OMS/DMS/SCADA

Many electric distribution organizations are presently evaluating their approach to integrating three key operational systems – SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition), OMS (Outage Management System) and DMS (Distribution Management System). SCADA, which has long been prevalent throughout transmission systems, is finding increased applications on distribution systems. Modern OMS, utilizing GIS-based connectivity models, is now well established and a key component of many organizations’ outage management business processes. The implementation of DMS functionality is a relatively recent trend. While a DMS can include and improve the traditional outage management functions, a DMS also typically includes applications that assist in the improved operation of the electric distribution system, as well as functionality for improving planned work on the system. This article first reviews SCADA, OMS, and DMS systems. Considering that both OMS and DMS require a connectivity model of the distribution system, the benefits of integrating OMS and DMS are presented. Next, the integration of SCADA with DMS/OMS is discussed, including the functionality of the integration and the resulting benefits. Finally, a proposed architecture for an integrated distribution operations center is presented.