AspenTech Digital Grid Management (DGM) is actively advancing data interoperability across the utility ecosystem by participating in the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) Grid Model Data Management Forum. This is a collaborative initiative that brings together utilities, software providers and consultants to standardize the exchange of electrical network models. At the core of this effort is the adoption and evolution of the IEC Common Information Model (CIM), which enables consistent data exchange across critical systems such as network model management (NMM), geographic information systems (GIS) and operational technologies including ADMS and EMS.

DGM has long been an industry leader in providing CIM-compliant solutions for transmission utilities and has deployed its solutions worldwide. When EPRI approached DGM to participate in a collaboration focused on distribution utilities, we welcomed the opportunity. The DGM software products proven to support CIM-based interoperability during the EPRI Forum were the AspenTech Cimphony Network Model Management^™ (NMM) and AspenTech OSI Advanced Distribution Management System™ (ADMS) systems.

The work aligns with industry efforts to strengthen standards across IEC 61968, IEC 61970 and related profile development for distribution grid model exchange. A number of specific use cases were tested, including distributed energy resources (DER), metadata management and the refinement of exchange profiles that make multi-vendor integration more repeatable and more scalable.

 

From Custom Interfaces to a Common Language

The EPRI Forum was designed around a simple but important goal: reducing dependence on one-off, point-to-point integrations. By refining CIM-based exchange profiles and testing them in realistic workflows, utilities and software vendors can move toward adoption. That matters, because every custom interface adds cost, increases maintenance burden and creates risk when systems are upgraded. A common information model gives utilities a more sustainable way to connect best-of-breed solutions without sacrificing data quality or operational alignment.

 

AspenTech DGM and EPRI Forum Advancements

During the forum, AspenTech DGM demonstrated that our ADMS software solution can successfully import CIM-based model data, whether that data comes directly from a GIS source or through a network model management layer. DGM also demonstrated how AspenTech Cimphony NMM can ingest GIS model information, govern and validate that data and publish the right information to downstream systems, including ADMS, enterprise asset management and other participating applications.

Forum participants also advanced stronger identity management, including the use of UUID-based approaches to improve data governance and cross-system reconciliation. Also tested were newer CIM-based distribution modeling standards and refined profiles for connectivity, electrical data, geographic location, assets and diagram layout.

On the DER side, the work expanded support for inverter-based resources, improved representations for customer connections behind the meter and refined tap changer modeling for conditions that include reverse power flow. Together, these changes help utilities represent the modern grid more accurately as distributed generation and bidirectional flows become more common. This further demonstrates the important role AspenTech Cimphony NMM plays as the trusted source of truth that synchronizes data across utility domains.

With DGM software applications successfully supporting standards-based interoperability, utilities will benefit from simplified project delivery and lower long-term cost of maintaining interfaces consistent with CIM standards, as well as stronger procurement standards.

 

What Comes Next

Because AspenTech Cimphony NMM is foundationally structured around IEC CIM, the refined profiles tested through the forum will be incorporated into future product development roadmaps. DGM also remains active in IEC TC57 working groups that continue to shape interoperability standards across EMS, ADMS, DERMS, SCADA and related domains. That ongoing participation helps ensure that product development stays aligned with where the industry is going—and helps utilities prepare for a future that depends on consistent, governed and interoperable grid model data.

To learn more about the value AspenTech Cimphony Network Model Management can provide, please read our white paper here.