Three of the Five Most Insidious Utility CIS Replacement Risks Relate to Project Staffing, Research Reveals

ATLANTA and AUSTIN, Texas, Sept. 2, 2015 /PRNewswire/ -- Today RIM Solutions and TMG Consulting published a research study revealing the most menacing Customer Information System (CIS) replacement project risks related to the planning phase of the project, as identified by utilities. Topping the list was 'general inadequate staffing' at 12.5 percent, followed by 'didn't identify all interfaces and interactions' at 10.9 percent and subsequently 'inadequate third-party staffing/support' at 6.2 percent. Utilities were given 20 options from which to choose.

The complimentary report, Utility CIS Replacement: A Comprehensive Look at the New Age of Risk Mitigation, includes primary and secondary quantitative and qualitative inputs, including 149 survey responses from two separate surveys. The first survey was conducted in August 2014, followed by the second in August 2015. Additional contributions include utility interviews, TMG Consulting project inputs and expertise from various solution provider companies that have worked with utility CIS' for two decades or more.

"CIS replacement risks aren't what they used to be because the CIS isn't what it used to be," says Vanessa Edmonds, CEO of RIM Solutions and author of the study. "New pressures like the rise of dynamic rate structures, smart grid data and the desire for complex system integrations, among others, are posing a new generation of challenges that have changed the role of the utility CIS. We set out to look past the 'usual suspects' and provide actionable insights to help utilities navigate modern day and emerging risks."

Future Research
Part one of a four-part series, the report also includes information on risk mitigation, market sizing and the future of the CIS. The next installment—part two—will explore the greatest risks related to the procurement phase of the project. It will include information about what utilities are looking for and why—based on survey responses and profiles of vendors that are best suited for particular projects. Solution providers that wish to be included should publish a company profile on www.utilitymarketconnections.com or send an email to [email protected].

According to Mario Bauer, CEO of TMG Consulting, "Utility participation in this study—and the subsequent intelligence provided—has exceeded our expectations. We made the strategic decision to do a soft launch (hard copy) at EUCI's CIS conference this month, and the response has been tremendous. Not only do utilities and service providers want the research, they want to be included in future studies and want us to present the research to their internal teams. Anyone who wants to participate in this mission should contact us. Both TMG and RIM are independent, unbiased firms that wish to advance the industry, and our research is one vehicle for delivering on that mission."

Request a Research Presentation
After delivering the results at the EUCI conference, RIM Solutions and TMG Consulting are being asked to present findings to utilities in the early stages of replacement. They are also receiving requests to present their research to solution providers who want to better understand utility CIS replacement pain points. Organizations interested in customized, on-site presentations should email [email protected].

About RIM Solutions
RIM Solutions is a research and marketing firm that brings businesses and solutions together—with incredible precision—to best solve problems and seize opportunities.

Whether RIM is providing advisory services, custom research or marketing strategies and tactics, its #wholebrain team leverages a unique and powerful pairing of analytics and creativity to deliver the least obstructed, custom-developed path to its client success.

Visit www.rimsolutions.net for a look at the firm's unique #wholebrain approach that is earning RIM a fast-growing list of brand loyalists.

About TMG Consulting
TMG Consulting is a 100 percent utility focused, unbiased IT advisory firm that has delivered more than 350 projects to more than 250 public- and investor-owned utilities, evolving energy companies, and city, county and state governments since 1992. TMG provides IT planning, selection and implementation support for CIS, automated dispatch and mobile data, work management, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) and Meter Data Management.

Press Contact
Laurie Anderson
RIM Solutions, Research & Content
678.488.9740

SOURCE RIM Solutions

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