Spatial Business Systems (SBS) Company Profile
Background
Overview
Spatial Business Systems (SBS) is a leading provider of intelligent design software and spatial data integration solutions, specializing in utilities and critical network infrastructure. Founded in 2002, SBS has been instrumental in assisting utilities, telecommunications, and engineering firms worldwide to design and manage critical infrastructure assets efficiently. The company's innovative software solutions create real-world digital twins, automating workflows, ensuring compliance with design standards, and reducing project delivery timelines. SBS is headquartered in Littleton, Colorado, with an office in Melbourne, Australia.
Mission and Vision
SBS's mission is to empower organizations to design and manage critical infrastructure assets efficiently by providing intelligent design solutions that automate workflows, ensure compliance with design standards, and reduce project delivery timelines. The company's vision is to be the global leader in intelligent design solutions for utility networks and electrical substations, supporting utilities, telecommunications, and engineering firms worldwide with innovative software.
Industry Significance
SBS plays a pivotal role in the utilities and infrastructure sectors by offering software solutions that streamline the engineering and design of critical network infrastructure assets. By creating real-world models, SBS facilitates efficient workflow management, collaboration, and standardization of design rules, thereby enhancing the quality and speed of infrastructure development projects.
Key Strategic Focus
Core Objectives
- Automation of Design Processes: Implementing intelligent design software to automate and streamline engineering and design workflows.
- Integration of Spatial Data: Ensuring seamless integration of spatial and design data to improve design effectiveness.
- Compliance and Standardization: Facilitating compliance with design standards and reducing project delivery timelines.
Areas of Specialization
- Automated Utility Design (AUD): Providing automated design tools and engineering templates for energy network development.
- Substation Design Suite (SDS): Offering automation and ready-to-use standards for physical substation design.
- Automated Broadband Designer (ABD): Delivering design automation and templates for efficient broadband network development.
Key Technologies Utilized
- AutoCAD Integration: Utilizing AutoCAD for design automation and documentation.
- Inventor Integration: Employing Inventor for substation design automation.
- AutoCAD Electrical Integration: Leveraging AutoCAD Electrical for protection and control design automation.
- Autodesk Revit Integration: Implementing Revit for BIM-based substation design.
Primary Markets Targeted
- Electric Utilities: Enhancing design processes for distribution and transmission networks.
- Gas Utilities: Improving design accuracy and safety in gas network infrastructure.
- Telecommunications: Accelerating broadband network development through design automation.
- Substation Engineering: Streamlining substation design and engineering processes.
Financials and Funding
Funding History
In October 2022, an affiliate of Peak Rock Capital, a middle-market private investment firm, completed the acquisition of Spatial Business Systems. This partnership aimed to accelerate SBS's growth and support further investments in product offerings and expansion into new applications and geographies.
Utilization of Capital
The capital from the acquisition was intended to:
- Product Development: Enhance existing software solutions and develop new applications.
- Geographical Expansion: Extend SBS's presence into new markets and regions.
- Operational Growth: Support the scaling of operations to meet increasing demand.
Pipeline Development
Key Pipeline Candidates
- Automated Utility Design (AUD): A suite of tools designed to automate utility design processes, reducing design cycles and improving accuracy.
- Substation Design Suite (SDS): A comprehensive solution for automating substation design, including physical and protection & control designs.
- Automated Broadband Designer (ABD): A tool aimed at streamlining broadband network design, facilitating faster deployment.
Stages of Development
- AUD and SDS: Both solutions are fully developed and have been implemented by various utilities and engineering firms.
- ABD: Recently launched, ABD is in the early stages of adoption within the telecommunications sector.
Target Conditions
- AUD and SDS: Designed to address challenges in utility infrastructure design, including inefficiencies and compliance issues.
- ABD: Aims to overcome obstacles in broadband network deployment, such as lengthy design cycles and integration complexities.
Anticipated Milestones
- AUD and SDS: Continued adoption and refinement based on user feedback.
- ABD: Expansion of user base and integration with additional GIS and ERP systems.
Technological Platform and Innovation
Proprietary Technologies
- Automated Design Tools: Custom-developed tools that automate various aspects of utility and substation design.
- Integration Frameworks: Frameworks that ensure seamless integration with existing GIS and ERP systems.
Significant Scientific Methods
- Digital Twin Technology: Creating real-world models of infrastructure to enhance design accuracy and efficiency.
- Workflow Automation: Streamlining design processes to reduce errors and project timelines.
Leadership Team
Executive Profiles
- Al Eliasen – President & Chief Executive Officer: With over 30 years of experience in software and engineering organizations, Al leads SBS's strategic direction and operations. Prior to joining SBS, he served as President of OSI, a division of Aspen Technology.
- Bonnie Castle – Chief Financial Officer: Bonnie oversees SBS's global finance and administrative operations. She has 14 years of experience in financial services, including a decade at PwC's Deals Practice, advising on complex financial transactions.
- Patrick Reid – Executive Vice President: Patrick brings over 30 years of project management and sales experience to SBS, overseeing the integration services group.
- Serguei Sokolov – Chief Technology Officer: Serguei supports major projects, business development, and customer relations, advising on enterprise and cloud technologies.
- Andy Mott – Chief Marketing Officer: With over 20 years in strategic marketing, Andy leads SBS's marketing efforts, including global communications and strategy.
- Michael Kerfeld – Vice President, Sales: Michael leads business development for electric and gas utilities across North America, with expertise in strategic execution and customer service.
- Brad Irwin – Vice President, Distribution Design: Brad leads distribution system design initiatives, responsible for product strategy and innovation in Automated Utility Design.
- Kevin Whyte – Vice President, Substations: Kevin oversees substation design, including SBS's substation products and project delivery team.
- Scott Casey – Vice President, Telecom: Scott leads customer engagement and market strategy for broadband solutions, with over 20 years in geospatial technology for telecommunications.
- Aaron Schmitt – Vice President, Project Services: Aaron manages Project Delivery and Development Operations, focusing on customer success and development processes.
- Jason Kagel – Vice President, Software Development: Jason brings over 30 years of engineering experience, implementing continuous improvement and agile methodologies across tech sectors.
- Trevor Scullion – Vice President, AI and Emerging Technology: Trevor leads research into AI and emerging technologies, focusing on transforming engineering and design processes into digital solutions.
- Jim Lucas – Vice President, Solutions Consulting: Jim provides executive consulting and guidance for SBS customers in implementing integrated design solutions.
- Andrew Street – Vice President, Technology: A founding partner of SBS, Andy has over 30 years of experience in the GIS marketplace, recognized for implementing GIS technologies for managing critical infrastructure.
- Dennis Beck – Chairman, Founder: Dennis has over 35 years of experience in engineering design, geospatial systems implementation, and software consultancy, specializing in managing critical infrastructure information.