OREANDA-NEWS. Oracle Utilities announced the availability of DataConnect, a new data extraction feature for Oracle Utilities Customer Care and Billing and Oracle Utilities Meter Data Management that allows utilities to more easily leverage data across their systems, including those provided by third-party vendors. This new tool exports customer and usage information for use in downstream applications, enabling utilities to derive greater value from their data and provide new offerings, such as conservation programs and audit tools, which require access to consistent and accurate data.

Utilities worldwide are making major investments in smart meter technology in order to capture abundant usage and customer data. However, these companies often do not realize the full value of that data because they lack the tools to use it across technology systems. With DataConnect, Oracle Utilities has simplified the extraction and sharing of data by enabling utilities to more easily export high volumes into clean files that can be used in a variety of applications.

While developing this feature, Oracle Utilities worked with several partners to determine the easiest and most effective way to access critical data. With the DataConnect feature, utilities can now automate data extraction from multiple sources and use it across applications, whether within the complete Oracle Utilities platform or other third-party applications leveraged by the utility.

“Utilities often leverage third-party applications, such as energy management platforms, to deliver value-add services to their customers. However, accessing customer and meter data and using it in downstream applications presents a major obstacle,” said Rodger Smith, senior vice president and general manager, Oracle Utilities. “Oracle recognized that customer information systems and meter data management systems should not restrict the use of this powerful data. DataConnect gives utilities the power to freely access their customer and meter data and leverage it to deliver excellent service and drive peak performance across the organization.”

“EnergySavvy’s energy efficiency quantification software, Optix Quantify, utilizes usage data to measure and calculate energy savings in real time,” said Scott Case, COO, EnergySavvy. “DataConnect provides that valuable customer and meter data simply and easily, decreasing the time to value and helping utilities realize maximum performance from Optix Quantify.”

“Utilities are looking for solutions that increase operational excellence and customer engagement. When incorporated into Oracle software, Opower’s customer engagement analytics can become even more powerful for our utility partners,” said Alex Kinnier, senior vice president of Product, Opower. “Through DataConnect, utilities can leverage the power of both Opower and Oracle solutions to easily deliver customer and operational insights.”