CIM User Group celebrated 25 years of CIM Development and Growth in Brisbane

As I stepped into the conference of the CIM Users Group – Oceania 2023 Spring Meeting, in Brisbane, Australia, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of excitement and anticipation in the air. This year marked the 25th anniversary of the development of the Common Information Model (CIM), a significant milestone for the industry. It was a remarkable event, especially since the conference hadn’t been held in the APAC region for nearly a decade. Brisbane, a city that lives up to its sunny potential with a strong focus on the outdoors – think al fresco dining, picnics by the river, islands just off the coast and national parks, was an excellent setting for the event.

The overall focus of the conference was centered around the theme of “CIM the Development, Growth, and Acceptance of a Standard.” Participants from various organizations and sectors gathered to explore and discuss the application of CIM in their respective fields. The event kicked off with CIM University, where attendees had the opportunity to attend classes and deepen their understanding of CIM and its practical usage.

Throughout the conference, there were several emerging trends and innovative ideas that captured the attention of the participants. One of the key discussions revolved around the challenges organizations face when implementing CIM. It was fascinating to witness the exchange of ideas and strategies to overcome these obstacles. I had the privilege of delivering a presentation titled “Challenges on Utilizing the CIM in Organizations,” which sparked engaging conversations among the attendees.  A commonly referred to topic was helping to get executive buy in, a challenge that I have worked with many C-Level executives with. 

One of the key takeaways from the conference was the significant focus on network connectivity model management and the impacts of Distributed Energy Resources (DER).

A particularly noteworthy presentation by Xtensible in collaboration with Ameren, titled “Optimizing Asset Investments and Operations with Grid Network Model Management with the CIM,” received widespread acclaim. The session delved into the ways CIM can be leveraged to enhance asset investments and streamline operations. The insights shared during this presentation provided valuable learnings for attendees to implement in their own organizations.

“Get the Fundamentals Right – Overlapping business functions should have consistent data.”

Reflecting on the event, I wholeheartedly recommend this conference to others within the industry. The CIM has become an industry standard that plays a crucial role in data management, integration architecture, and data analytics. Attending this conference provides a unique opportunity to stay abreast of the latest advancements in CIM such as utilization to help support the notion of implementing a network model management system and gain insights from experts in the field. The knowledge and connections gained can significantly benefit organizations striving for excellence in the area of data management. 

One of the standout memories from the conference was the discussion surrounding Affirma. It was revealed that Sparx Enterprise Architect, which is used by the user group to maintain the CIM standard, was no longer able to support some essential functions of CIM with its recent release.

Affirma emerged as a managed solution that effectively supports the model and implementation of CIM, both for integration and data stores. The announcement that Xtensible would be integrating Affirma with the OpenGrid Symphony solution created a buzz of excitement. Affirma’s role in the design of the Network Model Management System (NMMS) implementation at Ameren, with Symphony serving as the NMMS product, highlighted the significance of having a managed and connected network connectivity model from design to implementation. 

The conference provided attendees with an array of resources and materials through the CIM University to further their understanding of CIM. The training sessions offered in-depth insights into various aspects of CIM implementation. The training agenda, available on the conference website, showcased the breadth and depth of knowledge shared during these sessions. The resources provided were instrumental in helping participants grasp the intricacies of CIM and its practical applications.

The overall atmosphere of the conference was electrifying and filled with energy. The fact that this conference hadn’t taken place in the APAC region for almost a decade added to the sense of anticipation and excitement. The lively discussions, engaging presentations, and networking opportunities contributed to a vibrant and dynamic atmosphere throughout the event. The positive energy permeating the conference hall was palpable, fostering a sense of camaraderie and collaboration among the attendees. 

As a growing company, Xtensible’s participation in this conference was of paramount importance. We are known as experts worldwide in CIM, and our continued support and presence are vital to the expansion and acceptance of this standard. The conference provided us with a platform to share our expertise, learn from industry peers, and showcase our commitment to driving innovation in the CIM domain. The connections made and insights gained during the conference will undoubtedly help enhance our position as a leader in the CIM space. 

In conclusion, the CIM User Group Australia 2023 conference was a resounding success. The event served as a milestone in CIM development and growth, bringing together industry professionals to explore the potential and challenges associated with this standard. The emerging trends, innovative ideas, valuable resources, and vibrant atmosphere made it a memorable experience for all attendees. I eagerly look forward to future conferences that continue to drive the progress and adoption of CIM, ultimately shaping the future of our industry.