We also learned that streetlight components are one of the exceptions for equipment that can be installed within it, specifically:

• Span wires or brackets for luminaires (streetlights) or traffic signals (Rule 238C)
• Drip loops to supply power to streetlights (Rule 238D)

It’s important to understand how to apply these guidelines in real-life situations.

The Rule of Four

The regulations in NESC Rule 238, establish what some industry professionals call “the rule of four”—streetlight clearances are either 4 inches or 40 inches, depending on specific conditions.

Grounded vs. ungrounded streetlights

A significant change occurred in the 2017 version of the NESC that fundamentally altered streetlight installation practices. Prior to 2017, ungrounded streetlights could be installed in the Communication Worker Safety Zone with a 20-inch clearance. However, the 2017 Code revision increased this requirement to 40 inches, effectively prohibiting ungrounded streetlights in the safety zone.

For grounded streetlights, the minimum clearance remains at 4 inches, provided there is a visible bond from the pole ground to the streetlight fixture. This grounding requirement ensures that any electrical fault will be safely conducted to ground rather than creating a hazard for communication workers.

Drip loop considerations

The Code allows drip loops serving streetlights to come as close as 12 inches to communication equipment. However, if the streetlight itself is positioned closer than 12 inches (down to the 4-inch minimum for grounded lights), an exception permits the drip loop to be positioned as close as 3 inches— only if it’s covered with “suitable non-metallic covering.”

This “suitable covering” requirement uses deliberately vague language, leaving room for interpretation. Electrical tape would not qualify as suitable covering due to weather degradation concerns. Instead, utilities typically use specialized plastic or rubber coverings designed to protect communication workers from exposed wiring that may have deteriorated insulation.

Additional equipment restrictions

A common question in the field involves mounting additional equipment—such as traffic cameras, wireless meters, or radio equipment—on streetlight brackets. Despite the streetlight exception, these additional devices must maintain the full 40-inch clearance from communication equipment. The streetlight exception does not extend to auxiliary equipment, even if it’s powered through the streetlight’s electrical connection.

In our NESC training classes, we break down the complexities of the Code, such as the Communication Worker Safety Zone, and demonstrate how to apply it to real-life scenarios. This knowledge helps you in your daily work and is critical for ensuring safety and compliance. We offer a range of class options, from 90-minute overviews to in-depth 2-day classes that can be delivered onsite or online.

Know the Code. Stay safe.

Learn more about NESC and OSHA training classes with IKE

Grant Glaus is a registered professional electrical engineer with 25 years of experience in electric utility engineering, including line design, planning studies, joint use, and teaching NESC®, OSHA, and distribution line design classes. He has served on IEEE NESC committees since 2006 and is currently a member of the NESC Main Committee and Subcommittee 5 Overhead Lines–Strength and Loading. Before joining IKE, Grant had 15 years of experience supervising the engineering department at Columbia Rural Electric Association.

The post Understanding the NESC rules for streetlights in the Communication Worker Safety Zone appeared first on ikeGPS.

Today we launched PolePilot, a new AI-powered assistant built into IKE Office Pro that automates much of this process. Using computer vision models, PolePilot identifies equipment on poles—such as power lines, fiber, transformers, and streetlights—and records heights of attachment automatically, cutting down the time, cost and errors of manual annotation.

Why PolePilot matters for utilities and telecom providers

For industry professionals charged with managing thousands of poles, data accuracy and efficiency are critical. Manual annotation requires time, experience, and strict quality control, yet errors or inconsistencies can still creep in. PolePilot addresses these challenges directly:

• Faster analysis – Pole equipment and attachment heights are automatically detected and marked, accelerating workflows and reducing backlogs.
• Optimized display – Colorful, transparent overlays highlight key equipment and measurements can be auto-arranged for easy review and clearer reporting.
• Improved consistency – AI-driven annotations reduce human error and standardize results across teams.
• Lower onboarding hurdles – New analysts can be trained faster, since PolePilot handles much of the heavy initial photo analysis work.
• Optimized QC processes – Analysts and supervisors can focus on review and exception handling rather than repetitive annotation.

As utilities and telecom providers look to expand and harden networks—driven by grid modernization and fiber broadband expansion—the need for scalable, reliable data insights has never been greater. PolePilot is designed with precisely these priorities in mind.

Built on IKE’s expertise in overhead networks

PolePilot is the latest advancement in IKE’s automation capabilities, which includes applications for double wood detection and joint-use ticket automation. These tools are collectively helping utilities and their engineering partners streamline asset management tasks that historically consumed valuable time and resources.

By bringing automated annotation into IKE Office Pro, PolePilot transforms one of the most labor-intensive parts of pole data analysis. Our goal is to leverage our expertise in pole imagery to remove friction from the process.

Field-proven through real-world testing

PolePilot underwent beta testing with industry partners. During the beta program, participants reported shorter analysis times, improved data consistency, and new efficiencies in training and quality control.

Matthew Carroll of Linetec Services, one of the beta testers, highlighted how PolePilot accelerated the handoff between initial tagging and QC review:

“PolePilot helps improve consistency in the HOA tagging process. It will help speed up the QC process as well as onboard new hires that may not have as much industry experience.”

This combination of speed, accuracy and usability translates into reduced operational costs and faster project timelines.

Stay tuned for future applications of PolePilot for overhead asset management across IKE’s suite.

Learn more about PolePilot for IKE Office Pro

Elizabeth Etzel is Product Manager for IKE Office Pro’s mobile field data collection and data management solutions. With a foundation in geography, GIS and ecological fieldwork, Elizabeth began her career conducting environmental and biological surveys, before moving into environmental education. During her nearly eight years at IKE, she has served in roles across support, training, solutions engineering and product development. Elizabeth oversees product roadmaps, feature prioritization, user experience design and monthly release cycles. She leads discovery, requirements gathering and feedback sessions, collaborating closely with engineers and analysts to deliver customer-focused solutions. Her expertise spans GNSS, geospatial data, product integration, QA and technical writing, with a strong emphasis on improving workflows.

The post Introducing PolePilot™: Intelligent automation for utility pole analysis appeared first on ikeGPS.

Speed and accuracy of data collection, along with the ability to collaborate between parties, are at the center of the pole attachment conundrum. Broadband providers have long said that delays in gathering pole data, preparing documentation, or performing structural analysis can derail entire projects. From the other perspective, utilities claim that an incomplete or inconsistent application can consume valuable utility resources and raise compliance and safety risks under the new FCC guidelines.

Two major proposed changes:

• Contractor approvals must be completed within 30 days, or requests are automatically deemed approved.
• Large attachment requests (3,000+ poles) must follow defined timelines, with firm deadlines for each stage of review.

Utilities claim that these two rules mean less flexibility. Attachers say this is a preferable path forward, but they will need to supply complete, utility-compliant data quickly to make these rules effective. The bottom line: both sides must embrace faster, more reliable ways to manage pole information and structural analysis.

Accurate field data that is easily shared among stakeholders is critical to successful pole attachment projects. Missing measurements, inconsistent photos, or poorly formatted records can lead to rejections and weeks of delay. Fortunately, the IKE Device and IKE Office Pro were designed to address these exact issues while providing a centralized platform to access data.

With the IKE Device, enabled field teams can capture all necessary measurements, notes and photos into a standardized digital platform, eliminating data errors and inconsistencies inherent in manual data collection. All pole data is stored in one place, and make-ready assessments are properly formatted for utility review. The data can also be used to automatically populate joint-use forms directly via IKE Office Pro’s scripting capabilities. By ensuring that documentation meets utility and regulatory standards from the start, IKE Office Pro lowers the likelihood of rework or rejected applications. Since pole owners, attachers and engineering partners have secure access to pole data, they can view, analyze and verify information. This eliminates the endless email exchanges that often result in miscommunication, field revisits and wasted time. IKE Office Pro allows broadband providers to move their fiber projects forward with confidence and gives utilities trust in the accuracy and completeness of applications.

Ensuring that every attachment complies with the National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) and individual utility safety standards is the job of IKE PoleForeman. By providing standardized structural analysis, disputes and project delays are minimized. IKE PoleForeman makes analysis consistent, accurate and easy to manage. NESC safety code requirements are built into IKE PoleForeman, ensuring every pole is analyzed against the correct standards. Attachers and utilities share the same pole loading analysis calculation models which reduces the risk of conflicting results. IKE PoleForeman can process and generate results quickly even for large orders involving thousands of poles. This allows the project to align with the new, tighter FCC guidelines.

Pole data collected with the IKE Device, measured with IKE Office Pro and analyzed with IKE PoleForeman creates an end-to-end system for managing pole attachments that is unified and transparent to all parties. Utilities have the assurance of having tools that produce confidence in meeting the new, FCC guidelines. Attachers find it easier to submit complete, accurate and compliant applications. This reduces risk in project rejection, keeping the broadband project on track. Contractors will have a defined data and process structure that ensures that regulatory and utility expectations are met.

The new FCC rules demand an increase in efficiency at every step. From field data collection to documentation to analysis, IKE ensures that joint-use stakeholders can focus on building and maintaining safe, reliable infrastructure instead of getting bogged down in paperwork and disputes.

Schedule a demo to see how IKE can help you meet the FCC’s new pole attachment rules.

Request a Demo

John J. Simmins is the Director of the Advanced Power Grid Laboratory at Alfred University. His responsibilities include using the unique facilities to research renewable energy integration research, study on the impact of DERs on grid stability and performance, and research the optimization of energy storage and distributed generation systems . Alfred provides undergraduate and graduate degrees in Renewable Energy Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, as well as Glass and Ceramic Engineering. Dr. Simmins spent ten years at EPRI as a Technical Executive before going to Alfred. At EPRI he studied the intersection of augmented reality, artificial intelligence, and geospatial information systems. He holds a B.S. and Ph.D. in Ceramic Engineering from Alfred University.

The post How to streamline pole attachment processes to meet the FCC’s new rules appeared first on ikeGPS.

We are proud to announce the launch of a new version of IKE’s pole loading analysis application, IKE PoleForeman v1.1, the most trusted PLA software by electric utilities. IKE PoleForeman is an industry-leading solution used to streamline workflows, build reliable structural models, and achieve National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) compliance.

IKE PoleForeman v1.1 introduces new features and integration capabilities to make your work more efficient and effective. This latest release builds on our commitment to providing cutting-edge tools that meet the evolving needs of the power, telecommunication, and engineering industries.

New feature highlights

CSV Import Option

A new CSV import option makes it easier than ever to get data into IKE PoleForeman. Users can now import poles, anchors, spans, and topography for an entire project, streamlining the process of building out pole lines. This feature allows for the bulk import of data, often easily retrieved from a utility’s GIS, enabling users to complete their work more quickly.

Enhanced Analysis Configuration and Modeling Options

With new analysis configuration options, expanded pole modeling options, and updated sag and tension offerings, users and organizations now have more flexibility. These enhancements provide greater control over the analysis process and improve the accuracy of results.

Advanced Insulator Modeling and Analysis

The latest release includes enhanced modeling and analysis of insulators, including insulator uplift checks and hang angle visualization. These improvements enable advanced visualization of key infrastructure, helping users make more informed decisions.

New Configuration Options

Updates to the administrative portal provide organizations with more control and configuration options. New features include configuring multiple NESC analysis rules, presets for all analysis cases, and new configuration options for sag and tension. These upgrades empower organizations to tailor the software to their specific needs.

How IKE can help

Used by some of the largest electric utilities in the country, IKE PoleForeman has been a trusted partner in creating system resilience for more than 20 years. It fully integrates with IKE Office Pro, enabling high volumes of poles to be imported for fast analysis. Additionally, users can export pole loading data into the formats and systems most commonly used across the industry.

Learn more about IKE PoleForeman

Matt Cain is a Director of Product Management for ikeGPS. Matt has spent more than 18 years in the utility and software industries with experience in field data collection, training, software implementation, and product management. He holds a BA in Integrated Social Studies from The Ohio State University.

The post Announcing IKE PoleForeman v1.1: Enhanced structural analysis features and integration capabilities appeared first on ikeGPS.

The National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) is set for its next revision in 2028, and the comment period on the proposed changes opened July 1, 2025 and will remain open until March 24, 2026​.

Understanding the potential changes is crucial for professionals in the electric utility and telecommunications industries. The NESC sets the foundation for safety standards in electrical systems, impacting various job roles from utility leadership to regulatory agencies to engineering service providers. Updating the NESC is necessary to better protect workers, the public, and facilities during the installation, operation, and maintenance of power and communications networks.

Major changes proposed for the 2028 NESC

Current change proposals and NESC subcommittee recommendations include:

New Part 5 with rules addressing generating stations

• Covers any areas, buildings, or rooms where generation equipment is located
• Specifies that these spaces be accessible only to qualified workers

Changes to joint-use grounding and bonding requirements

• Addresses feedback that the wording in previous Code versions did not meet the intent that every pole ground must be bonded to both the neutral and communication messengers
• Intended to minimize the exposure of a worker on the pole to a potentially fatal voltage

Changes to some clearance rules

• Multiple changes to clearances above ground (Rule 232), including for service drops and areas traversed by vehicles
• Changes to elevation-based adders for determining vertical clearance from high voltage transmission lines to distribution or communication lines
• Clarification on the clearance rules from street light drip loops and traffic light drip loops to communications cables in the communication worker safety zone, when the drip loop is covered by a suitable nonmetallic covering

Updated extreme wind and extreme ice maps

• New maps based on updated weather observations (Rule 250C and 250D)
• May change the amount of ice and wind that must be applied to the line in some regions

Changes to substation fence rules

• Increase in the distance allowed between a substation fence and a neighboring fence from six feet to 10 feet

The NESC revision process

The Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) updates the Code every five years to stay current with evolving technologies and safety practices in the power and communications sectors. First, they solicit change proposals from the public. Technical subcommittees review the proposals and publish them for public comment. Subcommittees review comments and submit final revisions to the NESC Main Committee and the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) for approval. Finally, the Code is published by IEEE.

How to obtain a copy of the proposed changes and submit comments

You can request a copy of the proposed changes and submit comments until March 24, 2026. Additional information can be found at standards.ieee.org/nesc.

Training your workforce

Training on the latest NESC rules is critical for ensuring worker safety and compliance. Our NESC training offerings break down the complexities of the Code and how to apply it to daily work, making it accessible and applicable for utility and communications workers.

Know the Code. Stay safe.

Learn more about NESC and OSHA training classes with IKE

Grant Glaus is a registered professional electrical engineer with 25 years of experience in electric utility engineering, including line design, planning studies, joint use, and teaching NESC®, OSHA, and distribution line design classes. He has served on IEEE NESC committees since 2006 and is currently a member of the NESC Main Committee and Subcommittee 5 Overhead Lines–Strength and Loading. Before joining IKE, Grant had 15 years of experience supervising the engineering department at Columbia Rural Electric Association.

The post What to expect in the next version of the NESC appeared first on ikeGPS.

Risks and roadblocks with the traditional approach to pole data collection

If you’ve ever worked in the field, you know the drill: hauling out a Hastings stick, juggling paper forms, and trying to take accurate measurements while traffic whizzes by or a dog barks from the next yard. These methods, while tried and true, come with serious downsides:

• Safety hazards: Measuring midspans over busy roads, navigating dense vegetation, or entering unfamiliar properties, or entering unfamiliar properties exposes fielders to real risks-traffic accidents, animal encounters, and environmental hazards.
• Physical demands: Carrying heavy, bulky equipment all day is exhausting and can lead to injuries.
• Inefficiency: Manual note-taking, limited stick reach, and the need for two-person crews slow down projects. Errors in handwriting or measurement can mean costly repeat visits.
• Data quality issues: Paper forms and manual sketches are prone to mistakes and can be hard to verify later, especially when disputes arise.

Field professionals often share stories about near-misses in traffic, equipment mishaps, or lost notes that forced them to revisit sites. These aren’t just anecdotes – they’re symptoms of a system in need of innovation.

Enter IKE: A modern solution

The IKE Device, paired with IKE Office Pro, addresses these pain points head-on. Here’s how:

1. Safety first

With IKE, field technicians can collect midspan measurements and visible pole data from a safe distance. The Device’s integrated camera and laser tools allow accurate measurement from the sidewalk or road shoulder, helping reduce risk and streamline fieldwork.

When the entire pole is visible, even from a distance, technicians can often complete the capture without needing direct access. However, if the base is obscured by vegetation or behind locked fences, additional access may be required. When the base of the pole is physically accessible, an offset stick can assist.

2. Speed and efficiency

With IKE, what once took a two-person crew an entire day can now be accomplished by one person in a fraction of the time. Fielders can collect data on 80-100 poles per day, compared to the traditional 12-20. Digital workflows eliminate the need for manual sketches and notes, allowing fielders to focus on collecting high-quality data and staying aware of their surroundings.

3. Data quality and verifiability

Every IKE measurement and annotation is tied to high-resolution, laser-calibrated photographs. This creates a permanent, verifiable digital record-essential for audits, permitting, or resolving disputes. Back-office teams can review and quality-check data without setting foot in the field.

IKE Office Pro is designed to efficiently handle vertical separation measurements and other specialized needs, moving tedious calculations from the field to the back office. This not only saves time and promotes field safety but also improves accuracy and consistency.

4. Seamless back-office integration

Once field data is collected, it’s uploaded to IKE Office Pro. Here, teams and authorized third parties can:

• Review images and measurements
• Annotate and validate data
• Use data to conduct pole loading analysis
• Generate reports and share with stakeholders

This reduces errors, streamlines workflows, and ensures everyone is working from the same accurate information. IKE Office Pro offers direct integration with PLA applications, along with API and export options, at no additional cost (unlike many of our competitors).

Benefits of advanced fielding and pole data management solutions

• Safety: Fewer accidents and injuries mean lower insurance costs and greater peace of mind for field crews.
• Productivity: Projects move faster, with smaller field crews, fewer site visits and less downtime.
• Data quality: Verifiable digital records reduce disputes, speed up permitting, and improve overall project outcomes.

Conclusion

The days of hazardous, slow, and error-prone pole data collection are numbered. With tools like IKE Device and IKE Office Pro, field teams can work safer, faster, and smarter-delivering better results for their organizations and the communities they serve.

Interested in seeing IKE in action? Reach out for a tailored demo and discover how you can transform your fielding operations today.

Request a Demo

Spencer Hankin is a Senior GIS Manager for ikeGPS. He has worked in every aspect of OSP aerial engineering including fielding poles in remote areas, building PLAs, managing field teams, and overseeing fiber design projects from start to finish as a lead OSP engineer. He holds an undergraduate degree in Geology from the University of Colorado and an MBA from the University of Redlands with a concentration in Location Analytics.

The post Safety and speed in pole data collection appeared first on ikeGPS.

National Electrical Safety Code (NESC) Guidelines

The NESC provides comprehensive guidelines for establishing clearances between power and communication equipment on utility poles. Two primary rules govern these clearances:

• Rule 235C: Addresses vertical clearances for wires, conductors, and cables on the same supporting structures.
• Rule 238: Covers vertical clearances between communications and supply equipment and facilities.

Together, these rules define the communication worker safety zone, a space that separates communication equipment from power supply lines. This zone creates room on the pole for the communication worker to do their work without coming into contact with the power above, which may be energized at tens of thousands of volts. The communication worker safety zone is often 40 inches, but the NESC allows less than 40 inches for certain types of wires and equipment and requires more than 40 inches for other configurations.

Defining Equipment for Clearance Measurements

NESC Rule 238A provides specific definitions for equipment when measuring clearances:

• For supply (power) equipment: Non-current carrying metal parts of equipment are considered.
• For communication equipment: Both metal and non-metallic supports or braces associated with communication cables and conductors are included.

This distinction is crucial when determining the top of the communication space and the bottom of the supply space.

Measuring Clearances on Crossarms

When measuring clearances for communication cables on crossarms, it’s essential to consider the highest point of communication equipment, not just the cable itself. This includes:

• The bolt through the crossarm holding the cable
• The top of the hardware supporting the cable, for example the three-bolt clamp
• The braces bolted to the crossarm

The highest communication cable or equipment is the top of the communication space, and vertical clearances to the lowest power conductor or equipment must be maintained.

Exceptions in the Safety Zone

While the communication worker safety zone is generally a restricted area, there are some exceptions:

• Span wires or brackets carrying luminaires and traffic signals
• Drip loops associated with light fixtures or traffic signals
• Vertical risers for transitioning from overhead to underground systems

Minimum Approach Distances

In addition to the safety zone, communication workers must adhere to minimum approach distances:

• Unqualified workers: Must maintain a 10-foot distance from energized equipment
• Qualified workers: Can work closer, with specific distances based on voltage levels (e.g., 2 feet 3 inches for a 12.5 kV phase-to-phase line). Qualified communication workers must understand and follow the OSHA 1910.268 Telecommunications standard and Part 4 of the NESC.

Conclusion

Understanding the nuances of measuring clearances and defining safety zones on joint-use utility poles is crucial for ensuring worker safety and compliance with NESC guidelines. By properly identifying equipment boundaries and adhering to established clearance rules, utilities and communication companies can maintain a safe working environment for all personnel involved in pole maintenance and repairs.

Know the Code. Stay safe.

Learn more about NESC and OSHA training classes with IKE

Grant Glaus is a registered professional electrical engineer with 25 years of experience in electric utility engineering, including line design, planning studies, joint use, and teaching NESC®, OSHA, and distribution line design classes. He has served on NESC® Subcommittee 5, Overhead Lines – Strengths and Loadings since 2006.

The post What is the Communication Worker Safety Zone? appeared first on ikeGPS.

The weather loading rules are:

NESC Rule 250B: General Ice and Wind

Heavy, medium, or light load analysis is needed based on the location

NESC Rule 250C: Extreme Wind

Such as those that come with extreme summer storms

• Required for poles 60+ feet above ground to withstand winds up to 150 mph
• Commonly used on poles less than 60 feet for hardening feeders to improve system resiliency, restoration times, and reliability indices (i.e. SAIDI, SAIFI, CAIDI)

NESC Rule 250D: Extreme Ice with Concurrent Wind

Such as those that come with extreme winter storms

• Provides geographic ice and wind loadings based on historical meteorological data
• Ice loads can reach 1.50 inches with wind speeds up to 60 mph

Performing pole loading analysis (PLA) using NESC load cases will help gain an understanding about the percent loading on the pole. Poles with utilization percentages at or above 100% do not meet NESC minimum requirements. This means that in the case of extreme climatic conditions the pole may fail and therefore should be replaced, reinforced or re-engineered.

PLA software options like IKE PoleForeman enable users to quickly model distribution networks and determine if NESC standards are met. In addition, users can quickly alter weather patterns and re-analyze loading for a high number of poles in a short period.

What do these structural analysis requirements mean for a more resilient network? They set the bar for a mitigation against environmental factors and provide the baseline for safety.

Know the Code. Stay safe.

Learn more about NESC and OSHA training classes with IKE

Grant Glaus is a registered professional electrical engineer with 25 years of experience in electric utility engineering, including line design, planning studies, joint use, and teaching NESC®, OSHA, and distribution line design classes. He has served on NESC® Subcommittee 5, Overhead Lines – Strengths and Loadings since 2006.

The post NESC Weather Loadings appeared first on ikeGPS.

The National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS) is an organization of member utilities created to improve the coordination of ventures between utilities and third parties, such as pole transfers, new construction, joint trenching, and safety/compliance projects.

NJUNS operates as a not-for-profit consortium, funded and managed by utility companies to improve safety, reduce costs, and decrease liability.

Since its inception in 1997, NJUNS has expanded to serve over 13,000 users across 30 states, continuously improving its communication system.

Why was NJUNS created?

NJUNS was created in response to a fatal accident involving a pole transfer, leading Georgia Power and BellSouth to develop a better communication system for utility coordination.

What does the NJUNS system enable?

NJUNS designed a software-based system to promote efficient communication and coordination among utility companies concerning joint-use projects. It enables project stakeholders to communicate and track field workflows and obtain up-to-date information.

NJUNS offers an API to support integration with utilities’ internal systems or databases.

What are some common challenges associated with managing NJUNS tickets?

NJUNS ticket requests can really add up – stemming from active fiber broadband pole attachment programs and continued emphasis on utility infrastructure upgrades. Finding the right data across different systems further complicates the process. Pole owners and attachers are utilizing data from multiple sources to generate notifications, inconsistently populating fields and creating a mess for those responsible for using and maintaining NJUNS tickets.

For many organizations, this leads to a growing backlog of unprocessed or incorrect tickets, putting them at risk with contractual or regulatory obligations.

Are there solutions that help alleviate resource strain and reduce liability?

Solutions that help improve data accuracy and remove bottlenecks in complicated joint-use processes can help alleviate the strain on resources and reduce liabilities.

IKE recently announced a new AI-powered analytics solution to address the challenge: Joint-Use Ticket Automation from IKE Insight transforms the manual process of creating and updating NJUNS tickets using intelligent automation. By applying natural language and pole-specific AI capabilities to existing pole data sets, it normalizes the disparate data into proper ticket structure per utility specifications then creates or updates tickets via API.

Learn more about IKE Insight’s intelligent automation for NJUNS ticketing.

Kathleen (Kat) Szot-Fritz has more than 15 years of experience in PR, communications and marketing across diverse industries. Kat has spent nearly half of her career in the energy industry, including roles with Northern Indiana Public Service Company (NIPSCO) and GE. She holds a BA in economics and art history from the University of Notre Dame.

The post NJUNS: What is it, and why is it important? appeared first on ikeGPS.

Our mission at IKE is helping power and communications providers tackle complex challenges involving overhead asset management. So often, the solutions come down to having quality asset data and analysis.

That’s why I’m thrilled for our latest product news: The launch of two new analytics solutions driven by common industry needs and challenges.

Many data and analysis processes involving overhead infrastructure can be manual, time-consuming and error prone. AI, predictive analytics, and machine learning offer significant opportunities to automate many of these tasks, but to be successful they must be paired with extensive industry expertise and designed for specific, actionable use cases.

Built on IKE’s 20+ years of expertise in pole data and structural analysis, we have developed two new applications of IKE Insight, our AI-powered analytics solution. Specifically designed for utility poles, these capabilities were developed to help achieve critical industry objectives – asset maintenance, make-ready engineering, and joint-use permitting.

How does IKE Insight work?

IKE Insight uses image-based asset intelligence to transform public and private network data into actionable insights on overhead utility infrastructure. And it does so by leveraging existing data – including street-level imagery, drone footage, findings from past audits, and more.

It uses these very large and complex data sets to detect objects on poles, such as wires and attachments, measure spans and assess pole complexity. These pole insights help answer critical questions about your assets.

IKE Insight’s modules are configurable – you can apply your business rules or conditions to the data to gain the insights most meaningful to your organization.

What does IKE Insight enable?

IKE Insight enables you to assess the state of your system at scale with less manual effort by in-field or back-office teams. It can help you discover hidden opportunities for investment allocation or cost avoidance in a drastically more efficient way than traditional methods.

IKE Insight’s new modules:

• Double Wood Detective
  IKE’s system identifies or validates double wood instances at a network-level without an in-field visit. By delivering accurate records, it helps address an important public and worker safety concern and insurance liability.
• Joint-Use Ticket Automation
  The IKE system revolutionizes National Joint Utilities Notification System (NJUNS) ticket creation and delivery by eliminating manual data entry and human error. Ideal for maintenance, relocation, new construction and safety/compliance projects, IKE Insight leverages advanced natural language capabilities to seamlessly reconcile large, disparate, inconsistent data sets and efficiently populate NJUNS ticket fields.

This launch wouldn’t have been successful without input from our key customers and partners. We have more features on the horizon, so please stay tuned!

Learn more about IKE Insight’s intelligent automation for utility poles.

Brett Willitt is Senior VP of Product for ikeGPS. Brett has more than 25 years of telecommunications and electric utility asset management experience and is widely considered one of the leading structural analysis and structure management experts in the US. He holds a BS in Civil Engineering from Clarkson University.

The post How IKE’s new intelligent automation capabilities improve overhead infrastructure management appeared first on ikeGPS.