Assessment of key success factors in the utilization of geographic information system for distribution electrical network at Tenaga Nasional Berhad

Abstract

Tenaga Nasional Berhad Distribution Network (TNB DN) has embarked on the development of a Geographic Information System (GIS) since 2009 to map and digitize TNB DN electrical assets, networks and customers’ premise. GIS is one of the enablers for TNB becoming a smart electric utility towards grid of the future. Previous GIS implementation needs to be re-implemented due to problems with the GIS components. The components comprised system, data, business process and user have led to low utilization of GIS that impacted data asset mapping delivery date and data quality. As a result, the management of TNB decided GIS to be re-implemented and to ensure that it is successful. Therefore, Key Success Factors (KSFs) were chosen due to their high influence on the outcome of a project status. The re-implementation took placed in Cheras area as the case study. The study developed a revised strategy for evaluation of successful GIS re-implementation through KSFs methodology. Data from previous implementations such as surveys, workshops and feedback from users of TNB Cheras were used as secondary data. A revised strategy was planned to implement the propose improvements, enhancement and new methods from the review exercise based on GIS components. KSFs were identified from the implementation of a TNB GIS success model. The KSFs were later developed and implemented on GIS components using Technical Evaluation Data Sheet (TEDS), which was established to measure the success of the re-implementation of the GIS components. The TEDS of the KSFs were executed for pre-evaluation and post evaluation phases. In addition, measurement methods namely, Mean Score method (MSm) and System Usability Scale survey ranking method (SUSsrm) were used to determine the KSFs outcome. The outcomes of these two measurement methods established KSFs index and both evaluation phases showed results above 85%. In conclusion, the study in Cheras was a success with the KSFs index post evaluation of 88%. Based on the findings, the top management of TNB approved the outcome of the KSFs index of post evaluation and have agreed to rollout the project nationwide using Cheras GIS re-implementation methods as the benchmark.