Leveraging Technology for Automation and NERC Compliance

This paper presents a summary and analysis for a Multi-vendor Device Management system, focusing on automated Event and Fault File collection and Remote Engineering Access, while implementing cyber-security and compliance management for a utility in North America. An investigation into technologies for improving automated fault and event file collection with an effort to reduce the time required for service restoration to customers was the starting point for this project. There was also a requirement to secure their system with regards to the North America Reliability Corporation (NERC) Critical Infrastructure Protection (CIP) standards. This report is intended for anyone considering the implementation of a Multi-vendor Device Management system and cyber-security strategy securing substation devices.