A Technical History of the SEI

and performance comparisons, Navigation Process training, and a program to license organizations
and certify individuals to deliver the Navigation Process. The SGMM Matrix offers a summary
view of the model domains and expected characteristics
in each domain and at each maturity level. 21
The View from Others
The Consequence: Effective Method for
Utilities’ Transition to the Smart Grid
Utilities that have approached their smart grid transformation
planning with the SGMM Navigation Process
have seen a number of benefits. They have the evidence
needed to maintain financial support and an initial opportunity
to formally review and plan their smart grid activities.
The use of a common language across the enterprise
enables effective communication about smart grid realities
and objectives.
Ultimately, in the U.S. and other nations, grid reliability,
security, efficiency, and safety will increase. As organizations
progress, they manage power flows so that power
losses are minimized and the usage of lowest cost power
generation resources are maximized. They implement
business processes that deliver an environmentally
friendly energy network while minimizing costs and sustaining
profitability. The growing number of industry
“SGMM Navigators,” trained by the SEI, means there is
model expertise in industry able to guide the SGMM Navigation Process.
The SEI Contribution
Pepco Holdings has been involved
with the SGMM since its inception.
We recently completed the survey
again, using the SGMM Navigation
process. This was helpful in
fostering candid, fact-based discussion
of where we have been,
where we are today, and where we
expect to be in the future. We look
forward to using the tool as an integral
part of our ongoing planning
and transformation process,
and in measuring our progress
over time.
– George Potts, Vice
President, Business
Transformation, Pepco
Holdings, Inc. [SGMM
2010a]
Initial work leading to the SGMM was done by an IBM-led coalition of major utility companies,
the Global Intelligent Utility Network Coalition. Their work was handed over to the SEI as a neutral,
third-party steward. The Department of Energy funded the SEI to take on the SGMM stewardship.
In addition to its neutrality, the SEI had an existing relationship and other work in critical
infrastructure. The DOE provides tools in support of public-private partnership efforts to modernize
the grid as a national priority. The SEI is also collaborating with APQC, a non-profit memberbased
research organization to help organizations adopt the model.
As SGMM steward, the SEI evolves the model and makes it freely available as a service to the
utility industry. With industry stakeholder and DOE input, the SEI released Version 1.1 of the
model in 2010 and Version 1.2 in 2011. In addition, the SEI developed the SGMM product suite
that includes the Navigation Process, the Compass assessment, Navigation Process training, and
the licensing and certification program for delivering the Navigation Process. SGMM expertise is
21 SGMM products and other SGMM information are available at http://www.sei.cmu.edu under “Work
Areas.”
CMU/SEI-2016-SR-027 | SOFTWARE ENGINEERING INSTITUTE | CARNEGIE MELLON UNIVERSITY 138
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