Before a site initiates development of an optimization solution, goals for the optimization
systemshould be understood and aligned fromoperations to engineering tomanagement.
For operators, the priority is reliable and safe operations in their daily decisions.
Since the information available to them for real-time utility systems is commonly limited,
there is seldom a standard against which the effectiveness of past operations can be
measured. The introduction of an optimization system can require a significant change in
the operators’approach, which often requires training and ongoing oversight to ensure
effectiveness.
For engineers, a“project”focus is often prioritized over day-to-day operations
improvement. In addition, engineering staff may lack understanding and alignment with
how operators make daily decisions, due to their focus on other priorities. The
implementation of an optimization solution may be viewed as another “project”rather
than an ongoing “process” requiring consistent, ongoing engineering oversight and
adjustment to remain effective. A lack of committed engineering support can also
undermine the solution’s effectiveness over time.