Decision support system development using a migration approach

Virtually all organizations in the utility industry rely on some form of computerized decision support to assist in the management of operations and maintenance. As decision support needs evolve, new technologies are introduced and old technologies are updated, when possible and cost effective. Unfortunately, new designs are often superior to old ones, and retrofitting does not prove feasible, resulting in many pieces of stand-alone'' equipment that are not integrated into a common decision support framework. This paper develops a model for integrating decision support systems of diverse vintage into a common workstation, using a migration approach. The model is applied in the design and development of an integrated workstation to support operations and maintenance of a microwave communication system for power system monitoring and control. The system, called CAP for Computerized Alarm Processing, provides an integration of decision support functions previously performed manually, integrates dispersed databases, and provides both expert system and statistical analysis capabilities. The fielded system is currently in operation at the Bonneville Power Authority's Dittmer Control Center. The implications of the migration approach for upgrading power system decision support are discussed. 6 refs., 6 figs.