Reliable Utilities Run on Reliable Records.

How one PNW utility eliminated document chaos and strengthened regulatory confidence.

SUMMARY

Tamazari partnered with a major PNW electric and natural gas utility to modernize how its Engineering Department managed critical infrastructure documentation. Leveraging deep experience in regulated utilities, we led the deployment of a centralized document imaging solution that replaced fragmented file storage with a single, trusted system of record.

The initiative improved engineering accuracy, accelerated outage response, and strengthened regulatory readiness—while supporting the utility’s broader responsibility to deliver safe, reliable energy. By preserving institutional knowledge and reducing operational risk, the project reinforced the importance of resilient, well-documented energy infrastructure.

CLIENT BACKGROUND

The client is a large utility providing electricity and natural gas services to over one million customers in the Pacific Northwest region. Its engineering department plays a critical role in grid expansion, capital project delivery, outage response, and compliance with complex regulatory and audit requirements. Accurate, accessible engineering documentation is foundational to the utility’s ability to maintain public safety and system reliability.

CHALLENGE

Engineering records—including as-built drawings, system schematics, project plans, and easement documentation—were dispersed across paper files, shared drives, and legacy systems. Engineers often struggled to locate the most current documentation, particularly during outages or audits when speed and accuracy were essential. While the utility had invested in a large enterprise document platform, the engineering department could not wait for a lengthy organization-wide rollout. They faced mounting pressure to address compliance risks and reduce dependency on individual knowledge holders as experienced staff approached retirement. An immediate, practical solution was required.

SUCCESS CRITERIA

• Establish a single, authoritative system of record for engineering documentation

• Ensure fast, intuitive search across drawings and technical records

• Enforce version control to prevent use of outdated or unapproved documents

• Support regulatory, financial, and project-level audits

• Drive user adoption through effective training and change management

SOLUTION

Tamazari led the implementation of a document imaging solution from Bentley Systems tailored specifically to the client's operational needs. The solution digitized legacy paper records and organized electronic files into a consistent, project-based structure. Engineers could now store, retrieve, and reference master drawings and documentation throughout the lifecycle of capital projects, ensuring accuracy from design through construction and commissioning.

IMPLEMENTATION

Tamazari provided end-to-end project leadership, including project management, testing, and change management. Working closely with utility engineers and a dedicated Bentley Systems resource, Tamazari facilitated weekly project governance, detailed requirements validation, and hands-on user acceptance testing (UAT).

Training was a critical focus, as the solution represented a fundamental shift from informal file-sharing to a structured system of record. We ensured engineers understood not only how to use the system, but how it supported their day-to-day workflows.

RESULTS

The new document imaging system delivered immediate operational improvements. Document retrieval times were reduced from hours or days to seconds, accelerating engineering analysis and capital project delivery. Engineers consistently accessed approved drawings, reducing the risk of field errors and safety incidents.

During outages and emergency situations, teams could quickly reference system documentation. The solution also streamlined internal, regulatory, and financial audits, reducing administrative effort and compliance risk while improving confidence in documentation accuracy.

LONG-TERM VALUE

The project established a durable foundation for the utility’s ongoing digital transformation. By centralizing engineering documentation, the utility preserved institutional knowledge, improved regulatory readiness, and strengthened confidence in capital investment decisions. More broadly, the initiative reinforced the utility’s ability to serve the public interest.

KEY LEARNINGS

• Department-level solutions can deliver rapid value when enterprise programs are delayed

• Document modernization is as much a people and process transformation as a technical one

• Trusted engineering records directly support safety, reliability, and regulatory outcomes

Need support with upgrading your core legacy systems? Explore all our Utility IT Modernization services.