NiSource
Meter Reading Application Implementation

Background/Overview

The NiSource local distribution companies (LDCs) utilize meter-reading workforce to manually collect meter data across its entire footprint in Ohio, Pennsylvania, Kentucky, Virginia, Maryland, Massachusetts and Indiana. While the meter reading function was common across all areas, the software and hardware used to collect the meter information was not. In 2010, the Field Collection System (FCS) project was initiated to bring consistency to the meter reading function for all of the NiSource LDCs. FCS was defined as the next generation of meter reading application systems developed by the same external vendor that had brought the two prior meter reading applications to NiSource.

The Challenge

The primary challenge of implementing FCS was Change Management. There were two distinct meter reading applications being used at NiSource on two completely different platforms (mainframe and client-server). FCS was introduced as a completely new meter reading system. This meant that every meter reader, meter reading supervisor, support staff member – anyone that was actively involved in managing one of the two existing systems across seven states – would have to learn how to do their jobs differently. Additionally, the technical staff that was tasked with supporting the new system would need to be trained on how the application functioned, how it interfaced with other systems, and how the system was set up on new infrastructure.

The Solution

NiSource engaged HMB to assist with the overall implementation of FCS. In addition to assisting the Business Project Manager with the business impact, HMB was asked to lead the technical implementation. HMB quickly recognized that due to the project scope, we needed to bring in an experienced team with a project manager, technical lead, business analyst, development lead and a test lead.

The HMB team worked well together, and communicated and collaborated with all members of the business team and the vendor that developed the FCS application. A clear set of requirements was established and shared with all parties. Throughout the requirements process, HMB led efforts with the business team, the FCS vendor, NiSource IT resources, IBM (hardware support) and the external development teams. By following a structured process of planning, building, testing, training, deployment and support, HMB and NiSource implemented FCS on time and under budget.

The Result

The project was delivered on time and under budget. The NiSource LDCs now have one meter reading application being used across their service territories. There are new features and functions available to the meter reading teams and they can now communicate with each other using the same “language”. From an IT perspective, NiSource benefits from supporting only one system and retiring older systems. The resulting feedback about HMB efforts was very positive.

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  • “
    As a customer, I appreciate that HMB approaches our business like a partnership, offers very competitive rates and all the while providing top notch IT services
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    Franklin County Treasurer
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    HMB has consistently provided high quality .Net developers to our team.  The rapid ramp up and ability to become quickly productive for the project has not been matched by any other consultants.  We are very pleased with HMB's high performing, business-minded developers.
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    Head of IS
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    Well done! This is the A-team!
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    IT Manager
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    HMB focuses on customer inclusion and participation, which has provided opportunities for both clarity of business needs and project success.
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    Leader, Operations Support
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    HMB has the ability to gently help their customers navigate operational roadblocks entrenched in “the way we’ve always done it” to assist their customers gain operational efficiency via technology improvements
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    Franklin County Treasurer
  • “
    Jody, congrats to you and the team on a successful implementation!
    ”


    Sr Vice President Distribution Operations
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    From the beginning of the project, it was clear their major concerns were doing the project in the right way the first time and understanding the business just as well as the practitioners in the agency.
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    HMB is just not another highly skilled service provider; they care about the solution they are providing their customers, and how it will continue to serve them in the future.
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    Rosa Barker

    IT Director, Franklin County Treasurer
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    I'm attending the lessons learned to understand what made this program so successful.
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    Tom Harris

    Partner, HMB
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    At the end of the day it comes down to doing the right thing. If you do what's right for your clients and treat your employees well, everything else falls into place. It's just that simple .
    ”

    Mark Buchy

    Partner, HMB
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    The HMB team has established themselves as not just a vendor, but a partner, in helping us achieve our mission. They believe and live with us our value of 'be so good they can’t ignore us.
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    Sr. Director
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    My company chose HMB over other options primarily because of their people.  They came highly recommended, but what made them stand out amongst their peers was the professionalism and expertise of their team.
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    Business Application Manager
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    In developing Ohio’s educational e-grants system, HMB served as a great partner from start to finish.
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    Director of Grants Management, Ohio Department of Education
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    Most importantly, [HMB] seems to live by the idea that their business is not just about performing their assignments brilliantly, but also about satisfying their clients deeply.
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    Business Application Manager
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    High achievement always takes place in a framework of high expectation.
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    We partnered with HMB because of their track record of successful projects, the depth of their technology staff and their flexibility. HMB provided us with the right resources in a short timeframe that allowed us to meet our client commitments in a timely and cost-effective manner. 
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    Vice President of Technology
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    HMB truly catered to 'our' needs on our RightFax Implementation. Their sales representatives and technical staff were a pleasure to work with. 
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    IT Contract Administrator
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    Professional, experienced, reliable and trustworthy sum up our relationship with HMB
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    Emily L. Shaw

    Chief Deputy, Franklin County Treasurer
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