PCS Newsletter - August 2022

August 2022
newsletter

ACSUA •EPCCS

2022 - Wrap Up

WBy Nate Houston
e have had a few weeks now to reflect on AUEC
2022. When all of the PCS staff attendees got
together this past week, one word reverberated
through the classroom – impressive.
2022 was the first joint user conference with CSA and PCS
and in a notably different location. Orange Beach, Alabama
provided the backdrop, CSA and PCS provided the content.
None of this would be possible without the participation of our
partner utilities from across the country.

A special thanks to the following utilities for attending:

• Appalachian Electric Cooperative – New Market, TN
• Burt County Public Power District – Tekamah, NE
• Highline Electric Association – Holyoke, CO
• Kittitas Public Utility District – Ellensburg, WA
• Mt. Wheeler Power – Ely, NV
• Norwood Light Department – Norwood, MA “AUEC was informative, relaxing, and worthwhile!!!
• Sylacauga Utilities Board – Sylacauga, AL The Connect sessions refreshed our memory on things
• + 68 CSA Utilities that we currently have that we may not be using, and
things that we don’t have but are available now that we

should request. I took notes on things that PCS is working

on that will be of great help in the upcoming releases.

It was very helpful to have dialog between users as to how

we both do things and use the modules.”

Joanie Groshans & Jill Baumgartner

Highline Electric Association

Whether it’s new user training, what aren’t you using,
customer empowerment, mobility, or a glimpse into
the future of what our software holds, our goal is to
make our Annual User Education Conference very
worthwhile.

Our sincere hope is that each year we get more and more of “AUEC is a great opportunity to interact with staff from
our partner utilities to join us at AUEC. The following are PCS and other utilities. The information I was able to
some of the comments we have already received from a few of gather about both current options and about the things
the 2022 AUEC attendees. that PCS is working on has huge value to me in my job

and in what I can share with others at my utility.

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I learned a few tips and tricks that have probably
always been available, but that will make life easier!
And I loved hearing about the new options that have
come out recently – many of which, we’re going to take
advantage of. I especially liked the chance to hear about
what PCS is currently developing, and even having
some input on how those things could work best or what
processes they should focus on first. The User Education
Conference is extremely valuable to me and to my
utility, and I would recommend everyone plan to attend

in 2023 if you can!
MaryDawn Buntin

Kittitas PUD

“We really got a lot out of our trip and had lots of fun It’s encouraging to hear comments like Sue’s, “I didn’t expect

too! KC and I both thought that it might be better NOT there to be such a welcoming, family atmosphere to the whole
to tell people here at Norwood Light how great it was, conference!” From the beginning of time, PCS has taken
for fear that others would get to go next year instead of great pride in creating an atmosphere where our clients are
family. We want conversations to be easy, work to be fun, and
us getting to going again! Ha! relationships that last a lifetime. While all of Sue’s comments
First, I would say that the technical information were positive, this one hit home for us.
shared was very good – I liked that we got to speak
directly with developers and give input on features/

modifications we would like to see. I use the Power As we move forward into year 2, 3 and beyond with a joint

Search feature a lot and Brian shared some insights on user conference our hope is you’re willing to give it a try. We

how it works and what they were trying to accomplish know that it’s different, but because of that, we have tried to

when they created it. We also got information on new maximize your experience. When our clients are informed,

features on the horizon – great to the utility wins, and PCS wins – and

see what’s coming soon! “I didn’t expect there to be such a ultimately so do your customers.
With that said, I think another welcoming, family atmosphere to
the whole conference! Definitely a
benefit was actually getting to great experience and I can’t wait to We understand sometimes change can
meet additional PCS personnel be hard – but sometimes, change can be
face-to-face. Even though we are attend again next year!” really good too! Our partnership with

definitely moving more to a virtual CSA has opened many doors for us,

world, I believe personal interactions go a long way in and our clients over the last 3 years. We only expect that to
forming team skills. And when those relationships are continue. A user conference in Alabama is a big change, but
established, communication and cooperation will follow. an informative, relaxing, and worthwhile one.
The Vendor Expo was full of a wide array of quality

companies offering related services for Utilities. I took PCS looks forward to AUEC 2023 as we have big things in the
contact information from two companies back to our works! Springboard will continue to take hold as we move
Broadband team and they said they will definitely be toward the next generation of PCS software via web, mobility
including these companies in the bidding process for our will continue to be a big topic, and content management/
smart office solutions become a more prevalent piece of the
upcoming Fiber-to-the-Premises work. enterprise. We sincerely thank all of the above utilities that
And finally, the location was amazing – really beautiful attended
and relaxing. I can’t say enough about the hotel rooms, this year
the meals, the Conference/Meeting rooms… everything and look
we needed was provided and everyone we met was very, forward
very nice. I didn’t expect there to be such a welcoming, to greater
attendance
family atmosphere to the whole conference! in 2023!
Definitely a great experience and I can’t wait to attend

again next year!
Sue Bartlett

Network Operations Supervisor

Norwood Light Department

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IMnarsc &igShhetllesy's Insight

Upcoming Webinars Insight & Installation

Tues, Aug. 16 B in the Marble Cityeginning in January 2022, PCS staff and
Insight Springboard Inventory & Purchasing
Thurs, Aug. 18 primarily the Insight team, have worked with the
Connect Setup Rate Related staff of Sylacauga Utility Board (SUB) to discover
Tues, Sep. 20 how PCS solutions could potentially enhance
BI Hints & Tips their current system, and in turn ensure a smooth
Tues, Oct. 11 installation with confidant, trained employees.
Insight: What Aren’t You Using? Affectionately known as the Marble City due to
Thurs, Oct. 20 the miles of famous marble it sits above, Sylacauga,
Connect Balancing & More Alabama became a frequent destination for Shelley Lee, Financial
Applications Supervisor and Project Analyst, Amy Kuhlmann.

Thurs, Nov. 10 After officially signing SUB on as a client in March of 2022, Shelley and
Connect General Service Orders (GSO) Amy spent the next few months traveling to Sylacauga to be onsite for
Tues, Nov. 15 training and when Insight went live June 1st.
Insight Cash Mgr 101 & Bank Reconcilliation Despite encountering minor travel hiccups, a vibrant rental vehicle and
Tues, Dec. 13 flood like rain, Shelley and Amy were diligent in providing employees the
Insight Filing 1099s resources needed for a smooth transition.

Wed, Dec. 14 “Sylacauga did a really good job of testing out and learning the system.
Insight Filing W-2s From the day that we started training until the day we were back for live,
Thurs, Dec. 15 we saw users in the system practicing. This definitely made the live cutover
Insight Filing 1095s a lot easier”, Shelley commented.
Of the 69 employees at SUB, 20 are Insight users in accounting and
Get In Touch operations ranging departmentally from electric, gas, telecom, sewer and
water. Currently, SUB provides electricity, natural gas, water, wastewater,
Main Office: 712-263-3106 and high-speed internet services serving more than 12,000 area customers.
Toll Free: 888-843-3106 “All staff at Sylacauga have been great to work with and very receptive to
Email: [email protected] the new changes we’ve proposed. They’ve all had very positive attitudes
Website: https://pcs-csa.com moving forward with installation and are excited to get all the pieces
moving together”, said Amy.
PCS values the relationship with SUB and looks forward to continuing to
provide the unsurpassed service as they do to their customers.

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Connect Connect

with Angie

From Connect to SID

Since the announcement and launch of Springboard, staff have worked assiduously to develop features geared toward

enhancing the day-to-day processes of utilities. Springboard Important Dates (SID) is just one feature of Springboard
PCS staff have been most excited to launch.

“SID is a completely new thing. We’ve always
had a cycle schedule but it was just a table of
dates. Likewise, batch processor and service
orders have always been around. But we had
no visual calendar view of these things,” said
Angie Miller, PCS Business Services Manager.

Beta testing for SID took place at Norwood
Light & Broadband in Norwood, MA.
Throughout the last four months, the Connect
team went back and forth with Assistant
Superintendent, Cathy Traietti, and her staff,
listening to their feedback and making updates
accordingly. “We just gave her the latest
enhancements with 22.6 that made it user friendly and manageable. Ability to turn off what she didn’t want to see and
color code what she did want to see,” Angie said.
After multiple updates and the newest 22.6 release, the screenshot Cathy sent of her calendar would make any color-
coding organizer proud. “Much cleaner. I love it.” Cathy said in a message to Angie. “…my colors have meaning – green is
money (ACH/CC), red is shut off…This is a huge improvement for us. Appreciate it.” She added.
Currently available in SID from Connect are, cycle schedule events, batch processor jobs and service orders.
While development for SID will continue, the abilities it possesses today not only allows it to act as a central location for
all employee scheduling needs, but enhances organization and communication throughout the utility.
Contact your business developer to find out more about Springboard and how SID can enhance your utility’s
productivity.

Allow your customers to • Online Bill Payments
manage their account • Convenient and Secure
the way they want with • Easy to Use, No Contact
Mobile Customer Access. • Easy Account Management Tools
• View Statement
Available in both iOS and Android! • View Past Payments
• Sign Up for Notifications
4 • Customized Marketing Materials for Your Utility

CCarel’s ntral Central

commentary
IT Firewalls
DBy Carl Ladwig
ata breaches, ransomware and cybersecurity have become hot topics in the utility industry. Many decision makers
have deemed it critical to invest in a solid plan to keep their utility’s business and customer information secure.

There are numerous tools companies can implement for protection, network firewalls are one of the first lines of
defense. A firewall is a device that monitors incoming and outgoing network traffic and permits, or blocks data based on
security rules determined by the utility. The
objective is to establish a barrier between
your internal network and incoming traffic
from external sources to block anything
harmful like hackers or viruses.

Cybersecurity is a huge concern for all of
us and your firewall protects you from all
the threats out in the world. All firewalls
are unique and require complex expertise.
Failure to maintain your firewall could
expose you to a security breach or regulatory compliance violation. We make sure your firewall is not only performing,
but that it is keeping you protected at peak efficiency. PCS EMS Firewall Security Service lets you add years of network
security expertise and experience to your security posture, without adding the headcount of costly IT hires. Our goal is
to help you free up time and capital so you can focus less on IT and more on what you do best.

If you have questions or would like more information on how to enhance cybersecurity at your utility, contact your
business developer.

• Security Auditing Enterprise Managed Services
• Managed Workplace
• Network Support Your guide to Utility Enterprise Security
• On-Site Discovery
• And more All of us run a risk when it comes to cybersecurity.
Being a part of the critical infrastructure industry
elevates that risk. PCS can help manage your utility’s

enterprise security in multiple ways.
Let’s travel the path together.

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New Enhancements - New Look and Feel

With 11 live web applications and

four clients active on Springboard, PCS has
maintained steady progress in moving all
applications to the new platform. Throughout
its expansion, Springboard has undergone
multiple new enhancements including service
order tracking, enhanced power search,
dashboards with KPI functionality, image/
document search and more. All this centrally
located in a web-browser with 24/7 easy access.
Because of these enhancements, it was
important to the team to make sure the look
and feel of this platform was sleek and mirrored
the same advanced modern aspects as the
technology itself.
While our staff may have the best development
skills in the industry, we left the creativity and
design to the pros by enlisting the skills of local
Denison, IA graphic designer, Meriah Blakley.
After months of back and forth between Meriah,
and PCS staff, a fresh set of module tiles have
been developed. The module graphics remain
relatively similar to the previous ones, but users
can look forward to a fresh, clean, updated look.
Ultimately the goal is to provide the client uniformity, brand alignment, and overall, a user-friendly interface.
In release 22.7, enhancements were made to the organization of the Springboard Page. Tiles now can be displayed in
groups by product, Workflow, Insight, Connect, etc. Because many utility employees work in different modules based
on department, it is now possible to mark a certain module as a favorite. Your favorites will show in a group at the top
of the page and can be resorted to your liking.
Users can expect to continue to see development throughout the already engaging platform. Be sure to look for more
updates and announcements in your inbox and future newsletters.

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40th Anniversary

W hat began as an idea to host a “PCS has been known to
party in honor of PCS’s 40th throw a good party, and a
Anniversary, soon turned good theme party at that,”
into a reunion, a time to Rachel added. “But for us,
recognize the work of employees and the theme for this party was
the perfect opportunity to honor Kim simple, PCS through the
and Dana Ingerslev for their leadership decades.”
through the last four decades. Not many people know the
“When tasked with coordinating this incredible story of PCS, Kim
anniversary party, it quickly became and Dana, the employees and
apparent the focus for this event was not the transformations it has
flashy décor, or a slew of entertainment undergone through the years.
and activities, but a time for us all to take It was important to recognize
a step back and recognize* the growth those various decades, but
of this outstanding company,” said Blair also honor the present staff
Patnaude, Marketing Coordinator. and future of PCS as we move
Blair worked with Rachel Desy, PCS forward into a time of change.
Business Coordinator, to plan and From the cake to the
execute the event. centerpieces, even to the
attire, the theme was woven
throughout the room. Photos

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of employees in the early days circled around
a behemoth of a computer, considered
cutting-edge technology at the time; images
of User Group Meetings, conferences, and
in-office Halloween parties, all branched their
way out of decorated jars like a small tree of
memories.
A slideshow featuring photos from the past 40 years played in
the background while more than 60 staff members, spouses and
retirees, congregated and reminisced about their time at PCS.
Staff and retirees wore polos with a custom logo designed by PCS
IT staff member, Bill Tuttle and made by local ID Apparel.
Kim shared the story of how PCS originated and the
metamorphosis it underwent as technology evolved. He told stories
of moving into various and sometimes eclectic office spaces; he
recalled how some people became employees, many of whom are
still at PCS today, and in true Kim fashion, threw a couple of jokes
and jabs in as well.
Several employees, some retired, some with decades of service
under their belt, told stories of the early days of “Air Charlie,” all-
nighter installations, going into labor, and fighting through cancer
with the support of their fellow staff members.
With the help of local caterer Staley’s, dessert extraordinaire, Sister
Sweets, and former PCS employee Michele Mathies’s incredibly
delicious cupcakes, attendees left full of food and memories.

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On the Move Our staff is known for
putting on a good potluck.
Upcoming Conferences Each month, check out
a recipe submitted by a
August MMUA Summer Conference
22 - 24 PCS staff member.
Doug Dorhout - Brainderd, MN
Cherry Bars
September
7 - 9 MREA CEO Fall Conference From Carol Wiges & Deb Bean
Doug Dorhout - Ottertail, MN

7 - 9 PMEA Annual Conference
Kim Ingerslev - State College, PA

13 - 14 IRWA Fall Conference
Doug Dorhout - Okoboji, IA

21 - 23 NRECA Regional Meeting 5&6
Doug Dorhout - Minneapolis, MN

25 - 27 NRD Fall Meeting
Nate Houston - Kearney, NE

26 - 30 EATON EAS Meeting
Kim Ingerslev - Minneapolis, MN

27 - 29 NRECA Regional Meeting 7&9 Ingredients:
Nate Houston - Portland, OR
• 2 Sticks oleo or butter
October MPUA Annual Conference • 2 cups sugar • 1 teaspoon almond extract
5 - 7 • 4 large eggs • 3 cups all-purpose flour
Doug Dorhout - Columbia, MO • 1 teaspoon vanilla • 1 can cherry pie filling

25 - 27 AWWA-IA Annual Conference Instructions:
Doug Dorhout - Coralville, IA
Preheat oven to 350°F.
31 - Nov 4 NWPPA-APA AEUC Soften oleo/butter in microwave
Nate Houston - Anchorage, AK Mix together soft oleo, sugar, eggs, vanilla and almond extract
thoroughly.
Mark Your Calendar Add 3 cups flour
Spread 3/4 of the batter in the bottom of a 17x12 (approx.) pan,
PCS will be hosting in-person and sprayed with Pam or lightly greased.
virtual Regional Meetings this fall. Spoon the pie filling over top.
Stay tuned for dates and details. Drop by spoonfuls the remaining batter over the pie filling.
Bake for 30 minutes.
Frost with powder sugar frosting (substituting almond extract
for vanilla extract) or use 1 can vanilla frosting and stir in 1 tsp.
almond extract.

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Competing for a Cure
After being diagnosed with stage
a non-profit called Compete
4 glioblastoma, Adam Burns and his for a Cure, to raise money for
wife Katie made it their mission to not glioblastoma research and aid
only fight Adam’s cancer head on but families who are in similar
support others struggling to do the situations and coping with the
same. same diagnosis.

Following the diagnosis in April 2021, It was only fitting for a high
the community of Denison, IA rallied school golf coach to host a
around the Burns family. Within golf tournament fundraiser.
days friends and family had created a Local businesses, including
fundraiser, meal chain, golf tournament PCS, sponsored various holes,
and sold shirts with #ADAMSTRONG donated prizes and services
displayed to support the Denison High for attendees to bid on. The
School teacher and coach as he began event was well attended and a
his battle against cancer. huge success.

Throughout months of doctor It has been over a year, and Financial Application Supervisor, Marc Rowedder,
appointments, surgeries, research and while Adam is still battling shows off his skills on the PCS sponsored hole.
trials, Adam and Katie continued to do every day, he continues to
whatever was in their power to push have a team of friends and
forward and in turn, give back. In their family behind him to help
incredible generous nature, they formed Compete for a Cure.

Western Iowa Power Cooperative (WIPCO)
PCS Client for 40 years

WIPCO is a non-profit, member-owned rural electric cooperative
providing service to approximately 3,500 members in 9 area counties
in west central Iowa. Our service territory covers 2,000 square miles

and includes 2,100 miles of electric distribution lines.
A reliable electric supplier and experienced employees have allowed
Western Iowa Power Cooperative to remain stable and financially
sound. Local ownership, local control, non-profit operation and

Client Spotlightcooperative – your Cooperative is something
special – a unique way of doing business.

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Contact Your We Want
To Hear
Business Development Team From You!

Kim Ingerslev Has your utility
General Manager recently won an
712.263.3106 award? Have a
[email protected] new staff member
to feature? An
Nate Houston announcement,
Business Development Manager special event, or
712.263.3106 even a neat story?
[email protected]
SEND IT OUR WAY!
Doug Dorhout
Regional Business Developer Email submissions to:
712.263.3106
[email protected] [email protected]

THE
NEXT
GENERATION
IS HERE!

Contact your business developer today.

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