When we discuss Asset Management, the way information is created, organized, and accessed has a crucial impact. Imagine complex systems, such as those involving power-sector assets, especially substation projects, which contain a wealth of essential technical details. These data range from civil and electromechanical information to electrical circuits and protection, automation, and control (PAC) systems. They are interdependent and must be properly structured to prevent rework, high costs, and even operational failures. In this context, the concept of Engineering Information Modeling (EIM) becomes fundamental.

What Is EIM and Why Is It Important?

Engineering Information Modeling (EIM) is a methodology that describes processes created to manage engineering information throughout an asset's entire life cycle. One of the main results of this process is the engineering information model. This model provides a detailed digital description of every aspect of the asset and can be efficiently accessed through database queries and intuitive interfaces. EIM is based on three fundamental pillars: processes, people, and technology.

These models are like a detailed map in which every component, specification, and maintenance record is registered. Unlike Building Information Modeling (BIM), which is better known in the construction industry, EIM is applied across several industries, including the electric power sector. With EIM, all project information is centralized and organized in a digital database. This centralization facilitates access, data updates, and efficient integration among different teams and disciplines.

EIM is therefore a promising approach to information management. By using integrated digital models that represent physical and functional characteristics, the asset's entire life cycle is considered. With unified processes, information flows, and stages, applying the methodology requires tools capable of creating complex virtual models and fostering synergy among members of multidisciplinary teams.

Collaborative Engineering Platform

A collaborative engineering platform is essential for implementing EIM. The methodology requires a digital database that centralizes a broad range of technical information. This type of software not only manages data tracking and revisions, but also standardizes and supports workflows while automating several stages of engineering processes. Depending on the selected solution, data from different disciplines can be integrated, improving information quality and reducing the likelihood of errors.

Engineering Base is an example of an engineering platform that adopts an object-oriented, database-driven approach. It facilitates collaborative work and integrates with various systems, following the “single source of truth” principle by ensuring that all information is centralized and up to date in a single location.

Advantages of Using an Engineering Platform with EIM

When an engineering platform is combined with EIM, data accessibility is transformed: any technical project data can be accessed within seconds. Project data is stored in a database, and the information is easily accessible to any user. This centralization mitigates the risk of project errors, because changes made to an object are automatically updated in the system for all users. Information quality and consistency are therefore ensured.

Another major benefit is efficient change management. Because all project data is stored in a database, only one version of each object exists. As a result, the people responsible for each project stage always work with the latest data. This eliminates the risk of version-control problems that can arise in traditional systems, such as those based on digital files.

Collaborative work is one of the pillars of Engineering Base: the engineering platform allows users to work in parallel and simultaneously in the same database. Information can also be accessed and edited by the responsible users, so any database changes are visible to everyone. Everything for everyone: no costly waiting times or time-consuming synchronization.

With the engineering platform, project management is integrated. It is possible to define the stages required to complete projects, establish criteria for status changes, issue automatic delay alerts, and register the people responsible for activities and their duration. The platform therefore supports management of the time required to complete a project from its initial phase by controlling status transitions.

In Engineering Base, time and effort are saved through the automation of repetitive tasks. The engineering platform integrates with programming languages, enabling the development of computational routines to execute sequences of commands. Data can be manipulated in customized ways, access to information can be personalized, and project deliverables can even be generated through programming. In the context of PAC projects, it is possible to generate diagrams (wiring and interconnection), bills of materials, cable lists, and more.

Conclusion

Adopting EIM on an engineering platform can transform asset management. This methodology not only improves data quality and facilitates access to critical information, but also reduces costs, minimizes the risk of rework, promotes collaboration, and accelerates project development. In an environment where precision and efficiency are essential, EIM stands out as a robust and integrated solution for addressing challenges throughout the asset life cycle.

Furthermore, optimizing the preparation, consultation, storage, and updating of technical data by structuring information on database-driven platforms not only simplifies human access to information, but also enhances advanced artificial intelligence (AI) applications for addressing the challenges of the electric power sector.