Evergy, the energy provider serving Kansas and Missouri with a robust customer base of 1.7 million, has recently made a significant leap in modernizing its infrastructure by investing in OneLayer’s private LTE network device management and zero-trust security platform. This strategic investment comes as Evergy transitions from testing the LTE technology by Ericsson to a comprehensive, operational rollout aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and security within its expanding private cellular networks.
The Driving Forces Behind Evergy’s Investment
A primary catalyst for this strategic move is the pressing necessity to manage a rapidly increasing number of operational technology (OT) and internet of things (IoT) devices. Traditionally, the onboarding and management of these devices have been manual, labor-intensive processes requiring substantial resources. With automation fast becoming a necessity given the spike in device numbers from thousands to tens of thousands, Evergy is embracing advanced procedures to streamline these tasks. The operational efficiencies targeted here involve not just reducing manual labor but also minimizing the risk of human errors that can detrimentally affect system performance and security.
Collaborating with OneLayer aims to alleviate these operational challenges by automating device management, ensuring complete visibility of devices, and instituting stringent security measures. It underscores Evergy’s commitment to reliable, sustainable, and affordable energy while focusing on next-generation infrastructure to fulfill this mission. Through this strategic partnership, Evergy aims to deploy intelligent solutions that not only augment their operational scope but also enhance service quality for its expansive customer base.
Security Imperatives for Critical Infrastructure
One of the critical aspects reinforcing this investment is the necessity for rigorous security protocols. For any national infrastructure provider, especially one like Evergy, stringent security measures are indispensable. The end-to-end zero-trust security framework provided by OneLayer is meticulously designed to secure Evergy’s facilities and electricity grid. This comprehensive security model aligns with the necessary compliance to segmentation standards and adheres firmly to regulatory requirements compulsory for safeguarding critical infrastructure.
Security in this context is multi-faceted, encapsulating continuous visibility and real-time monitoring of connected devices to maintain operational excellence safely. By adopting such a stringent security model, Evergy ensures that its operations remain resilient against potential external and internal threats. This proactive stance on security not only bolsters the infrastructure but also reassures customers of uninterrupted and secure energy services, crucial in an era where cyber threats are becoming increasingly sophisticated and prevalent.
Enhancing Operational Efficiencies
Integral to the enhancements Evergy seeks is the operational efficiency brought forth by OneLayer’s platform. Automation of processes such as device onboarding, provisioning, profiling, classifying, and activation becomes pivotal as the network scales. This automation minimizes the need for manual interventions, thereby mitigating the potential for human error and freeing up valuable resources for other critical operational tasks. Moreover, such automation ensures that devices can be seamlessly integrated and managed within the network, maintaining consistency in operations.
These advances in automated network management capabilities are projected to result in substantial savings within asset management, operations, and network maintenance. Beyond cost savings, these efficiencies facilitate a more reliable power supply to Evergy’s customers. Aligning with Evergy’s sustainability transformation objectives, such efficiencies embody the technological strides necessary for achieving long-term sustainability goals, enhancing both environmental and operational performance.
Partnership with OneLayer and Ericsson’s Technology
The partnership with OneLayer and Ericsson is central to advancing Evergy’s infrastructure capabilities and readiness for future technological landscapes. Ericsson’s established LTE technology, when enhanced with OneLayer’s innovative management and security solutions, creates a robust foundation for Evergy’s evolving ambitions. This synergy ensures that network management solutions are not merely cutting-edge but also capable of adapting to anticipated future challenges and opportunities.
Named Bridge, OneLayer’s platform focuses on the seamless integration and management of the vast array of devices within Evergy’s private LTE network. This strategic collaboration ensures effective communication and coordination among devices, which is imperative for maintaining efficiency in energy distribution and management systems. Such integration highlights the critical importance of having a unified, robust, and future-proof management system in place.
Scalability and Future-Readiness
Scalability stands as one of the most significant advantages ushered in by this investment. The platform’s ability to support the surge in connected devices from thousands to tens of thousands ensures it is a vital component of Evergy’s infrastructure expansion strategy. Scalability is not merely about accommodating more devices but doing so without compromising on efficiency or security, ensuring that operations remain smooth and unimpeded.
Continuously upgraded and supported by OneLayer, the platform guarantees that Evergy remains aptly prepared for future technological advancements and challenges. This forward-thinking partnership ensures that Evergy’s infrastructure keeps pace with the rapidly evolving landscape of energy provision. By maintaining high standards of service quality and technological innovation, Evergy is poised to deliver consistent, reliable, and forward-looking energy solutions to its customer base.
Conclusion
Evergy, the energy provider serving Kansas and Missouri, has a substantial customer base of 1.7 million. They have recently taken a significant step toward modernizing their infrastructure by investing in OneLayer’s private LTE network device management and zero-trust security platform. This strategic move is part of Evergy’s transition from merely testing LTE technology developed by Ericsson to a full-scale operational rollout. The goal is to improve both operational efficiency and security as they expand their private cellular networks.
This investment represents a critical upgrade, aiming to replace older systems and enhance the reliability and performance of their energy services. By adopting OneLayer’s advanced technology, Evergy expects to face fewer interruptions, manage resources more effectively, and keep their network more secure from potential cyber threats. This modernization effort underscores Evergy’s commitment to delivering consistent and secure energy solutions to its vast customer base, reflecting a proactive approach to leveraging cutting-edge technology in the energy sector.
