, allowing the command to stay active until escape is pressed. 
    • iPart Fitting Placement Fix – Resolved an issue when placing iPart fittings from the SDS Above Grade Tools ribbon. 
    • Better Bus Placement in Nested Assemblies – Addressed issues when placing Bus in nested assemblies with recently edited Model States. 
    • More Reliable Rotate Fitting Tool – The tool no longer breaks constraints in some nested arrangements and now always prompts to select the ‘base part.’ 
    • Smoother iPart Fittings Operations – SDS Ribbon iPart fittings now function reliably across all operations. 

    Appearance & Organization 

    • Improved Access to Tools – The Content Editor and Data Upgrade Utility now have Start menu shortcuts and Desktop icons for quick access. 

    Full release notes are available in the support portal for existing customers.  

  • Better Utility Projects, Delivered Faster – See SBS at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

    Better Utility Projects, Delivered Faster – See SBS at DISTRIBUTECH 2025

    No matter who we talk to, the challenges are similar:

    • There’s too much to do and not enough time. How can we create more capacity?
    • Energy demand is rising, but traditional capacity expansion methods aren’t keeping up. Where can we tighten our workflow without sacrificing quality?
    • As we move faster, critical design details are missed, leading to costly rework in the field. Do we need to make tradeoffs between speed and accuracy?
    • Updating GIS and ERP/EAM systems presents a chance to modernize workflows—but how do you make the most of it?

    For over 20 years, we’ve worked with utilities and contractors facing these same issues. We’ve seen design backlogs pile up and teams manually re-entering data despite massive investments in digital transformation.

    That’s why we’re heading to Distributech—to show how design automation, connected data, and model-based design can drive transformative productivity gains.

    What You’ll See at Our Booth – #4538

    Join us for quick, insightful talks where we’ll share lessons learned from decades in the industry, including:

    • How model-based design accelerates and improves network design
    • A case study on how a major West Coast utility sped up wildfire mitigation and system hardening with automation
    • The power of combining CAD, GIS, and automation for utilities
    • How substation design automation cuts project timelines, costs, and field rework
    • Protection & Controls design workflows that reduce design time by 50%+
    • Automated enforcement of engineering and design standards to speed up approvals

    We’re also offering one-on-one demos—drop by anytime or schedule in advance. Want to see how automation can transform your workflow? Connect with your account manager or book a demo at www.spatialbiz.com/contact-us.

  • SBS products updated with new features, workflows

    SBS products updated with new features, workflows

    Today SBS released the 9.0 versions of our products, including:

    • Automated Utility Design
    • Substation Design Suite – Physical for AutoCAD

    This release introduces several new workflows, adds ease of use features, and general improvements from the 8.x releases. Active subscribers to these products can access these new versions immediately. If you have any questions about upgrading, just get in touch with your account manager or reach us at https://www.spatialbiz.com/contact-us/

    New 2D Sheet Tools to Create & Manage Views More Easily

    • Quickly create named 2D views to better organize your construction prints using the new UI.
    • Convert these views into layout viewports with just a few clicks—automatically sized and scaled.
    • Instantly jump from your design space to a corresponding layout and viewport for easier navigation.
    • Resize and rescale viewports effortlessly without affecting proportions or annotation scaling.
    • These tools simplify working with large and complex designs, reducing the need for manual adjustments.

    Automated Ground Grid Generation for Faster Layouts

    • Automatically create a grid of connected ground grid features within a defined boundary using a simple command.
    • Control grid spacing, angle, and depth with easy-to-use settings.
    • Pre-configure grid options for different project types, saving time on repetitive setups.
    • Eliminates manual placement of grid features, ensuring consistency and accuracy.

    Utility Substation Workspace Completely Rebuilt for Faster Design

    • The ribbon menu has been redesigned to prioritize the most frequently used tools, reducing search time.
    • New tools are now easier to access, helping designers quickly place components, adjust layouts, and verify details.
    • A more intuitive layout streamlines workflows, allowing users to complete tasks with fewer clicks.
    • New 2D sheet tab makes creating construction prints easier

    Smarter Validation Filtering for Easier Error Checking

    • The Validation Palette now automatically filters to show only issues related to selected features.
    • If nothing is selected, it displays all validation issues, making it easier to review errors.
    • New expand/collapse buttons help organize validation results more efficiently.
    • Settings are now saved with the drawing, so preferences persist between sessions.

    Enhanced AUDEXTRACT Boundary Editing

    • New safeguards prevent users from accidentally removing critical file links when modifying boundaries for extraction.
    • Clear and Un-associate options now provide warnings before breaking important data connections.
    • Ensures smooth data extractions by preserving essential file associations.

    Automatic File Reference Audit & Repair

    • The system now detects and fixes broken file links, ensuring all references stay valid.
    • Users are notified of issues and given the option to repair links before continuing.
    • Saves time by eliminating manual troubleshooting of missing file paths.

    New Communications Ribbon Profile Selector for Easier Access to Settings

    • A dedicated dropdown menu in the ribbon lets users switch between different communication installation profiles instantly.
    • Reduces setup time by keeping all relevant options in one place.

    Expanded Software Compatibility

    • Now supports Map 2025 and .NET 8.0, while maintaining compatibility with previous versions.
    • Ensures users can work with the latest software while still supporting older configurations.

  • Brad Irwin Appointed Vice President of Distribution Design 

    Brad Irwin Appointed Vice President of Distribution Design 

    Spatial Business Systems (SBS), the global leader in intelligent design solutions for utility and telecom networks and electrical substations is pleased to announce the appointment of Brad Irwin as Vice President, Distribution Design. Brad brings a distinguished career spanning the energy and technology sectors, with extensive experience in serving utilities and delivering innovative solutions. 

    Brad joins SBS from OSI (Emerson and AspenTech), where he spent over 13 years in various leadership roles, including Product Management, R&D, Software Development, and Services. During his tenure, he played a pivotal role in expanding the ADMS business from a handful of customers to more than 100, covering DSCADA, base distribution applications, outage management, switching, and advanced distribution solutions. Most recently, he led OSI’s North American ADMS delivery business, supporting global offices, spearheading a partner enablement program, and leading a Sales to Services initiative—all while overseeing a team of approximately 100 professionals. 

    Brad Irwin, Vice President of Distribution Design | SBS

    Prior to his tenure at OSI, Irwin served at the Naval Undersea Warfare Center in Newport, RI, supporting various Command & Control initiatives for the Department of Defense over an eight-year period. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer & Systems Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. 

  • SBS Welcomes Michael Kerfeld as Vice President of Sales 

    SBS Welcomes Michael Kerfeld as Vice President of Sales 

    Spatial Business Systems (SBS), the global leader in intelligent design solutions for utility and telecom networks and electrical substations is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Kerfeld as Vice President of Sales. With a decade of experience in OT/IT software solutions for electric, gas, and water utilities, Kerfeld brings a wealth of industry knowledge and a strong background in business development. 

    Prior to joining SBS, Kerfeld served as Vice President, Investor-Owned Utilities at Itineris, where he led business development efforts for electric and gas utilities across North America. His expertise spans strategic execution, project management, and customer service, making him a valuable addition to the SBS leadership team. 

    Michael Kerfeld, Vice President of Sales | SBS

    “We are excited to welcome Michael to SBS,” said Al Eliasen, CEO of SBS. “His deep industry experience and proven ability to drive growth will be instrumental as we continue to expand our reach and deliver innovative solutions to our clients.” 

    Kerfeld holds a Bachelor of Arts in Global Business Leadership and Hispanic Studies from Saint John’s University (MN). 

  • Spatial Business Systems Appoints Bonnie Castle as Chief Financial Officer

    Spatial Business Systems Appoints Bonnie Castle as Chief Financial Officer

    Spatial Business Systems (SBS), a leader in intelligent design solutions for utility networks, is pleased to announce the appointment of Bonnie Castle as Chief Financial Officer (CFO), effective immediately.Bonnie brings over 14 years of extensive financial experience, specializing in the software, SaaS, and tech-enabled business services industries.

    In her new role, Bonnie will lead SBS’s finance and administrative operations, overseeing critical functions including accounting, financial planning and analysis (FP&A), tax, corporate administration, and treasury. Her expertise and strategic insight will play a vital role in driving the company’s continued growth and financial success.

    Bonnie spent a decade with PwC’s Deals Practice, where she advised clients on complex financial transactions and strategic initiatives. Most recently, she served as CFO of ButlerWood, where she was instrumental in optimizing financial processes and supporting key business transformations.

    “We are thrilled to welcome Bonnie to the SBS team,” said Al Eliasen, CEO of SBS.  “Her deep financial expertise and proven leadership in high-growth environments make her the perfect fit as we continue to scale and expand our operations globally. I am confident that Bonnie’s strategic approach will help us achieve our ambitious goals.”

    Bonnie holds a Master’s in Professional Accounting from The University of Texas at Austin and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant (CPA).