How ElectraNet transformed asset management operations through advanced image recognition in KNIME
80% time savings by reducing time spent on manually auditing.
Model accuracy of 99.5%, leading to an improved SAP data quality.
Enhanced SME efficiency, leading to improved asset management and decision-making.
ElectraNet operates South Australia’s extensive energy transmission network, spanning over 200,000 square kilometres. With assets and equipment valued at over $2.5 billion AUD, the company plays a critical role in supporting South Australia’s economy. As the owner and operator of this vast network, ElectraNet's priorities include:
Operating in a region recognised as a global leader in adopting Variable Renewable Energy (VRE), ElectraNet's story emphasises the need for innovative solutions to meet industry demands and drive progress in sustainable energy transmission.
ElectraNet manages a vast high-voltage transmission network with diverse assets like towers and lines. Ageing infrastructure increases electrical accident risks and maintenance costs, but manual inspections were labour-intensive—requiring approximately 400 days for 40,000 images. This ultimately led to slow defect detection and high labour costs. Accurate data validation and condition monitoring were critical for maintenance prioritisation, which is why ElectraNet decided to seek out a user-friendly, low-code analytics tool for faster deployment, scalability, and accurate decision-making.
To elevate their operations, ElectraNet made the strategic decision to expand their digital capabilities. This empowered their engineers to make better-informed decisions, which drives improved data quality and boosts the return on investment.
ElectraNet partnered with Prophix Australia (formerly Forest Grove) and KNIME. The KNIME platform met ElectraNet’s specific criteria by offering a low-code, GUI-based workflow that is simple for engineers to use. They wanted a flexible, user-friendly solution, with fast time-to-value. Prophix Australia (formerly Forest Grove), a leading Australian consulting firm with over two decades of experience and KNIME were the ideal partners to deliver this end-to-end analytics solution and help ElectraNet achieve the results they were looking for.
ElectraNet has been working with Prophix Australia and KNIME for over 2 years. They have collaboratively built advanced image analytics solutions to identify insulator asset sub-class accurately and effectively across 15,000 transmission towers.
ElectraNet enhanced their digital capabilities to empower Engineers with data-driven decisions, improve data quality, and maximise ROI. With Prophix and KNIME, they developed advanced image analytics to classify insulator assets across 15,000 transmission towers.
By integrating the outputs of these advanced analytical solutions into SAP, ElectraNet unlocked significant efficiencies, freeing up SME capacity, streamlining data validation, and empowering smarter, data-driven decisions. This transformation elevated the reliability and effectiveness of transmission line maintenance and asset management, setting a new benchmark for operational excellence.
