Absolutely. TRC is uniquely positioned to guide your IT/OT convergence with a comprehensive approach tailored to your specific needs. Our team combines deep expertise in both information and operational technologies, bridging the gap to create an integrated, secure, and efficient environment. By unifying IT and OT, we help streamline data management, enhance cybersecurity, and improve overall system performance. The result is a cohesive infrastructure that boosts operational efficiency, simplifies access and management, and positions your organization for future technological advancements.
Creating New Pathways for Utilities to Thrive
Leading the way for OT implementation in an evolving digital landscape.
TRC has deep industry expertise in operational technologies (OT) and telecommunications, which means we can help meet the challenges of implementing new technologies, maintaining legacy systems, developing custom applications and performing system integrations. Our approach is simple: We support the experts you have on your team with highly specialized resources, as well as offer complete operational support with a comprehensive approach that leaves no issue without a solution.
Embrace the Digital Transformation with TRC’s OT Expertise
Updating your OT demands skilled professionals with the expertise to design a tailored solution that aligns seamlessly with your operational needs. TRC’s tested practitioners thoroughly analyze your systems, from foundational elements to current configurations, to identify the optimal path forward. We will be with you from start to finish to assist you through every step of setting up and implementing your operational technology solutions.
Strategic Consulting
Before we bring in new technologies, TRC evaluates your current status and documents your goals for the future. As your trusted consultants, we’ll work together to determine the best solution through:
- Assessment and feasibility studies: We identify weaknesses in your system and determine the best way to strengthen them.
- RFI/RFP development: We create and evaluate RFIs and RFPs to streamline your supply chains.
- Market analysis: We examine the current state of your market so we can develop your technology in line with the trends.
- Roadmap development: We ensure your funds and resources are allocated correctly while keeping you on budget.
- Project business cases: We create projected costs, risks and returns of our suggested solutions.
Project Services
With your goals in mind and your leaders by our side, TRC leverages our highly specialized knowledge and resources to assist you in:
- Project management: Running your OT projects with a careful understanding of your goals. Project technical leadership: Working with your teams to establish roles and protocols.
- Solution architecture and design: Designing a network for your OT products and solutions.
- Business solution analysis: Exploring new ways to handle your OT devices and processes.
- Display and database building and migration: Creating new storage solutions and setting them up for your use.
- System integration and customization: Bringing your systems together into one cohesive dashboard.
- Quality assurance and testing: Comprehensive pre-implementation testing to ensure your system does what it needs to.
- Knowledge transfer: Adding your data to your new system so you’re ready to hit the ground running.
Maintenance and Support
No system is perfect, but TRC can help you get closer than ever. We stay available after the initial implementation of our operational technology services to provide:
- On-site technical support: Support in your facility, exactly when you need it.
- Database and display development and conversion: Get your data where it needs to be and customize the view as projects develop.
- System monitoring: We’ll protect your systems while you get to work.
- Infrastructure management: We’ll ensure your infrastructure is operating as intended and fix it when it’s not.
- Life cycle management: Providing regular updates and maintenance to keep you ahead of the curve.
Operational Technology
Our industry connections allow us to give you the latest advancements and solutions for your entire operation. Our specialized systems include:
- Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition Systems (SCADA)
- Energy Management Systems (EMS)
- Distribution Management Systems (DMS)
- Outage Management Systems (OMS)
- Mobile Workforce Management Systems (MWFM)
- Enterprise Historian
We Take an Integrated Approach to Long-Term OT Growth
Featured Projects
Discover our results firsthand and see the impact we can make in your operations through these case studies.
Eversource Outer Cape Battery Energy Storage System
This first-of-its-kind utility-scale battery energy storage system will help outer Cape Cod maintain power during severe weather-caused outages.
Hydro-One Distribution System Update
HONI‘s Energy Management System is being upgraded to GE Platform 3.4 to introduce the GE Network Model Manager offline modeling.
Frequently Asked Questions
Want to learn more about our services and solutions? Our FAQs provide some additional information.
IT/OT collaboration delivers a range of benefits, empowering organizations to operate more efficiently, securely, and cost-effectively. TRC has successfully guided clients across industries through IT/OT integration, enabling them to realize key advantages:
- Increased Productivity: Integrated IT/OT systems streamline data access, enabling staff to view comprehensive data sets in real time, uncover actionable insights, and improve overall site productivity.
- Enhanced Security: With IT and OT systems working together, potential vulnerabilities across both domains are easier to identify and address holistically, leading to stronger, more resilient cybersecurity protections.
- Cost Savings: By aligning IT and OT operations, companies can reduce redundancies, eliminate duplicate efforts, and achieve significant cost savings through optimized resource use and unified processes.
TRC is an ideal partner for Operational Technology (OT) services due to our extensive industry expertise, comprehensive service offerings, and commitment to innovation.
- Deep Industry Expertise: TRC has a profound understanding of the complexities involved in OT systems across various sectors. Our team comprises seasoned professionals adept at implementing new technologies, maintaining legacy systems, developing custom applications, and performing system integrations.
- Comprehensive Service Offerings: We provide end-to-end solutions tailored to your specific needs. Our services encompass project management, technical leadership, system architecture, software engineering, data migration, procurement, system integration, testing, installation, and commissioning. This holistic approach ensures seamless integration and optimal performance of your OT systems.
- Commitment to Innovation: TRC stays at the forefront of technological advancements, leveraging cutting-edge solutions to enhance operational efficiency and reliability. Our expertise in integrating Information Technology (IT) and OT enables us to deliver scalable solutions that lower costs, increase efficiencies, and drive better business outcomes.
By choosing TRC for your OT services, you gain a trusted partner dedicated to delivering customized, innovative, and efficient solutions that align with your operational goals.
Implement Operational Technology Solutions With TRC
Whether you’re aiming to drive innovation or streamline workflows, TRC is here to ensure your success. Our team partners with you from planning through implementation, providing expert support as you adapt to new systems and maximize efficiency. Connect with us today and start planning to transform your operational technologies and achieve lasting improvements.
Sharing Our Perspectives
Our practitioners share their insights and perspectives on the trends and challenges shaping the market.
How to Reduce Risk in Control System Implementations
February 7, 2025
Control rooms serve as the nerve centers of utility operations, orchestrating the interplay of power generation, transmission and distribution. The “control room of the future” represents technology innovation and integration, combining advanced software systems, real-time data analytics and sophisticated visualization tools.
What Is Grid Modernization?
December 2, 2024
Over 70% of the power grid is more than 25 years old, and much has changed in the last quarter of a century. From increasing demands on existing infrastructure to a renewed focus on moving away from fossil fuels, the grid must achieve unprecedented goals. However, today’s grid cannot meet growing energy needs or complex challenges brought on by a shift to renewable energy sources. A modern grid design is the only way to reinvigorate existing infrastructure and assets to cope with challenges ranging from climate anomalies to cybercrime. Grid modernization blends advanced technologies with a sustainable strategy to make the electric grid more reliable, resilient, secure and affordable. An Introduction to Grid Modernization In simple terms, electric grid modernization is the process of upgrading the grid and integrating new technology to make it more efficient and resilient. It requires several significant changes, including incorporating new energy generation and storage forms, installing smart technologies and upgrading or extending the existing infrastructure. Today’s electric grid is one of the most complex machines in the world. Yet, objectives have evolved in the face of climate change. Grid modernization paves the way for a complete energy transition — eliminating reliance on fossil fuels to produce energy. The power industry has changed considerably, from generation to transmission and distribution. An effective grid modernization strategy allows the grid to keep up with these changes. Increasingly complex energy challenges combined with the grid’s age make providing consistent and continuous energy more challenging. In short, the current grid alone cannot support the energy transition. More consumers are turning to renewable energy sources and distributed energy resources (DERs) to ensure a reliable, separate power source. Integrating these advancements into the existing grid can make it capable of supporting and maintaining a complete energy transition. Power Grid Modernization and Its Critical Importance Power outages have become more frequent across the United States as the grid struggles to cope with evolving power requirements and increasingly severe weather events. Modernizing the grid to align with smart technology makes it more reliable and resilient. Blending the latest technologies and equipment with digital controls that integrate and communicate can significantly reduce the frequency and duration of power outages and the impact of inclement weather. In addition, grid modernization supports faster service return when outages occur. Smart grid technology also gives consumers easy access to their energy data, empowering them to manage their consumption and costs. The process also benefits utilities, and 60% of leaders and investors in the energy sector identify the need to monitor, control and protect grid conditions as a primary driver for global grid modernization. It provides improved security and load management, lowers costs and facilitates the integration of renewables. Many existing grid modernization projects are already meeting 21st-century energy needs. In the U.S., the modern grid will incorporate innovative technologies like microgrids and smart grid technologies to boost grid flexibility and agility, meeting today’s needs. Renewable energy sources could provide 90% of the reductions in carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions. In line with global net-zero goals, integrating renewables like wind, solar and hydrogen power into the grid is a top priority. Grid modernization aims to address many of today’s energy challenges, optimize grid operations, enhance reliability and support frictionless integration of renewable technologies. The Crucial Role of Technology in Grid Transformation Digital transformation profoundly impacts the energy sector, providing benefits like improved efficiency, cost reduction and elevated consumer experience. Implementing grid modernization technology is the only way to boost grid reliability, resiliency and power quality. Several groundbreaking technologies have emerged as many utilities, organizations and communities collaborate around grid modernization. Leveraging Smart Grid Technologies The smart grid is the heart of the grid modernization effort. It enables real-time monitoring through advanced sensing, communications and control capabilities, optimizing the energy system to meet modern demands. Instead of the one-way flow of communication in the traditional grid, the smart grid leverages digital technology that allows for two-way communication between consumers and utilities. Smart meters, distribution automation and intelligent grid management systems empower utilities to monitor energy consumption. They can detect faults in real time and manage demand. When all the smart grid elements work together, it ultimately results in improved reliability and resilience in times of crisis. Integrating Renewable Energy Sources Renewable energy sources are an integral part of the modern grid. Solar photovoltaics, wind turbines, hydrogen power and hydropower systems have experienced massive growth as industries aim to minimize emissions. Innovative technology allows the integration of renewable technologies and smart grids, offering abundant clean energy alternatives alongside efficient energy management, distribution and consumption. Climate variability and weather unpredictability are significant challenges in transitioning to renewables. The energy demand is inconsistent, and people use energy in peaks and valleys. Grid modernization facilitates the transition to renewables, counteracting source variability with innovations like advanced forecasting and demand response programs. These technologies reduce greenhouse gas emissions in the energy sector while enhancing grid flexibility and reliability. Incorporating Energy Storage Systems Energy storage systems like DERs remove much unpredictability in renewable energy integration. DERs integration, including small-scale clean energy installations like photovoltaic panels and energy storage, enhances energy efficiency and resilience while supporting the decarbonization of the energy sector. DER technology can transform energy systems, decentralizing the energy market and reducing pressure on the grid. While often provided as standalone solutions, the value of DERs compounds when integrated into smart grids. Modernization includes adapting the grid to integrate and optimize power from DERs. Once integrated, DERs need extensive monitoring and control via an advanced distribution management system to detect and mitigate faults before they become outages. Distributed energy resource management systems can solve many modern grid resiliency challenges. Modernizing With the Cloud Grid modernization requires complete visibility. A modern grid requires transparent communication across all components. The cloud is critical in achieving grid modernization objectives, including resilience, flexibility and affordability. Cloud services and solutions are designed to provide extreme redundancy and availability while optimizing cost and performance. Agility is another critical grid modernization goal. The grid must meet growing customer demands, maintain compliance with evolving regulations and respond to unforeseen events. The cloud can facilitate rapid system positioning and help utilities stay agile despite shifting operating conditions.
TRC Acquires Garanzuay Consulting, Amplifying TRC’s Energy Transition Consulting Services in Europe
September 26, 2024
Garanzuay Consulting provides a foundation in Ireland to continue TRC’s growth and expansion in Europe in support of the energy transition for all energy market participants.
Achieve Superior Asset Data Quality by Combining SAP with Lemur Mobile Mapping
September 23, 2024
Utilities struggle with asset data, which impacts every aspect of their business. Market priorities like grid modernization, decarbonization and increased energy demand only compound the problem of poor data quality.
TRC Helps Secure $4.4 Million Grant for Otter Tail Power Company’s Next-Generation Grid Resiliency Program
May 2, 2024
The grant will help strengthen the resilience of North Dakota’s electric grid and ensure safe, reliable power delivery. WINDSOR, Conn., – TRC Companies, Inc. (TRC), a global professional services firm providing integrated strategy, consulting, engineering and applied technologies in support of the energy transition, helped secure a $4.4 million grant for Otter Tail Power Company’s Next-Generation Grid Resiliency program. The grant will support pole integrity, intelligent vegetation management, drone and AI-enhanced transmission line inspection and repairs, and advanced substation assessments and repairs. The grant was awarded by the North Dakota Industrial Commission through the Department of Energy’s (DOE) Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA).
Shifting to the Cloud: Debunking the Myths of Migrating Utility Data Off Premises
April 14, 2024
This blog delves into common misconceptions surrounding cloud migration in the utility industry, addressing concerns about security, reliability, regulatory compliance, cost effectiveness, and complexity, while highlighting the substantial benefits and strategies for successful adoption.
Locana Awarded Modern Network Management at Esri Infrastructure Management and GIS Conference
November 22, 2023
Locana, an international leader in spatial technology, received the Modern Network Management Award at the 2023 Esri Infrastructure Management and GIS (IMGIS) Conference held in Palm Springs, California, October 10-12, 2023.
Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) – How Smart Should A Smart Meter Be?
June 26, 2023
According to the Edison Foundation’s Institute for Electric Innovation, over 124 million smart meters were expected to be installed in 78 percent of US households by the end of 2022.
Modernize Your Field Services with GIS and Work Order Management Combined
June 15, 2023
The role of field service management continues to dominate the world economy, as the market grows at an exponential rate. The market was estimated at 3.2 billion in 2021 and is projected to reach 5.7 billion by the end of 2026.
Harness the Power of Geospatial Data to Unlock Big Data Insights
March 16, 2023
For years, companies have been harnessing big data to glean insights that improve decision-making of every kind and at all levels, from entering new markets to building better products to delivering better services and experiences.
TRC and Greenbird Partner to Accelerate Grid Modernization for Utilities
January 31, 2023
Today TRC Companies (“TRC”) announced a go-to-market partnership with Greenbird Integration Technology, a leading integration technology provider based in Norway. Greenbird’s Utilihive platform enables utilities to accelerate their digital transformation and grid modernization efforts.
The Use Case Benefits of GIS Modernization for Utilities
August 10, 2022
In 2022, utilities face strong market forces impacting businesses of every size across the country and around the world. Producing and supplying clean energy, ensuring safety, reliability, and resiliency, and delivering exceptional experiences in a digital economy continue to reshape the industry. Prospering in a sustainable, affordable, and competitive energy future requires a data-driven enterprise, which may be why more than 88% of utility executives believe that their organization’s ability to generate business value depends on their technology. Yet the greatest technology challenge today isn’t the ability to generate data. It’s siloed systems. Many utilities maintain multiple enterprise systems, from enterprise resource management (ERP) to enterprise asset management (EAM), work management (WM), advanced distribution management systems (ADMS), supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA), and building information modeling (BIM). These disparate databases result in redundancy and inaccuracies. And without an integrated data picture, your staff are left to make decisions with an incomplete understanding. But with modern GIS, you gain a connected geospatial enterprise. You can leverage the locational aspect of data in any system to integrate information, people, and processes to achieve business value across every department. As a result, you optimize networks, grow the business, and deliver amazing service using timely, accurate, and complete information. And with mapping and location intelligence embedded in your IT infrastructure, the applications and use cases are limitless. CONTACT US
Brookings Municipal Utilities Streamlines Processes, Boosts Efficiency with Modern GIS
June 14, 2022
Locana, a global leader in technology consulting and geospatial systems development, announced Brookings Municipal Utilities (BMU) successful deployment of a modern geospatial enterprise leveraging Locana services.
Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District Drives Reliable Operations with Locana Lemur Mobile GIS Solution
June 8, 2022
Locana, a global leader in technology consulting and geospatial systems development, today announced the successful deployment of its LemurSM Solution by Omaha Metropolitan Utilities District (M.U.D.).
Locana Awarded Wildlife Habitat Analysis Task Order For The Bureau Of Land Management
April 27, 2022
Locana, a leading geographic data and technology company, has won a 10-year National Geospatial Data and Technology Support Services contract for the U.S. Bureau of Land Management (BLM).
TRC Selected as Systems Integrator for Otter Tail Power Company’s Advanced Metering Infrastructure Program
April 5, 2022
Otter Tail Power Company selects TRC to serve as systems integrator for their AMI program covering northwestern Minnesota, eastern North Dakota, and northeastern South Dakota.
Six Considerations for a Successful Utility Network Cloud Implementation
October 26, 2021
For any GIS manager or IT professional tasked with implementing ArcGIS Utility Network (UN), knowing where to start can be daunting. If not properly planned, a UN setup in the cloud can be significantly more expensive and less accessible, stable, and secure.
On the Road to Decarbonization: The Role of All-Source Competitive Solicitations
October 14, 2021
All-Source Competitive Solicitations offer utilities an alternative to centralized planning, construction and dispatch of power supplies, helping to usher in a new era of market-driven technology innovation.
Amplifying the Next Phase of Fleet Electrification: The Pickup
September 30, 2021
TRC’s analysis for one client fleet shows that even a $70,000 EV can compete on cost with a comparable gas-hybrid vehicle priced at $40,000 – at least in California where upfront and ongoing incentives stack up quickly.
TRC Digital Selected by Snohomish County Public Utility District to Implement Siemens EnergyIP® Meter Data Management
September 15, 2021
Snohomish PUD selected TRC to implement, integrate and deliver their meter data management system (MDMS) on the Siemens EnergyIP® platform as a part of the utility’s Connect Up program.
Oklahoma Gas & Electric Company uses AI to assess and repair distribution pole damage
August 4, 2021
As part of its grid enhancement program, OG&E will leverage collaborative AI-powered image recognition technology that enables engineers to complete distribution pole inspections with greater accuracy and helps to reduce manual review of images.
Reasons for IT/OT Modernization
August 1, 2021
Opposites attract, and information technology (IT) and operational technology (OT) are no exception. At one end of the digital grid sits IT as a business application, while OT exists at the other end of the digital grid as an asset-oriented application. For decades, IT and OT have been operating separately and are often physically isolated.
IT/OT Convergence Best Practices
August 1, 2021
A successful IT/OT convergence strategy involves identifying desired outcomes, managing the fragmentation of OT solutions, and developing common key performance indicators (KPIs) for both IT and OT teams. This approach helps in optimizing resources, driving effective collaboration, and ensuring a smooth transition towards a unified IT/OT environment.
TRC Acquires Montreal’s Quatric, Expanding Digital Capabilities for Utilities
June 16, 2021
Today, TRC announced the expansion of its digital capabilities with the acquisition of Quatric, a Montreal, QC and Quincy, MA-based firm that provides engineering services and technology solutions to electric and gas utilities.
What’s Next? Preparing for Utility Network Migration
May 12, 2021
In preparing for Utility Network Migration, taking an intermediate approach will allow you to resolve some key points. Utility Network Migration will run smoother if you build a “sandbox environment” and begin to 1) prioritize features 2) explore licensing options and 3) practice moving data.
5 Persistent Questions About ArcGIS on HANA
April 9, 2021
While ArcGIS on HANA implementation patterns are emerging rapidly, we continue to hear 5 persistent questions about how implementing ArcGIS on HANA would benefit an organization. Let’s walk through these 5 questions, I’ll show you how we help you get started with ArcGIS on HANA. Then you may realize the benefits this solution promises.
TRC Digital partners with Dominion Energy to evolve its distributed energy resource strategy
September 22, 2020
Dominion Energy, one of the nation’s largest producers and transporters of energy, has partnered with TRC Digital to evaluate, implement and integrate technology to further the utility’s distributed energy goals. TRC Digital will facilitate Dominion Energy’s strategy development and technology execution, allowing Dominion Energy and its customers to accelerate the shift to distributed energy resources (DER) and net carbon reduction.
TRC Digital and Reactive help utilities measure inertia for a more resilient grid
September 21, 2020
Together, TRC and Reactive combine TRC’s industry-leading power engineering expertise with Reactive’s machine learning software to provide utility teams with high-resolution frequency monitoring and automatic event analysis.
TRC Digital Partners with Treverity to Put Utility Engineers at the Center of Their Data
June 26, 2020
As part of TRC’s LineHub solution, Treverity helps transmission engineers get a holistic view of the grid through powerful digital data visualization and a customer-centric user interface.
TRC Digital and Enbala can help utilities monitor, control and optimize distributed energy resources
April 17, 2020
Distributed energy resources (DERs) are changing the way utilities think about power generation and energy flow. TRC and Enbala can offer utilities a multi-layered solution that highlights the strengths of each company.