As new innovative technologies become common in utility practices, efficiency improvements and reduced capital costs are two positive attributes that highlight new Internet Age technologies. provide input for MSM changes can now do so at the click of  a mouse, rather than going through a lengthy coordination process with those responsible for maintaining the entire manual. “The new system automates the entire process and makes it a user friendly experience,” said JEA’s Vance Mahaffey, manager of procurement financing. The MSM generally identifies the utility stock number, prod- uct description, specification, approved manufacturer and manu- facturer  catalog  number.  This  information  is  important  to  the utility to maintain the integrity of  their system. The information that the utility places in their MSM is the key link to what manufacturers and suppliers provide. “Through the use of  the Internet, the ability to add, update, change, or view a utility’s MSM is just a click away,” said AURSI Director  Chris  Staggers.  “Within  seconds  new  items  can  be added or updated. The instant this occurs your sister utilities and suppliers will be able to view the information.” The new MSM Internet platform also provides advanced search routines, special cross-referencing techniques of  material from utility to utility, detailed specifications, pooled engineering resources, supplier bulletins, specific supplier line card searching compatibilities, and an integrated quotation system with elec- tronic on-line ordering. AURSI’s MSM platform provides accurate and up-to-date information to the utility and supplier to reduce the time it takes to purchase and supply the right products, thereby reducing the overall cost of  procuring products and services. “Within seconds the AURSI system can cross reference material so that when a utility is in need of  certain items, a supplier or utility can assist with material that is approved as a standard to the utility in need,” said Tingue. This  Internet  Age  solution  to  the  supply-chain  management business model evolves the limited structure of  the old paper-based MSM system into a comprehensive, system-wide application where updates and changes, for everyone, are quick, easy and universal. The online MSM system is capable of  handling millions of  records and thousands of  users without any sacrifice in performance. At its core, AURSI’s servers are maintained by Texas-based DataReturn, with full redundant onsite and offsite backups. “AURSI can handle any size utility ranging from a utility with as few as 1000 customers to a utility with millions of  customers,” said Staggers. Ocala Electric Utility was Florida’s first utility to implement the AURSI system and several other utilities have followed suit, including: JEA,  Clay  Electric  Cooperative,  Lee  County  Electric  Cooperative, Orlando Utilities Commission and Withlacoochee River Electric Co- operative. Hughes Supply, Inc. is the first manufacturing representa- tive supplier to join the online system. As new innovative technologies become common in utility prac- tices,  efficiency  improvements  and  reduced  capital  costs  are  two positive attributes that highlight new Internet Age technologies. And when the utility can run more efficient and with less capital cost, the end result benefits the customer and the community. R RELAY 13 DECEMBER 2001