March 05, 2025

WPPI Energy, Waupun Utilities team up to enhance field work

Technology Suite

A show of shared strength can come in many forms. One most recent example of the teamwork between WPPI Energy staff and its members comes from Waupun, where the locally owned utility has begun using an app to streamline its Public Service Commission inspections.

WPPI Energy GIS Manager Tyler Caulum worked with Waupun Utilities staff to build the app together. It functions as a faster way for workers to log structure inspections for review by the PSC.

“Efficiency is greatly improved,” Caulum said. “In the past, they would have to take paper sheets into the field and go through all the questions one by one. Not only is it repetitive and time consuming to have to write everything down, but it makes for poor record keeping. With the app, every question is in a pre-filled drop-down menu, so they just click on the status of the feature.”

A Geographic Information System creates, analyzes and maps data. Users can provide context to mapping by collecting data in the field. With that information, users can better understand the area and maintain historical records.

For field operators, that means tracking progress directly from a mobile device with a touch screen. It is dynamic and can be updated in real time.

Waupun Utilities Assistant Electric Superintendent Owen VandeKolk credited the teamwork of just a few weeks to bringing a much easier method of meeting inspections requirements.

“It’s all of the information we need, right where we can find it,” VandeKolk said. “We can track all the details to each feature, and it helps that the table can be easily exported and sent digitally. We are really glad we were able to work with Tyler to make this possible in just a few weeks.”

With teamwork amongst WPPI Energy members, each utility can share best practices for future use of the computer-based tool. Utilities can use GIS for asset and outage management, network planning and analysis, customer service, emergency responses and field operations.

Caulum joined WPPI Energy in 2024 to expand GIS services for members. This project highlights how improving technology helps everyone meet tasks more quickly and efficiently with the help of GIS.

“Applications like these are relatively easy to implement and can be done regardless of the status of existing GIS,” Caulum said. “If there is a task that is being done on paper, it can be turned into an app on an iPad. Doing so will not only improve efficiency but enable the use of other geospatial tools to analyze systems and track progress. This is just the tip of the iceberg.”