JCMB Signs an Automated Mapping Software Contract with Northeast Utilities System Co.

Montreal, Quebec, December 2003 - JCMB Technology Inc., a provider of innovative software and services for the electric, gas and water utilities, has been awarded a US $1.8 million contract from Northeast Utilities System Co. (Berlin, CT).

The scope of this project is to consolidate over 17,000 Direct Buried and Underground (DB/UG) maps using JCMB’s Adele Automated Mapping system. The source data originates from several districts, each utilizing their own mapping conventions. The effort includes collecting the various symbology and mapping standards from which a single, unified and centralized data warehouse will be created.

 

JCMB was selected through a competitive Request for Proposal process. Connecticut Light & Power (CL&P), a Northeast Utilities - (NU) company, was seeking a firm that would provide them with an AutoCAD-based, COTS software solution for maintaining the DB/UG network on a permanent basis. The selection criteria used by NU required demonstrated skills and knowledge within the following specific areas: Source Data Consolidation, AutoCAD Mapping Solution, Quality Assurance, Data Sharing Abilities.

 

With minimal base-product enhancements, JCMB’s off-the-shelf Automated Mapping tool (Adele) met all of NU’s DB/UG mapping requirements.

 

Over the years, JCMB has been providing utility-specific software tools focused on data quality and connectivity. “The two big issues with modeling an Underground Distribution Network accurately are, capturing complex vault equipment and duct bank information. I believe NUS recognized our unique ability to do both” explained Bruce Seidel, president of JCMB Technology.

After merging their mapping district offices, each with their unique symbology and standards, CL&P sought to streamline and centralize their mapping information. This would enable them to establish a standard map product to service the entire company.

 

Because end-users are familiar with AutoCAD, it was critical that the DB/UG application selected be AutoCAD-based. Adele’s base functions were specifically created to accurately model and maintain any Distribution Model configuration. Its built-in model validation engine ensures 100% connectivity throughout the Model.

 

 

JCMB Technology has always focused on Quality Assurance in all aspects of its operations. In compliance with their ISO 9001-2000 certification, JCMB’s deliverables undergo detailed conformance testing and validation prior to customer acceptance.

 

 

Using JCMB’s DataPort technology, CL& P has the advantage to forward all or part of the data to other applications such as a GIS or an OMS.

 

 

 

 Northeast Utilities (NU) operates New England's largest energy delivery system, serving more than 1.7 million electric power customers in Connecticut, Massachusetts and New Hampshire and 187,000 natural gas customers in Connecticut. NU is one of the largest competitive energy suppliers in New England and is a major energy trader in the Northeast. NU is a community and economic development partner, committed to environmental leadership and stewardship.

 

 JCMB Technology (www.jcmb.com) provides innovative software technologies and services to the electric, gas and water utilities. Established in 1995, JCMB has extensive experience in Distribution Network Modeling and Mobile Computing Systems, focusing on Distribution Network data accuracy and connectivity. JCMB’s role is to deliver data that is accurate, consistent and connected.

 

For further information, please contact:

 

Anna Cappello

Communications Director

JCMB Technology Inc.

450-632-584400