Eskom\u2019s big data scientists are changing the way its decision makers operate, with mechanisms starting to predict when and where technical faults occur, delegates at the African Utility Week in Cape Town heard on Thursday.<\/p>\n
Speaking about the role of big data for smart metering applications, Eskom data scientist Jaco du Toit said Eskom could gain deeper insights into its customers through smart meters, a device that the utility hopes all households will eventually install.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe started our own department in Eskom to focus on big data,\u201d said Du Toit, who has a masters degree in engineering.<\/p>\n
The department collects data, creates software to interpret the data, analyses it, and then uses data visualisation tools to make the data meaningful to key decision makers within the company.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe have developed software to ensure data is available immediately,\u201d he said. \u201cOur first project was around energy loss management.\u201d<\/p>\n
A major aim of the department is to predict faults, highlighting where and when are they likely to occur.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe use data from customer billing, metering, the fault management system, network planning, geographic, equipment and telecommunication.\u201d<\/p>\n
How to run a big data department in a big company<\/strong><\/p>\n Eskom\u2019s team of data scientists seem to operate in a bubble of the future, where they use cutting edge practices of scrum and agile management techniques.<\/p>\n \u201cWe use agile project management methodologies, which is a new way of doing projects in Eskom,\u201d he said. \u201cWe also encourage curiosity and storytelling among the team using scrum sessions.\u201d<\/p>\n Du Toit gave tips to others wanting to develop a big data department in a big company.<\/p>\n \u201cStart small and internally,\u201d he said. \u201cStart with a business case and with exploratory data analysis.<\/p>\n \u201cRun a project parallel with existing business intelligence solutions and encourage interdepartmental collaboration,\u201d he said. \u201cBring subject matter experts on board and make data easily available.<\/p>\n \u201cRespect academics approaches and set up communication between the team and primary decision makers,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n Skills the data scientists look for are people with a background in mathematics, computer science, statistics, communication, data visualisation, machine learning and domain experts to interpret results.<\/p>\n Fin24<\/a><\/p>\n Eskom extends \u2018costly\u2019 IT contract<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\n Eskom price hike will drive up theft and non-payment<\/strong><\/a><\/p>\nMore on Eskom<\/h3>\n