Unison joins with Telvent

Hawke's Bay lines company Unison Networks has announced a partnership with Telvent, a global IT solutions provider, to evolve its network management system through Unison's fibre-based Smart Grid.

Unison will be the first lines company in New Zealand to implement its Advanced Distribution Management System (ADMS).

Unison Group chief executive Ken Sutherland said the ADMS merged a range of technologies into one comprehensive network management system that would meet the company's requirements now, while serving as the foundation for future smart grid developments.

"The Telvent system is regarded as one of the leading network management applications globally. It will provide us with an innovative tool set capable of supporting our long-term Smart Grid strategy," Mr Sutherland said.

Deployed in more than 25 countries, Telvent's ADMS supports utility companies in making power generation and distribution more efficient and sustainable.

Mr Sutherland said that by improving network efficiencies through intelligent automation, Unison would be able to monitor, control and improve overall knowledge of the state of its network.

Telvent Australia's managing director Marco Colli said its broad knowledge of infrastructure management systems for utilities put it in the ideal position to drive the greatest opportunities for Unison.

"The flexibility and depth of functionality in the ADMS will provide Unison with the ideal platform for their growth strategy. Unison has innovation as a core business value, an ideal attribute for Telvent's first project in New Zealand," he said.

Once implemented, the system will become Unison's principal operational network management application and will replace the ageing control and data systems currently in place.

The implementation project is expected to take two years and will be executed by Unison's Network and Information Management staff, assisted by Telvent specialists.

Telvent is owned by global energy management company Schneider Electric.

"Telvent is one of the strongest providers in this area, and it is pleasing for us to see that they are now part of Schneider Electric," Mr Sutherland said.

"When we form a partnership with a company, it is important for us to know who is behind them. Schneider Electric's ownership brings with it confidence for us that we can maintain this partnership well into the future."