Industry: Utilities / Energy Technology
Services Provided: Technical Program Management, Wireless AMI Deployment, RF Engineering, and Portfolio Governance
Business Need
To modernize grid operations and improve metering accuracy, efficiency, and data visibility, the utility initiated a multi-year AMI deployment spanning several geographic regions. These deployments required alignment with union environments, strict regulatory frameworks, and detailed field execution plans. AMI programs of this scale introduce both operational and organizational complexity. Beyond the physical installation of meters and communication nodes, the utility needed consistent governance structures, stakeholder communication, equipment provisioning oversight, and adherence to internal ePMO standards. Ensuring customer adoption, minimizing disruption, and maintaining schedule and cost integrity were essential for long-term program success. HNM Systems was selected to lead portfolio governance, technical deployment activities, and stakeholder alignment, helping the utility execute a structured and reliable AMI modernization effort.Our Approach
HNM Systems deployed a multi-region delivery model anchored by a seasoned Technical Program Manager supported by RF engineers, field technicians, and IT resources. This structure ensured comprehensive coverage across planning, deployment, and post-installation phases. The program began with detailed coordination of RF testing, wireless node placement strategies, and communication network validation. Field teams conducted coverage assessments, optimized node locations, and supported the installation of meters, gateways, and backhaul components. To maintain transparency and control, HNM Systems implemented standardized governance practices that aligned with the utility’s enterprise PMO. Regular reporting cycles included milestone updates, risk analysis, issue tracking, and financial performance oversight—providing executive leadership with real-time insight into deployment health. Cross-functional coordination was essential. HNM Systems acted as a central liaison across union teams, construction partners, supply chain groups, utility operations, and internal product development teams. This created a unified project environment where field execution, schedule management, and stakeholder communication remained consistent across all regions. The team also established structured customer communication and training programs that prepared utility personnel for new system capabilities, operational workflows, and long-term maintenance expectations. This approach reduced operational disruption and supported smoother adoption of AMI technologies across departments and customer groups.Scope of Engagement
The Technical Program Manager led all aspects of AMI rollout execution across multiple territories, overseeing scheduling, RF validation, installation quality, equipment provisioning, and contract deliverables. Documentation accuracy was a core component of the engagement. HNM Systems managed issue logs, installation records, milestone reporting, and financial tracking to ensure clarity across internal and external stakeholders. By participating directly at both the field and portfolio levels, the HNM Systems team supported:- Regional scheduling and deployment planning
- Coordination with internal and contractor installation teams
- Stakeholder communications and customer education
- Post-deployment commissioning and operational readiness
- Continuous feedback loops to sales, engineering, and product teams
