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    Regulatory Reporting Generate comprehensive reports for regulators and FEMA. Compliance Enforce labor rules and maintain audit-ready records. Real-time Storm Restoration Reporting Gain real-time visibility into crew status and progress. Closeout & Cost Recovery Accelerate event closeout with verified cost documentation. Crew Expense Reporting Capture verified crew time and expenses automatically.

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    Outage Alerts Automate outage and restoration alerts to reduce call volume. Billing Service Alerts Improve on-time payments with billing and past due reminders. Conservation Campaigns Reduce peak demand with conservation alerts.

    ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

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    Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite
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  • One Control Center for Every Scenario

    Arcos connects your people, work, and systems so you can execute well under any conditions.

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    Our Products

    Callout Mobilize compliant crews in minutes with rules-driven callouts. Crew Manager Track every crew from activation to closeout in one system. Assess & Restore Execute blue and grey sky work in a single mobile app. Clearion Plan, execute, and document vegetation and inspection work. TextPower Send urgent alerts that reach crews and customers fast. Ascend Automate flight crew staffing to cut cancellations. RosterApps Fill ground crew shifts faster with automated scheduling.

    PRODUCT UPDATES

    Track Crews from Callout to Closeout SEPT 23, 2025 ARCOS is excited to announce the release of Convoy Tracking, a powerful new capability within Crew Manager that gives utilities unprecedented visibility into mutual aid crews as they travel to support restoration efforts.
    Improve Connections with Field Crews JULY 28 2025 We’re excited to share two new feature sets for our Crew Manager product that will help utilities better communicate and collaborate with crews in the fiel
    Learn More
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    Trusted by Fortune 150 energy companies

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    Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list seven times

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    Focused on secure, reliable operations

    Close

  • One Control Center for Every Scenario

    Arcos connects your people, work, and systems so you can execute well under any conditions.

    Industries OVERVIEW

    Electric Mobilize crews, restore power faster, and document every event. Gas Resolve leaks quickly and safely with compliant crews. Water Respond to breaks quickly and keep service flowing. Critical Infrastructure Improve outcomes with a single operational control center. Airlines Fill staffing gaps in minutes to avoid cancellations.

    ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

    Menu Suite Image
    Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite
    icon

    Trusted by Fortune 150 energy companies

    icon (1)

    Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list seven times

    vector

    Focused on secure, reliable operations

    Close

  • One Control Center for Every Scenario

    Arcos connects your people, work, and systems so you can execute well under any conditions.

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    RESOURCES

    Insights Blog Expert perspectives on utility operations and workforce trends. White Papers Deep dives on reliability, risk reduction, and digital transformation. Success Stories How utilities achieve reliability gains and measurable ROI. Resource Library Discover all the latest and greatest content from Arcos.

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    Events Connect with Arcos and peers at industry conferences. Webinars Live and on-demand sessions on best practices and trends.

    SUPPORT

    Support & Help Center Find technical documentation, user guides, and resources. Contact Us Reach the Arcos team with questions or to schedule a workshop.
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    Trusted by Fortune 150 energy companies

    icon (1)

    Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list seven times

    vector

    Focused on secure, reliable operations

    Close

  • One Control Center for Every Scenario

    Arcos connects your people, work, and systems so you can execute well under any conditions.

    • Contact Us

    ABOUT US

    Company Overview Learn more about the Arcos mission. Leadership Meet the team building the future of utility operations. ESG Policy Our commitment to environmental and social responsibility. Careers Join a team that powers critical infrastructure. Customer Steering Committee Shape the Arcos roadmap alongside fellow utility leaders. Our Investors The partners supporting Arcos growth and innovation.

    ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

    Menu Suite Image
    Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite

    FEATURED NEWS

    press-release-featured-image-template
    ARCOS Brings Convoy Tracking to Crew Manager Arcos announced today the addition of convoy tracking to Crew Manager, its comprehensive solution for assigning, tracking and managing crews.
    press-release-hb-helmbsriscoe
    ARCOS Introduces Native Two-way Crew Communication Arcos announced new enhancements to Crew Manager, its comprehensive solution for assigning, tracking and managing crews.
    press-release-featured-image-template
    Arcos Announces New Strategic Growth Investment from Bain Capital Arcos’ AI-enabled software solutions are leveraged by customers from Fortune 150 energy companies to municipal utilities to power and transform their field management operations.
    press-release-featured-image-template
    Arcos Launches Partner Network to Drive Collaboration and Innovation in Utility Workforce Management The program creates a formal framework for partnerships, which will benefit customers seeking guidance on complementing and expanding their use of Arcos
    See all News
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    Trusted by Fortune 150 energy companies

    icon (1)

    Ranked on the Inc. 5000 list seven times

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    Focused on secure, reliable operations

    Close

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Resource Management

  • Crew Callout Assemble qualified crews in minutes with automated callouts.
  • Crew & Event Logistics Coordinate lodging, meals, and crew support at scale.
  • Mutual Aid Management Onboard and manage mutual aid crews in one system.
  • Non-Native Crew Management Equip contractors with mobile tools from day one.
  • Crew & Contractor Management Standardize execution across all crews and contractors.
  • Crew Scheduling & Shift Fill Fill open trips and shifts with automated rule compliance.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu Suite Image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite

Work Execution

  • Asset Inspection & Maintenance Digitize inspections and maintenance with digital workflows and GIS integration.
  • Work Order Tracking Track job progress with real-time field data capture.
  • Wildfire Mitigation Target the work that matters most for safety and reliability.
  • Vegetation Management Plan, dispatch, and report on vegetation programs.
  • Damage Assessment & Repair Accelerate restoration with real-time field intelligence.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu Suite Image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite

Reporting & Analytics

  • Regulatory Reporting Generate comprehensive reports for regulators and FEMA.
  • Compliance Enforce labor rules and maintain audit-ready records.
  • Real-time Storm Restoration Reporting Gain real-time visibility into crew status and progress.
  • Closeout & Cost Recovery Accelerate event closeout with verified cost documentation.
  • Crew Expense Reporting Capture verified crew time and expenses automatically.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu Suite Image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite

Community Engagement

  • Outage Alerts Automate outage and restoration alerts to reduce call volume.
  • Billing Service Alerts Improve on-time payments with billing and past due reminders.
  • Conservation Campaigns Reduce peak demand with conservation alerts.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu suite image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite
Solutions Overview
Sign In Schedule a Workshop

Our Products

  • Callout Mobilize compliant crews in minutes with rules-driven callouts.
  • Crew Manager Track every crew from activation to closeout in one system.
  • Assess & Restore Execute blue and grey sky work in a single mobile app.
  • Clearion Plan, execute, and document vegetation and inspection work.
  • TextPower Send urgent alerts that reach crews and customers fast.
  • Ascend Automate flight crew staffing to cut cancellations.
  • RosterApps Fill ground crew shifts faster with automated scheduling.

PRODUCT UPDATES

Track Crews from Callout to Closeout SEPT 23, 2025 ARCOS is excited to announce the release of Convoy Tracking, a powerful new capability within Crew Manager that gives utilities unprecedented visibility into mutual aid crews as they travel to support restoration efforts.
Improve Connections with Field Crews JULY 28 2025 We’re excited to share two new feature sets for our Crew Manager product that will help utilities better communicate and collaborate with crews in the fiel
Learn More
Integrations
Sign In Schedule a Workshop

Industries OVERVIEW

  • Electric Mobilize crews, restore power faster, and document every event.
  • Gas Resolve leaks quickly and safely with compliant crews.
  • Water Respond to breaks quickly and keep service flowing.
  • Critical Infrastructure Improve outcomes with a single operational control center.
  • Airlines Fill staffing gaps in minutes to avoid cancellations.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu Suite Image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite
Sign In Schedule a Workshop

RESOURCES

  • Insights Blog Expert perspectives on utility operations and workforce trends.
  • White Papers Deep dives on reliability, risk reduction, and digital transformation.
  • Success Stories How utilities achieve reliability gains and measurable ROI.
  • Resource Library Discover all the latest and greatest content from Arcos.

EVENTS

  • Events Connect with Arcos and peers at industry conferences.
  • Webinars Live and on-demand sessions on best practices and trends.

SUPPORT

  • Support & Help Center Find technical documentation, user guides, and resources.
  • Contact Us Reach the Arcos team with questions or to schedule a workshop.
Partner Network ROI Calculator
Sign In Schedule a Workshop

ABOUT US

  • Company Overview Learn more about the Arcos mission.
  • Leadership Meet the team building the future of utility operations.
  • ESG Policy Our commitment to environmental and social responsibility.
  • Careers Join a team that powers critical infrastructure.
  • Customer Steering Committee Shape the Arcos roadmap alongside fellow utility leaders.
  • Our Investors The partners supporting Arcos growth and innovation.

ONCOMMAND SUITE OVERVIEW

Menu Suite Image
Learn how ARCOS puts teams in control with unified crew, process, and asset management. Explore the Full Suite

FEATURED NEWS

press-release-featured-image-template
ARCOS Brings Convoy Tracking to Crew Manager Arcos announced today the addition of convoy tracking to Crew Manager, its comprehensive solution for assigning, tracking and managing crews.
press-release-hb-helmbsriscoe
ARCOS Introduces Native Two-way Crew Communication Arcos announced new enhancements to Crew Manager, its comprehensive solution for assigning, tracking and managing crews.
press-release-featured-image-template
Arcos Announces New Strategic Growth Investment from Bain Capital Arcos’ AI-enabled software solutions are leveraged by customers from Fortune 150 energy companies to municipal utilities to power and transform their field management operations.
press-release-featured-image-template
Arcos Launches Partner Network to Drive Collaboration and Innovation in Utility Workforce Management The program creates a formal framework for partnerships, which will benefit customers seeking guidance on complementing and expanding their use of Arcos
See all News
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Operational Analytics

Why Your Homegrown Systems Aren't Working

Homegrown utility software can be complex and hard to maintain. See how ARCOS provides a better, scalable solution for your operations.

Posted by 

ARCOS

 

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June 07, 2022

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There seem to be many benefits to creating homegrown utility management software for your process needs… at least at first. You control the development and construct it exactly to your specifications. You may save costs up front. Each member of the team can weigh in on what they need and how to do it best, being on-site and involved. Unfortunately, only hindsight is 20/20 and problems tend to build up over time. And, of course, the older the system, the more challenges you’re likely to run into. These trends are seen across the board with almost all homegrown systems. Let’s look at the drawbacks to building your utility work management software in-house.

Building the Utility Work Management Software

It’s easy to identify a process that isn’t working and focus on that as the basis for your development. Then, you identify another process. And another. Homegrown systems tend to be a series of work solutions built independently, rather than a comprehensive solution that interacts and functions as a single source of truth. By creating silos of development initially, it becomes difficult to synthesize data and trends over the various systems. It’s also challenging to make them interact with one another. Even within a single silo, processes continue to change, mandating further enhancements. Instead of redoing the system from the ground up each time, additional layers of complexity are added to account for new business needs or technological advancements. Eventually, this becomes an exceedingly long script of code, inefficient and unwieldly. New layers may not play well with old ones. Identifying exactly where things are conflicting and how to resolve that conflict is time intensive. Troubleshooting becomes a massive undertaking. Once built, it’s hard to keep it maintained and updated. A homegrown system will likely lack many features that are standard in most modern software, making them less useful. Your internal developers are focused on other projects, as well, rather than being experts in the specific way you need them to be. The alternative of just building and forgetting, rather than continuing to develop, is just as bad. Over time, the way the software is used is bound to change. The old system becomes used for a purpose other than what it was built for. It’s not a good fit.

Personnel Turnover

As the homegrown system gets larger and more complex, it’s more important than ever for those building, supporting, and using it to have knowledge of how it works. Unfortunately, people don’t stay in one position forever. They are promoted, retire, or leave for other reasons. New hires are often intimidated by a complex homegrown system which takes a long time to learn. Documentation is rarely complete, necessitating a lot of investigation, trial, and error to fix or improve anything. Legacy and institutional knowledge is lost. This makes it hard to attract and train new talent. Potential recruits can go elsewhere and use standardized tools that are easy to understand and with outside technical support. They often chose to do so to avoid the frustration of working with an unwieldy internally built system. And as turnover happens multiple times, needed updates and repairs fall further down the priority list and take longer to implement.

Reporting

Another challenge faced with homegrown systems is getting accurate and useful reporting. Often, data must be obtained from an IT department, which has many other tasks on their plate. This frequently leads to long wait times. Once the data is obtained, it is usually delivered in a raw format or single spreadsheet dump, rather than in an interactive dashboard that you can easily customize. If the information needs to be compared to a whole separate data set, pulled at a different time, it’s not always easily done. This makes finding inefficiencies, as well as completing any outside reporting required by business rules or law, difficult. ARCOS’ suite of solutions can help you avoid all these issues. It’s built by a team of experts who are constantly updating and streamlining the software. We listen to your needs, and release frequent updates based on customer feedback. At the same time, many aspects of our systems are configurable in a large variety of ways, so you can still get exactly what you want. You can change those criteria as needed. What’s more, we have a full-time staff of professionals dedicated to helping you make the solutions work for you. If they’re not, we can help you implement the necessary changes to get there. This will not only save you time and internal resources, but also make your operations more efficient. Find out more by contacting us today.

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