Advice on Utility Network

[Ivy_Hinson]

Hello,

I have recently taken over a utility's GIS. Currently, the utility's assets are not built into any kind of geometric network. Should I try to do this in ArcMap before transitioning to the Utility Network or should I just build our system in the UN as I QA/QC (I am working through this for the entire system anyway)? 

Any advice on this would be appreciated.

[AyanPalit]

@Ivy_Hinson If you are starting out new today, I strongly recommend using ArcGIS Pro and the Utility Network, so you have a good long-term investment. Depending on the utility type (Electric, gas, water), a good place to start is the Utility Solutions: https://solutions.arcgis.com/utilities   

ArcMap and related technologies like geometric network have a known retire date. No point in using sunset technology.  

[GelisaJoseph]

I agree with Ayan but will also add that we have utility solutions called <utility> Data Management that are lightweight and provide everything you may need to collect, load and create utility assets in ArcGIS Online. These are different then the utility network and don't provide tracing or connectivity but if you don't currently have connectivity these Data Management solutions could be a great way to modernize. 

Which utility assets are you managing? 

Thanks,

Gelisa

[xandermavrides]

Before jumping in the UN, make sure you have a solid asset repository and utilize the avail data review tools to assess data readiness.