Northpower, a leading electricity distribution company on the North Island of New Zealand, has undergone a significant transformation in its asset management processes. Traditionally dependent on manual, assumption-based work package generation, Northpower, in collaboration with Modla developed a sophisticated and automated work-packaging system. This system leverages data, codified expert knowledge and advanced data analytics to revolutionize how the company manages and maintains its extensive network of electrical distribution assets.
Historically, North Power’s approach relied heavily on subjective assumptions about assetconditions and manually logged defects. Work packages were created to address known issues, however, this method lacked precision and scaled poorly, potentially leading to overlooked issues, missed opportunities, and misallocated resources.
Modla introduced a novel software solution designed to capture the deep knowledge of subject matter experts. These insights were then integrated into an asset modelling framework that interfaces with Northpower’s existing data systems, setting the stage for data and knowledge informed decision-making.
An optioneering and optimisation algorithm forms the core of the automated process, where intervention options are created for each network section based on various spending, conditional, and risk thresholds. These options are then evaluated through a mathematical solver, which prioritizes packages that maximize business value while adhering to budget constraints and achieving the required targets.
This strategic alignment ensures that each decision supports Northpower’s broader business objectives, optimizing across financial, risk and operational reliability aspects.
Modla utilizes an advanced, intuitive web application interface and an API-driven backend, supported by scalable cloud infrastructure. This robust architecture not only supports work packaging tasks but also facilitates a whole range of utilities asset management functionalities.
Beyond work packaging, Northpower leverage the same structural framework for volume forecasting, non-destructive testing regimes, geospatial risk analysis, and sensitivity analysis of model inputs.
The adoption of automated work packaging has marked a new era in asset management for Northpower. By integrating expert informed models with sophisticated data analytics, Northpower has enhanced its operational efficiency, reduced costs, and improved service reliability—benefits that ultimately extend to every customer served by the utility. This case study not only highlights the success at Northpower but also serves as an inspiration and a model for other utilities aiming to leverage technology to optimize asset management and service delivery.
