Utility Dispatch Logging
Electric utility dispatch logging software allows dispatch center operators to quickly log each call. This digital archive of dispatch issues can be easily stored and searched.
Digital Logs
Ever had a customer call and blame the electric utility for their appliance getting fried?
One dispatch operator shared his experience. A customer claimed an outage that happened over a year earlier was responsible for ruining his television set.
Fortunately, the dispatchers had switched to digital call logs a few years earlier. So instead of searching for hours through stacks of paper dispatch logs, this dispatch operator did a quick search on their computer system. The search not only brought up the relevant log entries, but the notes showed that the customer's breaker had been thrown and that his neighbors lights were still on at the time he reported the outage!
No free t.v. set for that customer.
Typing detailed notes describing a dispatch issue or event allows much more detail than handwritten notes. Unlike storing years of paper dispatch logs on a shelf, digital dispatch logging allows logs to be stored in a database file. No more need for physical storage space. A dispatch log database can easily be searched by keywords, dates, operator, the type of issue and many other search terms.
Customizable log scripts for standardized data collection — Each day, dispatchers receive a varying array of calls. It's important to collect the appropriate information while you have the caller on the line. But given the wide range of call subjects, it's understandable when an operator forgets to ask an important question (and note the answer). That's where a script of questions can be very valuable. Based on the call type, the scripted questions remind the operator about important data that should be collected and recorded during the call. These scripts can be customized to fit the specific needs of your utility.
Issue Priority
Tracking existing issues can be simplified by assigning a priority to each issue. This helps dispatch center staff to prioritize crews and other staff assignments. Filtering out resolved issues can help operators focus on outstanding issues.
Data Backup
A dispatch log database can be easily backed up as a precaution. Backups can be stored in multiple locations, including a location that is "off-site" allowing for additional protection against disaster.
Reporting
Data from dispatch logs can be used in reports to analyze dispatch center processes, clarify common customer issues and identify budget needs.
Government Regulation
Today, government entities are requiring more and more detail in reports and historical records. Digital logs can dramatically improve the capture and recall of this valuable data making it easier for a smaller electric utility to comply with ever-increasing government documentation requirements.
Low Cost
Software development can be expensive. And yet Electric Utility Manager has created a pricing model that will allow an electric utility to implement logging software for a small monthly fee. Find out more about our low cost utility management software >>
