My utility has a GIS.  Can't I use our GIS to do what Varasset does?

A GIS (Geographic Information System) is a very powerful tool for spatially analyzing complex network relationships.  However, Varasset has several advantages:

• Varasset has been designed specifically to manage all aspects of inspections, maintenance, corrections and joint use.

• Varasset is designed to integrate with and enhance GIS applications, but it can also stand alone.

• GIS user licenses can be expensive.  It may be cost-prohibitive to purchase GIS licenses for all your employees who sometimes need to enter inspection, maintenance or correction data.

• GIS applications are very powerful, but also complex.  GIS training is a major undertaking, and may prove inappropriate for users who have simple, sporadic data collection requirements.

• Varasset tracks a great deal of transactional and historical data, such as removed joint use attachments and historical code violations.  A well-architected GIS contains asset attributes needed for real-time analysis and little more.  Varasset can dynamically share core asset data with the GIS, but keep other data from cluttering and slowing GIS performance.

• Varasset is rapidly configured to collect new types of data, in new workflows.

My joint-use data resides in our company's GIS, does that limit the use of Varasset?

No.  Varasset's XGI module is frequently used to interface Varasset with GIS applications.  Varasset can be used to automatically populate your GIS with missing or corrected data from your field activities, and receive new asset data from the GIS.

Do I need good data in order to start using Varasset?

Not really.  Varasset is often purchased by utilities with incomplete or outdated data.  Accent's Composer^123® methodology is used to cleanse the existing data, load it into the Varasset database, and establish data validation rules to prevent "bad" data from being added in the future.  Varasset then enables you to correct and complete your data as you can.

How long does it take to get Varasset up and running?
We have had customers implement our software, including data conversion, interfaces, testing and training, in as little as five weeks.  The duration of your project will depend on the quality and volume of your existing data, availability of your subject matter experts, support of your IT resources, and your existing commitments.

We utilize our proprietary Composer¹²³ methodology to accelerate your schedule while still providing thorough analysis, testing, communication and training.

What databases does Varasset® support?

Varasset currently supports Microsoft's SQL Server database, version 2005 and later.  Varasset has been architected to accommodate Oracle and other databases in the future.

Does Varasset support joint use billing or permitting?

Yes.  Varasset is very strong in all aspects of joint use management, including inspections, billing, violations, permitting, communication and historical tracking.

Can I use Varasset to manage other kinds of assets?

Yes.  Varasset can manage inspections, maintenance, testing and corrections for transformers, underground facilities, streetlights and other field assets.  Using the Blueprint module, Varasset can be configured to manage your assets precisely according to your engineering and regulatory standards.