Category: SBS Blog

  • 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. 

    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. 

    “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).

  • Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Utilities with Intelligent Design

    Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Utilities with Intelligent Design

    Design Drives Value for Digital Utilities

    The demand for electricity continues to surge as the modern world increasingly relies on it as a primary energy source. In the first half of 2024 alone, the United States added 20.2 GW of generating capacity—a 21% increase over the previous year—with an additional 42 GW expected by year-end, according to the U.S. Energy Information Administration. Utilities are navigating this expansion while integrating renewable energy, maintaining aging infrastructure, and addressing the capital planning challenges posed by the growing presence of data centers, electric vehicles, and rising household energy consumption. These demands, coupled with evolving regulations and a workforce nearing retirement, make this one of the most complex periods in the history of energy infrastructure management. 

    Field crew installing new distribution lines to keep up with increasing work orders.

    Accelerating the Digital Transformation of Utilities with Intelligent Design

    In the rapidly evolving utilities sector, the role of design has become more critical than ever. As companies face growing workloads, regulatory changes, and an aging workforce, using integrated and automated design solutions can drive significant improvements in efficiency, cost savings, and operational reliability. Spatial Business Systems (SBS) is at the forefront of this transformation, offering cutting-edge design software and integration solutions that bridge the gap between engineering, asset management, and GIS.


    Verify designs against engineering standards at the point of design, not afterward, and automate design tasks and bills of material generation.

    The Role of Design in the Digital Utility Era 

    Effective design orchestrates data across the enterprise, allowing utilities to build faster, better, and with greater efficiency. However, traditional design approaches often fall short due to disconnected workflows, redundant data entry, and inefficiencies in updating operational systems. By adopting an integrated, model-based design approach, utilities can streamline their operations, improve compliance, and reduce project costs. 

    Automated Utility Design (AUD): A Game-Changer for Networked Infrastructure 

    View of a utility design inside of Automated Utility Design.

    AUD, a software platform developed by SBS, revolutionizes utility infrastructure design by seamlessly integrating CAD-based drafting with GIS and Enterprise Asset Management (EAM) systems. As a plug-in for AutoCAD Map3D, AUD eliminates redundant work, improves design accuracy, and significantly reduces rework and project cycle times. Key benefits include:

    • Improved Productivity: Through automation and model-based design, AUD enhances efficiency and reduces manual data entry by up to 95%. This allows more design work to be completed faster with fixed design resources.
    • Reduced Field Rework: AUD virtually eliminates cost overruns with integrated workflows built for modern construction project delivery processes. More accurate construction packages and integrated procurement processes lead to a 90% reduction in field corrections.
    • Faster Project Updates: Model-based design tracks changes at the model level, and cascades changes and updates downstream without duplicate data entry and multiple drawing revisions. Projects can then be implemented 50% faster, ensuring projects stay on track. 
    • Cost Savings: Utilities using AUD report a 5–10% reduction in overall project costs due to streamlined design and reduced errors.
    • Accelerated Training: AUD is operated in the familiar AutoCAD interface and automates complex design workflows. New designers reach productivity 80% faster, resulting in significant workforce efficiency gains.

    By bridging CAD and GIS environments, AUD enables utilities to optimize their design workflows and seamlessly transition from planning to construction, improving compliance and reducing operational disruptions. 

    Substation Design Suite (SDS): Enhancing Substation Engineering  

    3D substation design inside of Substation Design Suite.

    Substation design presents unique challenges due to the complexity of physical and protection & control (P&C) systems. SBS’s Substation Design Suite (SDS) addresses these challenges by integrating intelligent design tools with CAD environments, enhancing accuracy and reducing project cycle times. Key advantages of SDS include: 

    • Automation and Standardization: SDS improves design quality through configurable engineering standards and compliance checks, automating the compliance review process and saving significant design time.
    • Enhanced Project Timelines: Moving to model-based design with SDS accelerates project timelines, with SDS customers reporting project timelines improving by 20–50%. 
    • Cost and Error Reduction: With manual data entry and duplicate drawing production nearly eliminated, field errors and change orders are cut by up to 75%, leading to major cost savings. 
    • Faster Design Iterations: Like AUD, model-based design in SDS tracks changes at the model level, and cascades changes and updates downstream without duplicate data entry and multiple drawing revisions, improving responsiveness to project modifications y up to 50%.  
    • Scan-to-BIM workflows: Brownfield projects get through the design phase faster, improving project timelines and reducing overall project cost.  

    With a model-based approach, SDS simplifies substation engineering, ensuring better collaboration and faster design-to-construction transitions. 

    The Future of Digital Utility Design

    As utilities continue their transition toward a more digital future, integrating intelligent design platforms like AUD and SDS will be critical in maintaining efficiency and sustainability. By using automation, data integration, and streamlined workflows, utilities can build more resilient and cost-effective infrastructure, ready to meet the demands of a rapidly evolving energy landscape. 

  • Substation Design Webinar Series  

    Substation Design Webinar Series  

    Gain insights from industry experts and elevate your substation designs with SBS’s Substation Design Suite (SDS) webinars. 

    SBS will be hosting a series of webinars focused on enhancing Substation Physical and Protection and Control design skills with its Substation Design Suite (SDS) products. These live sessions are tailored for both current and prospective users, offering an in-depth look at the tools that power efficient substation design. Hosted by SBS product experts, each webinar provides participants a chance to ask questions and gain insights that can elevate their design capabilities. 

    Attendees will benefit from free access to expert guidance and live Q&A, providing a unique opportunity to learn from the best in the industry. For those unable to attend the live events, each webinar will be recorded and made available on the SBS YouTube channel in the weeks following the event. 

    SDS Webinar Schedule for 2024: 

    SDS Physical for Inventor (P4I): Part Automation & SDS Part Tools 

    This session covers the basics of P4I cable and bus placement, along with advanced placement using specialized tools. Additional topics will include SDS automation for component placement, as well as SDS part tools such as the SDS Pipe Bus Tool, SDS Tool Cable Loop, SDS Tool Lightning WorkPoints, and the SDS Tool Cable WorkPoints Slider.

    • Date: Wednesday, November 20, 2024
    • Time: Noon ET / 11:00 am CT / 10:00 am MT
    Recording Now Available

    Introduction to SDS Physical for AutoCAD (P4A)

    This session covers a general overview of P4A and some of its capabilities. Those will include the new AUDEXTRACT command, feature placement and port snapping, the AUD copy and paste commands, adding and modifying feature data, validation and resolution tools, generating bill of materials, lighting protection and clearance checks, creating 2D print sheets and AUD table creation, and externally referencing (XREF) drawings into the P4A model space. We will also be touching on Geolocating a P4A drawing and creating civil 3D surfaces.

    • Date: Tuesday, November 26, 2024
    • Time: Noon ET / 11:00 am CT / 10:00 am MT 
    Recording Now Available

    Introduction to the SDS P&C Toolkit for Substation Protection & Control Designs

    This session will be an overview of the SDS P&C Toolkit. Specifically designed for utility substation protection and control design, we will cover the enhancements our software provides for the ease of use and automation. Attendees can expect to learn more about our tools that create an efficient workflow such as: Job/WO, Subproject, Tie-links, Cable Schedule, Master/Refonly, Rollover, WD Annotations, and Cable Fan/Ins. Learn more by saving your spot below!

    • Date: Thursday, December 19, 2024
    • Time: 11:00am ET / 10:00 am CT / 9:00 am MT 
    Recording Now Available

    Why Attend the SDS Webinar Series?  

    Substation Design Suite™ (SDS) is the Intelligent Design Software that transforms your Autodesk product investment into a specialized electrical substation design workstation. SDS simplifies 3D content creation, automates standard tasks, and reduces costly mistakes, allowing you to focus on what you do best – substation design. Participants will gain hands-on insights, allowing them to maximize the potential of SDS tools in their design projects. 

    Don’t Miss Out 

    These will be the last SDS webinars of the year. To secure your place, simply register using the links provided. With expert presenters and real-time Q&A, these webinars are an invaluable opportunity to deepen your understanding of substation design. 

    Questions?  

    For more information regarding the SDS Webinar series, please contact our event team at [email protected]

  • West Coast Utility Selects SBS’s Design Software for Distribution and Substation Design  

    West Coast Utility Selects SBS’s Design Software for Distribution and Substation Design  

    Spatial Business Systems (SBS) is pleased to announce that a top 10 US utility has selected our substation design platform for its internal and external design teams. 

    SBS was selected by this west coast utility as the design platform for substation physical design as well as protection and control – with both scheduled to be deployed by the end of 2024.   

    This is especially exciting as this follows the award of SBS’s AUD distribution design platform in 2023 by this same utility and is an acknowledgement of the quality and productivity gains SBS intelligent design solutions provide.  The utility cited several factors in their decision to move from their incumbent design tools to SBS’s intelligent design platform including productivity gains through automation, simplified and accelerated training for new employees and third-party design teams, and a dramatic reduction of design errors and associated rework.   

    Al Eliasen, SBS’s President and CEO stated, “We are honored to be selected for substation design as a follow-on deployment of our distribution design platform.  The level of infrastructure investment in unprecedented for our utility customers, and we are excited to be a key partner as they continue their investment in their network to drive resiliency and support the energy transition” 

    ABOUT SPATIAL BUSINESS SYSTEMS LLC 

    SBS is a leading provider of intelligent design software and spatial data integration solutions to many of the world’s largest utilities and infrastructure firms across North America, Europe and Australia. The Company’s suite of vertical-focused software supports the engineering and design of critical network infrastructure assets, creating real-world models that are used to manage workflows, facilitate collaboration, and standardize design rules. SBS provides its software solutions to over 200 enterprise customers and is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado.  

  • The 2024 Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference (IMGIS)  

    The 2024 Esri Infrastructure Management & GIS Conference (IMGIS)  

    Get answers to your questions, share ideas, and uncover ways to advance your business goals with SBS’s Design Software. 

    Join SBS in exploring how seamlessly integrating intelligent CAD with enterprise GIS can eliminate duplicate data entry, accelerate design, construction, and permitting cycles, and improve consistency and quality .  

    You can find the SBS team at booth 127! They will be ready to share how Intelligent Design automates tasks, offers real-time validation, and seamlessly transfers data between systems. 

    When: October 22-24, 2024. 
    Where: Palm Springs Convention Center, Palm Springs, CA.  

    Can’t attend? Contact SBS Today

    Attend Our Session:

    Join Scott Casey from SBS and Tim Sherman from Ervin Cable Construction on Thursday, October 24, from 9:00 AM to 10:00 AM PDT for a session titled “Maximizing Network Optimization Deployment and Management.” Discover how SBS’s approach to automating fiber design through the integration of Esri ArcGIS and SBS AUD can streamline your projects with task automation and transformative productivity gains.

  • 57th Annual TSDOS Conference

    57th Annual TSDOS Conference

    Network with SBS and learn about our industry leading Intelligent Design Software. 

    The Transmission & Substation Design & Operation Symposium (TSDOS) is a forum for utilities, engineers, suppliers, contractors, and consultants to share ideas and experiences and learn from case studies by experts in their fields. 

    Meet Jeremy Mills, Director AEC Business Development, Kevin Whyte, Vice President Substation, and the SBS team at the hospitality suite in Atrium 7.  

    Explore enhanced collaboration with our cutting-edge extraction method for substation large-scale physical design—an innovative alternative to copying, pasting, and manually merging drawings. Save time, resources, and avoid costly construction errors with configurable validation. For electrical design, save weeks by seamlessly syncing changes across all your P&C drawings. 

    Save the date: 

    When: Sept 4-6, 2024.

    Where: Embassy Suites Dallas, Frisco, TX. 

    Contact Us
  • The Peer Utility Group Conference Returns for Its 11th Year

    The Peer Utility Group Conference Returns for Its 11th Year

    Learn and share information with your peers and SBS regarding our Design Software for Distribution and Substations 

    The Peer Utility Group (PUG) Conference offers an open and non-commercial environment to collaborate and exchange insights and ideas on improving workflows, integration, and optimization of SBS’s intelligent design platforms. The conference experienced remarkable growth in 2023, drawing many first-time attendees and solidifying its appeal and recognition in the industry.

    Purchase Tickets
    View Agenda
    Download Agenda

    Here is what others had to say about last year’s PUG:  

    “I wasn’t sure what to expect as it was my first time. However, I thought it was great! It was great to hear and see what other companies are doing and how they solved challenges during implementation, etc. I was able to make new contacts and socialize. Overall, very happy!”  

    “Great conference…It allowed a lot of collaboration!” 

    “What an experience! Had a lot of fun and learned a lot about the SBS products. The presenters [primarily clients] were knowledgeable and honest about their experience implementing the different software that SBS provides.” 

    What’s waiting for you at PUG 2024? 

    Gain invaluable knowledge, insights, and opportunities to expand your network. Don’t miss the chance to connect with professionals who share your interests, learn strategies to solve your design challenges, and inspire breakthroughs that can help you move your process forward. PUG 2024 will leave you feeling empowered and inspired.

    Highlights include:

    • Gain deeper insights about SBS Intelligent Design Platforms.
    • Access SBS experts and collaborate with other professionals in the industry.
    • Enjoy the Annual PUG Golf Tournament—Held at the beautiful grounds of the Lone Tree Golf Club.
    • Dedicated transportation from the hotel to conference activities will be provided.

    To make the most of everything that PUG 2024 has to offer, please purchase your tickets now.

    Get ready to explore Lone Tree, Colorado

    This year’s conference will be held at the relaxing Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows in Lone Tree, Colorado, from Aug. 26-29, 2023.

    • Enjoy Sonoma’z Grill with Starbucks® and convenient grab-n-go meals, right on-site.
    • Conveniently located within walking distance to RTD Light Rail Lincoln Station for easy travel to downtown and the airport.
    • Explore nearby Park Meadows Mall, Colorado’s premier shopping destination.
    • Experience the fun at the Lone Tree Entertainment District, offering bowling, a movie theater, iFly, and TopGolf.
    • Discover the local area through various walking and biking trails.
    • Play a round at the scenic Lone Tree Golf Club.

    Hotel and Travel Information

    Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows | 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, CO 80124

    Book your hotel stay here for the best rate.

    Check-in: 3:00 pm | Check out: 12:00 pm | Parking: Free

    Airport(s): Denver Airport (DEN) is about 24.8 miles away. Other nearby airports include Broomfield (BJC), which is about 29.1 miles away.

     

    Frequently Asked Questions

    What is the difference between the Peer Utility Group and the PUG conference?  

    The Peer Utility Group (PUG) is a hub for professionals and organizations using SBS’s intelligent design solutions. The PUG conference is an annual event hosted by SBS that showcases client-led presentations, developer keynotes, training sessions, and more. 

    How can I become a member of PUG? 

    Create an account on our Support Portal for free.

    What are the benefits of joining PUG?  

    PUG membership gives you access to non-commercial collaboration, direct interaction with industry experts, webinars, user-led presentations, free training, and more.

    What kinds of topics are discussed?  

    Information about SBS intelligent design solution implementations for electric, gas, water, and telecom is often shared. End-to-end workflows, Analysis, Work Management Systems (WMS)/Enterprise Asset Management (EAM), and GIS systems are prevalent topics.

    When and where is the 2024 PUG Conference?  

    This year, PUG 2024 will be held Aug. 26-29, 2024, at the Denver Marriott South at Park Meadows, 10345 Park Meadows Drive, Lone Tree, Colorado, 80124. The conference kicks off with the PUG Golf Tournament on Monday, and the actual proceedings are on Tuesday through Thursday.

    Can I register to present at the 2024 PUG?

    We are currently looking for presenters. Email us at [email protected] to submit your interest as soon as possible. Presenters will receive a free ticket and must attend the conference in person.

    How can I register for the Annual PUG Golf Tournament?

    The annual PUG Golf Tournament will be held on Monday, Aug. 26, at the Lone Tree Golf Club, starting at 10:00 am. We will be using a “Scramble” format.

    When purchasing your ticket(s), select the “PUG Golf Tournament” add-on. The additional cost is $100.00

    What if I can’t attend the conference in person?  

    Virtual tickets are available here.

    How can I stay updated about the conference? 

    Visit the PUG page regularly for updates. For any queries, reach us at [email protected].

    Are there past PUG sessions available to watch?   

    Select past sessions are available on our YouTube channel.