Intergraph Unveils Support for Gas Distribution Integrity Management Programs

Intergraph’s geospatially-powered applications enable gas companies to maintain pipeline safety and security and comply with U.S. government regulations

HUNTSVILLE, Ala., Sept. 2 — Intergraphr, a leader in geospatially-powered technology for utilities infrastructure and operations management, has launched a new solution for distribution integrity management programs (DIMP) to help gas distribution companies maintain safe, secure infrastructure and meet new U.S. government requirements.

Gas distribution companies must develop and implement formal DIMP plans by August 2011 as required by the U.S. Department of Transportation Pipeline and Hazardous Materials Safety Administration (PHMSA). Intergraph’s seamless framework of industry-tailored field automation, infrastructure management and Web portal technologies supported by in-depth consulting expertise enables gas distribution companies to monitor, maintain and report on distribution integrity as required under the new PHMSA regulations.

"With so many factors affecting gas pipeline integrity, from corrosion, natural forces, excavation, material or equipment failure to incorrect operations, it is critical for gas companies to obtain detailed intelligence on all of their assets and possible threats to ensure reliability and to keep employees, customers and the general public safe," said Jay Stinson, vice president of Utilities & Communications at Intergraph. "Through a comprehensive range of industry-specific technologies and experience, Intergraph can ease the information gathering and reporting process for any gas distribution company in the country, regardless of the systems it is currently using, as well as improve management and maintenance efficiency."

Intergraph gas solutions streamline network management and operations to boost the reliability, integrity, safety, efficiency and security of networks and data. Using Intergraph field automation and mobile workforce management solutions, gas distributors can streamline the field data collection and inspection processes to more efficiently monitor the network and assess threats. Intergraph utilities technology also enables field personnel to maintain seamless communication and easy information exchange with the back office.

Intergraph infrastructure management technology can also play a key role in establishing and maintaining effective DIMP procedures. Intergraph’s open, scalable gas infrastructure management system simplifies and reduces the costs associated with the storage, maintenance and management of geospatial asset records and makes the information readily available for a variety of applications. Out of the box, the system contains a data model that fully supports the management of a gas distribution network and contains the attributes necessary to support DIMP data collection and analysis.

Alongside field automation and infrastructure management technology, the Intergraph Enterprise Web Portal provides simple, real-time access to disparate data from a wide variety of sources through a standard Web browser. The spatially-enabled visualization, analysis and reporting application combines GIS, mapping and location-specific data to provide organizations with a comprehensive view of their networks for more informed decision making and detailed, accurate reporting in support of core business objectives such as DIMP.

Further information on the Intergraph DIMP solution can be found at: www.intergraph.com/sgi/downloads.aspx?assetid=144.

About Intergraph

Intergraph is the leading global provider of engineering and geospatial software that enables customers to visualize complex data. Businesses and governments in more than 60 countries rely on Intergraph’s industry-specific software to organize vast amounts of data into understandable visual representations and actionable intelligence. Intergraph’s software and services empower customers to build and operate more efficient plants and ships, create intelligent maps, and protect critical infrastructure and millions of people around the world.

Intergraph operates through two divisions: Process, Power & Marine (PP&M) and Security, Government & Infrastructure (SG&I). Intergraph PP&M provides enterprise engineering software for the design, construction and operation of plants, ships and offshore facilities. Intergraph SG&I provides geospatially-powered solutions to the defense and intelligence, public safety and security, government, transportation, photogrammetry, utilities and communications industries. For more information, visit www.intergraph.com.