What is Utility Cloud?
Utility Cloud is an operations management platform developed by Advanced Enterprise Systems Corporation (AESC) for public and private enterprises to manage physical assets and sampling processes. More than 39,000 people across the globe use Utility Cloud to simplify complex regulatory, business, and inspection workflows in an easy-to-use, multi-lingual platform. Built to maximize precision and improve oversight, Utility Cloud helps its clients save time and money while working to ensure the safety of employees and the well-being of the communities they serve. Learn more about our solutions at https://utilitycloud.us/
Make the most of your operations management platform
An operations management platform is a long-term investment that:
- Improves the efficiency of your processes
- Re-imagines and improves business workflows
However, change can seem overwhelming for those who are used to doing things a certain way. That’s why it is important to start small and roll out Utility Cloud at a pace that feels comfortable to your people.
We've learned a few things along the way:
- Empower your super users. The best implementation approach empowers you (and your consultants) to be self-sufficient when using Utility Cloud. We recommend training one (or more) power users within your organization to serve as business system administrators (BSA). The BSA will be your internal support and Utility Cloud expert to manage assets, work, reports, users, and more.
- Start with a road map. Create a road map and a list—in order of priority—that includes the operational, maintenance, regulatory, and asset management initiatives you want to achieve.
- Don’t boil the ocean. Schedule your implementation as a linear series or semi-parallel process so that:
- Only a small number of users are affected during each initiative.
- There is low risk in the early stages.
- You scale as your usage of Utility Cloud grows.
We find this approach leads to better system adoption. And as user adoption grows, you'll discover innovative ways to use Utility Cloud, from managing new initiatives and projects to formalizing standard operating procedures, transferring knowledge, and automating tasks and reporting.
Utility Cloud is here to support you
Training workshops
Utility Cloud offers a series of training workshops. Each session is designed to equip the business system administrator (BSA) with the skills required to manage the customization and configuration of Utility Cloud to meet your organization’s needs.
During the training, your BSA and power users will learn the most common functionality in Utility Cloud. They will also configure one or more real-world initiatives from your road map. Each workshop ends with an assignment that allows them to continue improving the skills they learned during the training and make progress toward roadmap completion.
Upon completion of training, your BSA is equipped to be your resident expert, the first line of support, and the trainer for your Utility Cloud users.
Professional services
We offer optional professional services for complex data tasks, system configuration, custom integrations, onsite training, custom reports, and BSA role fulfillment.
User devices
Any modern device will work but the following tablets are recommended for field use:
- Apple iPad (any model with a minimum 16GB Wi-Fi w/Cellular option)
- Samsung Galaxy Tablet (any model with a minimum 16GB Wi-Fi w/Cellular option)
Data reliability and security
Utility Cloud delivers enterprise-grade data reliability and security without the added cost of IT overhead. The architecture of Utility Cloud has been designed for flexibility and security and takes advantage of the latest in cloud computing technology.
Infrastructure level protection
Utility Cloud runs on Amazon Web Services (AWS), a scalable cloud computing platform with high availability and dependability. AWS protects the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of Utility Cloud data and allows you to scale your usage of Utility Cloud while maintaining a secure environment. You can learn more about AWS security here: AWS Infrastructure Security.
Application level protection
Utility Cloud is built following the "AWS Security Best Practices" specified here: AWS Security Best Practices.
Utility Cloud access level protection
Multi-Factor Authentication (MFA) | MFA access structure for all computers and systems used in the cloud. |
HTTPS Encryption | All traffic between client devices and the servers is encrypted via our security certificates; non-secure access is not allowed. |
Network Security | Only port 80 and 443 are open to the public. All infrastructure is behind a firewall. |
Penetration Testing | Each year, we have a cybersecurity vendor attempt to compromise our system and provide a report. Using this report, we are obligated to close any gaps found within 60 days. |
Business Continuity and Data Recovery Plans | Utility Cloud maintains a comprehensive set of disaster recovery plans that are kept secure and confidential. |
Backup Strategies | Utility Cloud maintains 15-minute transactional backups and daily full backups that are marshaled offsite to redundant storage facilities. |
Weekly Imaging of All Infrastructure | May launch redundant or recovery servers in the case any server fails. |
24/7 Monitoring | Automated monitoring of infrastructure and software to ensure any disruptions are found. |
Audit Trail | Every user action and system transaction is audited so asset and system history may be analyzed down to the user click event. |
We’re here to help
Utility Cloud simplifies complex regulatory and business workflows, reduces errors from manual reporting, and allows field workers to collect data at its source and automatically report on it throughout the enterprise.
Learn more about our solutions at https://utilitycloud.us/