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Introduction

This test study was designed and conducted to evaluate the impact of adding mobile capabilities to an existing foundational network information management system. The intent was to develop guidance for those considering expanding capabilities of a production system. The study was built upon the foundational network information management system configuration used in this test study, by adding both connected and disconnected mobile workloads. The system was hosted in Amazon Web Services (AWS) cloud infrastructure using AWS EC2 instances.

Note:

This test study is not intended to recommend a specific configuration. Rather, its purpose is to demonstrate how system tuning can enhance user experience and maximize return on investment. Adding or removing hardware or software resources without understanding their impact should be avoided.

Tested workflows

This test study used workflows mirroring customer business processes. It conducted both connected and disconnected mobile workflows in conjunction with workflows for a Foundational network information management system to represent key activities required to maintain an as-built network. The workflows were conducted manually and through automated scripts to observe user experience and performance.

Foundational workflows

Foundational network information management workflows include those that editors and viewers perform to create, access, and maintain the as-built network. The following represent some of the foundational activities required to create, access, and maintain a gas network:

  • Create a new service – adding a new customer gas service
  • Remove a service – abandoning a customer gas service
  • Extend a main – adding distribution pipe to the network
  • Replace a main – modifying terminal connections for gas pipes
  • View assets – displaying the location and condition of assets on a dashboard
  • Query assets – locating and viewing assets

Mobile workflows

In network information management systems, connected and disconnected mobile workflows might also be employed in addition to the foundational workflows for data collection and field operations. In a connected environment, mobile workers can access real-time data with cellular connectivity. With disconnected workflows, mobile workers download an offline area and sync changes once reconnected. Offline map areas provide the ability to distribute a copy of mapping data on a mobile device (phone, tablet, laptop) so mobile workers can access this locally stored data even in places without internet connection. One key step of mobile workflows is to download an offline map area with bidirectional sync.

  • Map viewing and editing – disconnected
  • Network trace – connected
  • View assets – connected and disconnected
  • Query asset – connected and disconnected

Software

The system capabilities are delivered through the following software, deployed, and tested as part of this test study, at the listed versions with all available patches applied:

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