Energy & Utilities

A major structural component of our society is our energy and utility providers such as electric power, water management, postal delivery, etc. Companies providing these services need their software to provide consistent, stable service. Additionally, it is vital for energy and utility providers to be able to monitor for potential problems and deploy emergency plans in case of natural disaster or service interruption.

A telecommunications company we worked with needed help with their inventory management and reports. Their ERP database was developed using Oracle and they needed to create new reports—but the cost and time to do so was astronomical. We worked with them by creating a proof-of-concept application within FileMaker. This gave them the opportunity to fine-tune the data fields needed to be included on the reports, as well as the desired user interface and experience, in a far more affordable manner than they could have done within Oracle.

For another client who was focused on environment regulation, training, and safety, we worked with them to create a website that allowed them to schedule, register, and manage safety courses. Additionally, the system automatically sends certificates of completion meeting EPA standards for participants who complete the courses while also sending reminders to clients when their certificates need to be renewed.

We assisted a water management company that already used FileMaker but needed updates to their database. Elements had become outdated after the initial development work was completed, and new features were needed for the system. While we weren’t the original developers on the project, we were able to partner with the client and learn their system’s nuances so we could help them make the needed update.

While working with a postal delivery organization, we integrated their existing hardware with a FileMaker solution to create the automated results they needed. Conveyor belts carried parcels and packages labeled with barcodes that were digitally scanned. Depending on where their intended destination was, actuators would adjust the belts to correctly sort them. Using FileMaker, we created the software to connect the barcode scanners with the actuators and synchronized the process to perfectly match the time it would take an item on the conveyor belt to reach the desired destination. This created greater efficiency and control for the client.

One of our customers does project management for various energy providers. We maintained and expanded an enterprise resource planning (ERP) system that allows them to more accurately manage their customer base. It includes information for scheduling, estimates, vehicle deployments, and project management. As many of the contractors they work with are in areas with limited-to-no internet or cell reception, the system provides stability and effective communication even in remote areas, allowing work to continue without interruption.

A second telecommunications organization we worked with needed to track 2 billion dollars worth of inventory. Various disparate systems logged segments of their inventory, but nothing integrated these databases together or served as a central point of reference. The company often found it more effective to purchase new supplies instead of locating the facility housing the inventory they needed, resulting in excessive cost overruns. We created new database structures and connections to make all of the information accessible and added automated checks to track inventory changes moving forward.

PK Information is a FileMaker-certified development agency with offices in the Tampa Bay and Knoxville regions, but serving all of the USA. We believe that great software can change everything. Does your company work in energy or utilities and need new technologies to operate at your best? Contact us today!