Commission hears proposal to convert CAD files and build pared-back SCADA backup

Engineering staff asked the commission to approve summer help to address recurring workflow inefficiencies: repeated manual imports of MicroStation drawings into AutoCAD before edits and a longer-term need to develop backup operator screens for the SCADA system.

Unidentified Speaker 2 explained the immediate task: proactively converting and saving drawings so engineers no longer repeatedly import files. He said the conversion sometimes requires layer checks because some layers are incompatible with the target format and that the work also includes as-built corrections.

Beyond drawing work, staff outlined a multi-year project: once summer help achieves familiarity with file conversions, the same personnel could begin limited screen-building for the SCADA operator interface. The proposed backup interface would not replicate the full SCADA suite but would provide pared-back controls and visualizations to operate filter plants and perform basic automation while IT restores full systems.

Commissioners asked about the scope of the work and whether the proposed four-week trial would be acceptable to a freshman electrical-engineering candidate from MSOE; staff said four weeks could be a trial but recommended a longer consecutive period. After discussion the commission authorized summer help up to a 12-week maximum. Staff also said they will schedule follow-up meetings with vendors to review hot-spot and vibration-monitoring options for MCC cabinets.

The transcript records no vendor prices; staff said they will obtain license and monitoring costs and return with those figures at a later date.