IT in CGD

Course Name: City Gas Distribution

Course Code : 22PCM313T
Faculty: Dr. Namrata Bist Rawat
Sem : VI
GIS in CGD
▷ GIS are tools for capturing, storing, analysing and presenting spatial and geographical areas. CGD operators utilize these tools for mapping their
pipeline networks and CGD infrastructure., and CGD infrastructure and asset management.

▷ They add value to the CGD businesses by facilitating integration with other systems, leading to improvements in analysis, visualization , planning
and decision-making.

▷ To give a push to adoption of GIS by CGD players, in August 2015, PNGRB directed all authorised CGD entities to expedite GIS mapping of their
respective networks within the stipulated time frame and upload the same on their websites. They were also directed to share these details with the
respective state municipal authorities, so that they can the also up be aware of the network laid.

• Refers to the position of geographical entities and their relations, including basic geographic
locations and measurement of pipelines.
Spatial Data • It reflects spatial locations and the topological relationships between gas pipelines, equipment
and facilities.

• Comprises information such as material diameters and pressure levels of gas flows.

Attribute Data

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 Key benefits of deploying GIS in CGD

• GIS Technology provides leak survey tools that allow gas utilities to administer leakages.
Leaka
ge
• Leaks are plotted on digital GIS maps, and repair schedule are automatically generated and sent to repair crews stationed
Mana nearest to the leak.
geme
nt

• GIS helps in identification of exposed pipes at particular locations.

Risk • If a CGD company expects the demand to increase in that location, it can make prior plans to replace vulnerable pipes in order
Mana
geme to reduce the risk of damages.
nt

• Underground gas distribution pipes are usually made of steel and iron. They are thus prone to corrosion due to the proximity
Corro
sion
to earth and associated moisture. This requires Steel pipe lines to be kept cathodically protected.
Mana • GIS Technology provides company is a visual display of pipe segments that are or are not covered by cathodic protection.
geme
nt

Data • Allows data collection and processing of various information parameters such as geographical features, measurements,
Collec
tion pictures and videos of network and equipment.
and
Analy
sis

• GIS can be easily integrated with other systems such as SCADA and global positioning system (GPS). This allows easy
Intero
perab
sharing of information access devices and services
ility
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Key CGD operators deploying GIS
Indraprastha Gas
Limited
• In 2012, IGL undertook
implementation of GIS on gas
network for effective Asset
Management, network planning and
operations management.
• In 2013, most of its PNG network
for the north and West zone of
Delhi had been integrated with GIS
and it was being used for network
reference.
Mahanagar gas
GAIL gas Limited
Limited
• MGL began using GIS in 2002 with the • In 2014-15, GAIL Gas Limited
GE Smallworld 3.2.1 system, aiming to implemented a pilot web-based GIS
develop a more robust pipeline network. for its operations in Dewas, Madhya
• Since its initial infusion, MGL's entire
Pradesh.
pipeline network and all its critical
equipment installations have been
mapped by a GIS software. The company
also has maintenance and support
contracts in place and updates the base
map called Landbase on a quarterly basis.
• As a part of its GIS solutions, the
company provides facilities like gas
outage analyses, generic raster imports,
customer import modules and AutoCAD
imports. It also maintains hyperlinking
records that provide users with documents
like test certificates and commissioning
reports with regard to the laying of a
pipeline.
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 SCADA
▷ SCADA is a computer-based data acquisition
Component Description
system which gather operating data from
Human-Machine interface Presents data related to the
remote field locations. Data mainly comprises industrial process to the
the flow rate through pipelines, Operating Master Control station operator who for the monitors
the interface and controls it.
pressure and temperature readings.

▷ The system transmits the data through

Communication
Supervisory (computer) control Acquire data regarding the
communication links to control Centre system process and enables the
interface
locations for display and reporting. These operator to control the process.

centralised stations and simulate and manage

the data provided by SCADA and the Remote terminal unit Microprocessor controlled
Remote station control Local station control electronic device that is
compressor stations coma and assess the status centers centers connected to sensors and
converts sensor signals to
of the entire pipeline Network at any point of digital data, sent to the
supervisory system.
time. Allows the utility to monitor and control
the natural gas flow through pipe line.
Programmable logic Programmable logic
controllers controllers
▷ There are four key components crucial for Programmable logic control Digital computer used for the
automation of
working of a SCADA network. Field electromechanical processes.
instruments and devices, using Programmable
Logic controllers and remove terminal units Block valve stations Block valve stations
Communication infrastructre Connect the supervisory
coma units and control Centre. system to the remote terminal
units.

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 Facilities offered by a SCADA system
Issues in
integration of
old CNG
Alarm/ Event Trend generation Reports History stations with
processing SCADA.

Details of events On-demand trending Provision of daily Cyclical logging

occurring in the and easy configuration reports Inability to
change prices
pipeline control from remote
system SCADA station.

Key
Challenges
Central processing of Generation of real- Provision of Logging of alarms and Challenges in
alarms time and historic equipment availability events disaster
trends reports recovery and
obsolete
metering
infrastructure.

Facility of archiving Facility of grid and Exporting facility of Facility for disc
events/ alarms precise reading different file formats. backup
Inconsistent
communication
and signal
strength.

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Key CGD operators using SCADA system

GAIL gas Limited Mahanagar gas Limited Others

• GAIL gas Limited has engaged • In December 2015,
Larsen and Toubro Limited to install
• SCADA has helped
scada systems at its national and MGL by combining Assam gas company
regional gas management centres.
monitor data with limited invited tenders
• This has enabled the firm to monitor
for implementation of a
pipeline, conditions at major
customer terminals and gas
demand, SCADA system across
reconciliation; and take necessary environmental, its CGD network. The
corrective and preventive actions to
resolve any issues. physical and gas system is currently
• It has also implemented a centralised composition data under implementation.
scada system using the fast / tools • Similarly, Adani Gas
data communication package for all across the enterprise
its natural gas pipeline networks. It for business decision Limited and IGL has
relies on dual redundant front-end also installed SCADA to
processor servers for uninterrupted support.
monitoring and control. monitor pipeline
Network and operations.

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ERP/SAP
▷ An ERP system integrates information and processes from all functional divisions of an organisation, thereby easy access and a structured workflow. They add value to the
CGD businesses by facilitating integration with other systems, leading to improvements in analysis, visualization , planning and decision-making.

▷ It integrates divisions such as manufacturing, Finance, human capital, supply chain management, project management, and customer relations.

▷ The integration is achieved by creating a single database repository that can communicate with various software applications and provide different departments with
business statistics and information. Thus an ERP system integrates the external and internal flow of information across an organization.

▷ The most commonly deployed ERP solution by CGD operators in India is the German software called Systems, Applications and Products (SAP)

• Reduced manufacturing cycles, production costs, inventory overheads and manpower requirements
• Enhanced transparency in procurements.
Benefits • Lesser supply chain delays.
• Better utilisation of resources.
• Increased customer satisfaction.

• Insufficient training of end-users and employees.

• Single point of failure.
Challenges • Use of wrong ERP tools.
• Conflict among user departments.
• Failure of ERP software implementation.

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 Key CGD operators utilising ERP/SAP
Indraprastha Gas Limited
• IGL has upgraded its SAP system from
SAP R3 R3 to SAP ECC 6.0 EHP 7.0.
• The company also utilizes business
communication Management by SAP,
used for commodity networking
equipment. The solution offers multiple
channel support to users, chat sessions,
faxes and mobiles.
• IGL also utilizes SAP's multichannel
foundation for utilities, which is a
customer facing solution based on the
SAP NetWeaver Gateway. It allows
utilities to interact with their customers
through different communication
channels. The solution comprises a set
of standardized and reusable data
services that can be used by end user
applications to access data and processes
from SAP Business suite.
Mahanagar gas Limited
• MGL was one of the first CGD company
to have a SAP based customer care
module.
• The module can be easily accessed from
all its offices in and around Mumbai.
Entire business has been integrated
through the SAP- ERP system.
Gujarat Gas Limited
• Gujarat Gas Limited has implemented
ERP module including industry-specific
solution for utilities and customer care
systems, inventory management and
plant maintenance solutions of SAP to
address issues pertaining to billing,
revenue collection, customer services
management, metering management,
inventory handling and plant
management.
• This comprehensive SAP solution is
integrated with the existing SAP
solution for financial accounting and
procurement and significantly improve
the efficiency, effectiveness, reliability
and scalability of these functions.
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Key CGD operators utilising ERP/SAP
Central UP gas limited
• entral up Gas Limited
(CUGL) has implemented
ERP / SAP solutions in its
CGD operations.The firm has
implemented SAP B1, which
is also compatible with SAP
R3.
• SAP has resulted in benefits
such as easy building,
establishment of
management information
system, effective inventory
management, and smoother
query resolution.
Adani Gas limited
• Adani Gas Limited has also
deployed SAP to manage its
operations.
• The resulting benefits
include the provision of a
single window solution for
customers, shared services
for common processes such
as procurement and human
resource management, easy
transfer and relocation of
resources across the group,
and reduced durations of
billing and invoicing
processes.
GAIL Gas Limited
• The company implemented
the SAP ERP system in
October 2010.
• In 2011, it launched Asia's
first integrated gas
management system
implemented on the SAP
platform. The system helps in
monitoring the operational
aspects of the pipeline on a
real-time basis information
regarding network utilisation,
gas sales, volume transferred,
revenue generation and price
variations.
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Key Growth Drivers

Integration of collected Continuous government focus

information with other under is its smart cities mission;
systems and portals. stringent regulations focusing on
network and Asset Management.

Accurate mapping of CNG and

PNG supply networks. Growth of data driven industries
and Analytics.

Key Growth
Need for CGD players to
enhance operational efficiency
Drivers for Technological
developments and
by reducing gas leakages, network and advancements in
monitoring pressure flows and network and asset
tracking operations. Asset management systems.
management

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 Technology Trends and Advancements (1/4)

GIS Integration and Mobile GIS

• Owing to its interoperability, GIS technology is increasingly being integrated with GPS to map CGD networks and assets on advanced portals such as mobile applications and dedicated web-based
portals.
• Mobile GIS is increasingly playing an integral role in visualisation and data acquisition using handheld devices. It makes it easier for CGD players to capture network and assets from the field,
allowing real-time monitoring and data analysis. Integration with GPS allows the use of standard/base maps, making it easier to capture assets.

• A case in point is MGL which introduced an Android-based mobile application called 'myWorld' in 2015-16, to enable use of GIS technology on-the-go. The application is accessible to all its
employees.
• The company integrates GIS with GPS to monitor pipeline laying works on a real-time basis. This data is captured using a hand-held device and is ported directly into the GIS. This way, it avoids
the use of hard copy maps.
• Further, as part of its disaster management efforts, MGL is in the process of providing GIS technology to its emergency vans (which are deployed during unforeseen events such as pipeline
leakages) through mobile/tablets.
• The company is also promoting the use of GIS-enabled gadgets for patrolmen, which can be attached to bike handlebars,so that they can identify points on the pipeline network that require
immediate attention

Integration of SCADA

• SCADA also has the ability to merge with the Google Maps interface. Under this, gas stations are identified spatially and marked with different colours. At the same time, all adjacent geographies
are also marked to provide a detailed view of the area..
• SCADA is also increasingly supporting several operating systems such as MS Windows Server 2016, MS Windows 10 LTSB, MS Visual Studio 2015, MS SQL Server 2014 (64-bit only) and MS
Office 2016 (32 bit and 64 bit).

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 Technology Trends and Advancements (2/4)

Web-based SCADA System

• Several CGD operators are using web-enabled SCADA systems which provide control of a plant from anywhere through the web.
• For this data is acquired from the operational SCADA system's master stations or local control stations through the use of proxy servers. It is then transported to the web via appropriate communication
mediums.
• These web-based systems can connect with multiple servers and clients within the organisation, and at remote locations, to control and monitor the process..
• They are also capable of sending maintenance and breakdown reports through automated emails.

Using SCADA to Reflect Price Change

• SCADA systems are also being used by CGD operators to reflect change in CNG prices at their CNG stations.
• For instance, IGL is incentivising customers to use CNG by reducing their prices during non-peak hours. The company uses the SCADA system to reflect these changes at the CNG dispensers across 266
stations.

Cloud-based ERP

• Cloud applications are ideal for CGD operators facing issues associated with rising costs, escalating volumes of data, or running operations in real-time across difficult and remote asset bases.
• Several operators are using cloud-based ERP systems under two-tier ERP system strategies.
• These strategies allow companies to retain their existing core ERP systems while simultaneously running regional cloud-based ERP solutions at the local levels..
• In addition, with more stringent legal requirements, operators are directed to expand core ERP systems across their local stations. This is to ensure better governance, transparency, and customer services. In
such a scenario, moving to cloud based solutions can save operators the costs of expanding their core ERP systems.

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 Technology Trends and Advancements (3/4)
Advancements in SAP Modules

• SAP, the German company, has developed various modules of the SAP software featuring sector-specific tools and automated processes.
• For instance, it has developed SAP IS-OIL which helps oil and gas companies to gain better insights into their investment and maintenance projects, ensure project budgets are on target,
and improve the allocation of project resources.

• IT services company, Fujitsu, launched a SAP Qualified Rapid Deployment Solution for the CGD segment in India in 2012.
• The ERP solution provides flexibility to its clients by helping them to implement solutions in a phased manner and spreading the total entailed investment over the period of
implementation. Meanwhile, its pre-configuration features also offer low cost of ownership.

Key Benefits of SAP IS OIL SAP Modules Deployed by CGD Operators

Operator SAP modules deployed

Comprehensive planning and
Transparent processes and IGL Upgraded its SAP system from SAP R/3 to SAP ECC 6.0 EHP7.0. It has also
administration of plant
costs implemented new modules to enhance customer satisfaction such as CRM, customer
performance
complaint Shandling, and customer connect through multiple channels

Increasing productivity with
Targeted investments in plant
decreasing capital and extraction
development costs
CUGL Implemented the SAP B1 ERP solution in its operations, along with a unique customised
billing process. It plans to gradually migrate to a higher SAP versions such as SAP R3
ECC 6.0.
MGL Implemented a SAP-based customer care module and has integrated its entire business
through the SAP ERP system.
GAIL GAS Implemented the SAP ERP system in October 2010. In 2011, the company launched
Asia's first integrated gas management system implemented on the SAP platform.

High quality ,fission-critical Gujarat Gas Implemented SAP ERP modules such as IS-Utility Customer Care System, inventory
Secure investment
key performance indicators management and plant maintenance solutions.

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 Technology Trends and Advancements (4/4)
Overview of Various SAP Modules

Module Description
SAP Financial • This module helps employees manage data involved in financial and business transactions in a unified system
Accounting

SAP Controlling • It provides support to planning, reporting and monitoring operations of the businesses.
• It helps in managing and configuring master data covering costs, profits, internal orders, etc.

SAP Sales and • The module helps manage all transactions ranging from enquiries and proposals to quotations and pricing.
Distribution • It also helps greatly in inventory control and management.

SAP Production • The module includes software designed specifically for production planning and management
Planning • It collates master data, sales and operations planning, distribution resource planning, material requirements planning, and product cost planning.

SAP Material • It helps manage materials in enterprises.

Management • Different types of procurement processes are managed with this system. Some of the popular subcomponents in the module are vendor master data,
consumption-based planning. purchasing, inventory management, and invoice verification

SAP Quality • The module helps organisations to fast-track their business processes by adopting a structured and functional way of managing quality.
Management

SAP Human Capital • The module enhances the work process and data management within the HR department of enterprises.
Management • HR-related activities such as hiring, evaluating performances, managing promotions and compensations, and handling payrolls are processed using this
module.

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 Future Plans and Outlook
Further Off-take of SCADA
• While SCADA has been deployed by major CGD operators in the country, there
is still immense scope for deployment and expansion of SCADA systems.
• To this end, IGL is planning to upgrade its existing systems by automating all its
field systems and processes with the help of SCADA.
• Further, IGL is planning to centrally connect key components of a CNG station
such as inlet flow meters/metering skid, gas compressors and gas
chromatography through SCADA. This will enable their online monitoring and
analysis.
• Further, the OData protocol version 4.0 of SCADA is likely to gain importance in
the years to come. The key benefits offered by OData include authentication,
real time access and maintenance of historical data collected through the
system.
Advanced SAP Systems
• With technological advancements, advanced ERP/SAP solutions are
expected in the future.
• Thus, CGD operators are expected to upgrade their existing ERP solutions to
further smoothen their operations in the years to come.
GIS Integration
• Operators are planning to further deploy GIS solutions for network mapping.
• Going forward, there exists significant opportunity for CGD players to take
advantage of the increasing mobile use in the country, and mobile
technological advancements.
• They can integrate GIS technologies with innovative web portals and mobile
applications to allow for real-time monitoring and geo-tagging of gas pipeline
networks, stations, and other infrastructure.
• Further, players can also leverage this technology to monitor their fleet
indulging in transportation of gas cylinders to various stations.
Cloud-based Management
• The CGD industry is still new to the adoption of cloud-based applications.
Operators have remained wary of cloud applications mainly owing to data
privacy and security concerns across their global portfolios, and the need to
recoup the existing investments that have been made in their on-premises
solutions.
• As companies revisit and re-evaluate their operational models to see where
they can increase value and efficiency, these apprehensions are expected to
diminish and companies are expected to move to cloud-based solutions
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Thank You