{"id":772087,"date":"2026-03-31T19:59:13","date_gmt":"2026-04-01T02:59:13","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/?post_type=arcnews&#038;p=772087"},"modified":"2026-03-31T15:09:12","modified_gmt":"2026-03-31T22:09:12","slug":"customized-esri-training-helps-utility-modernize-workflows","status":"publish","type":"arcnews","link":"https:\/\/www.esri.com\/about\/newsroom\/arcnews\/customized-esri-training-helps-utility-modernize-workflows","title":{"rendered":"Customized Esri Training Helps Utility Modernize Workflows"},"author":6921,"featured_media":0,"menu_order":0,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"sync_status":"","episode_type":"","audio_file":"","podmotor_file_id":"","podmotor_episode_id":"","castos_file_data":"","cover_image":"","cover_image_id":"","duration":"","filesize":"","filesize_raw":"","date_recorded":"","explicit":"","block":"","itunes_episode_number":"","itunes_title":"","itunes_season_number":"","itunes_episode_type":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"categories":[10412,10882,1011],"tags":[28942,472071,487192,19822,1101],"arcnews_issues":[493400],"class_list":["post-772087","arcnews","type-arcnews","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-arcgis-pro","category-esri-training","category-utilities","tag-arcgis-training","tag-arcgis-utility-network","tag-digital-transformaiton","tag-learn-arcgis","tag-modernization","arcnews_issues-spring-2026","arcnews_sections-your-work"],"acf":{"short_description":"After migrating to ArcGIS Pro, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority used its own data to train staff on the new system.","pdf":{"host_remotely":false,"file":"","file_url":""},"flexible_content":[{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"The Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority reached a milestone in its GIS journey in 2024. With guidance from Esri experts, the Water Authority began its migration from a legacy ArcMap technology-based geometric network model to ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Utility Network, the modern solution that helps utilities unlock new GIS capabilities for data accuracy, infrastructure modeling, and operational efficiencies.\r\n\r\nThe Water Authority\u2019s migration went beyond technology replacement. Leaders took a people-centered approach to manifest an organization-wide shift. Training from Esri played a pivotal role in the organization\u2019s successful transformation.\r\n<h2>Strategic Planning, Tailored Support<\/h2>\r\nAs the largest water and wastewater utility in New Mexico, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority serves more than 650,000 water users across city and county boundaries. The organization manages water distribution, wastewater collection and treatment, and reclaimed water delivery.\r\n\r\nLike many established utilities, it had long depended on ArcMap and the geometric network model for GIS data editing, network visualization and analysis, and asset management workflows. But with the retirement of ArcMap in March 2026 and a growing demand for smarter infrastructure, the organization saw an opportunity to modernize."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":772090,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"\u201cStaff were really looking for better support for network tracing and quality assurance,\u201d said Kathryn Browning, an Esri technical adviser who works closely with the Water Authority. \u201cArcGIS Utility Network provides all the functionality they need, but it also requires a different way of thinking about data.\u201d\r\n\r\nBecause adopting ArcGIS Utility Network required migrating to ArcGIS Pro and implementing a new model for multiuser data editing, the modernization effort was multilayered. Familiar apps and everyday workflows would be completely replaced.\r\n\r\nPaul Davidson, GIS IT application supervisor at the Water Authority, recognized the technical and cultural impacts of the modernization effort. \u201cAdopting [ArcGIS] Utility Network required a paradigm shift, and we knew we needed to bring everyone along for the ride,\u201d he said.\r\n\r\nAs a member of the Esri Advantage Program, the Water Authority has access to Browning and other experts, who helped Davidson plan a holistic approach to the transition. A robust technology implementation plan was accompanied by a tailored workforce training program crafted by Esri senior training consultant Tosca Ruege. The training program supported the short-term learning needs of technical staff while also addressing key skills development that would be needed to sustain efficient operations in the long term."},{"acf_fc_layout":"gallery","gallery_images":[772091,772092]},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"\u201cHaving that level of coordinated support through the Advantage Program made a big difference,\u201d said Ruege. \u201cWe were able to align training directly with staff\u2019s migration timeline, reinforce learning using the context of their specific workflows and data, and work toward a unified vision of the future.\u201d\r\n<h2>A New Kind of Learning Experience<\/h2>\r\nWhen the Water Authority\u2019s new technology was deployed, Davidson consulted with two colleagues: GIS administrator Marshall Grebe and GIS system analyst II Jessica Ridout. Most of the editors had limited experience with ArcGIS Pro. Some team members had attended ArcGIS Utility Network courses before the new system was in place. Months later, information retention was low, since they hadn\u2019t immediately applied their new skills.\r\n\r\nDavidson, Grebe, and Ridout agreed that their teams needed a unique training experience to fully prepare for the transition. What they got was a hands-on, role-specific refresher that brought everything together\u2014including their people.\r\n\r\nWorking with Ruege and Esri instructor and principal technical lead Jim Gough, Davidson, Grebe, and Ridout designed a custom, three-day private class that combined content from two of Esri\u2019s standard ArcGIS Utility Network courses. The class was augmented with coaching sessions, during which Gough provided expert guidance as participants worked with a copy of the Water Authority\u2019s data in course exercises instead of the standard course data. Esri\u2019s training systems team also created a virtual machine environment that simulated the Water Authority\u2019s utility network, providing a safe space for the class to practice new workflows while learning their new system\u2019s interface.\r\n\r\n\u201cThis wasn\u2019t generic data being used, and the course concepts weren\u2019t theoretical. Students were solving problems they actually encounter,\u201d Gough said.\r\n<h2>Gaining Clarity on Complex Concepts<\/h2>\r\nThe class brought together GIS editors, administrators, modelers, and IT professionals to explore branch versioning, topology, network tracing, and attribute rules\u2014topics that can be abstract without familiar context. Branch versioning (the multiuser editing model used with ArcGIS Utility Network) was a particular source of confusion. In-depth class discussions and examples using the Water Authority\u2019s own data sparked a breakthrough that changed everything.\r\n\r\n\u201cOnce we explained how it works, you could see the lightbulbs go off,\u201d said Gough.\r\n\r\nDavidson agreed. \u201cThat class was an aha moment for me. It helped me understand how [ArcGIS] Utility Network fits our needs,\u201d he said. \u201cAnd it wasn\u2019t just me\u2014everyone came out of it energized.\u201d\r\n<h2>More than Training\u2014Team Building<\/h2>\r\nBeyond the technical knowledge gained, the training helped clarify how different departments interact with GIS, and it unified staff across roles and departments. They all left with a shared vocabulary and understanding."},{"acf_fc_layout":"image","image":772094,"image_position":"center","orientation":"horizontal","hyperlink":""},{"acf_fc_layout":"content","content":"\u201cWe had our water modeler, compliance staff, and utility development folks in the room,\u201d Davidson said. \u201cThe training helped us all understand how the pieces fit together.\u201d\r\n\r\nGough, who has taught hundreds of classes in his 22 years at Esri, knows firsthand how beneficial a shared learning experience can be for teams.\r\n\r\n\u201cHaving everyone in the same room\u2014learning together, using the same terminology\u2014is huge,\u201d he said. \u201cIt eliminates confusion and builds a stronger foundation for collaboration.\u201d\r\n\r\nBrowning agreed. \u201cYou can\u2019t overstate the value of a shared experience when implementing new technology,\u201d she said. \u201cWhen people understand not just the how but the why, it brings teams together in powerful ways.\u201d\r\n\r\nThis was certainly the case for the Water Authority. Davidson organized a lunch for participants the day after class ended. \u201cI thought no one would show up\u2014they\u2019d be burned out,\u201d he recalled. But instead, he said, \u201cthey were excited. They couldn\u2019t stop talking about it.\u201d\r\n\r\nDavidson appreciates the long-term value of the private class. \u201cWe\u2019ve done training with other vendors where it\u2019s just a four-hour lecture. Six months later, no one remembers it,\u201d he said. \u201cEsri\u2019s format\u2014with hands-on exercises, real data, and experienced instructors\u2014makes the learning stick.\u201d\r\n<h2>A Holistic Model for Modernization<\/h2>\r\nTechnology will continue to advance, empowering organizations with new capabilities to optimize their operations. As leaders at the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority discovered, partnering with experts to strategically plan innovative enterprise technology implementations, paired with aligned and timed workforce preparation, is a formula for success.\r\n\r\nFrom Browning\u2019s viewpoint, a holistic approach was the key ingredient. \u201cIt was an intentional strategy to support real modernization, tailored to their goals and their team,\u201d she said. \u201cThe people and planning brought the vision to life.\u201d"}],"references":null},"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v25.9 (Yoast SEO v25.9) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/wordpress\/plugins\/seo\/ -->\n<title>Customized Esri Training Helps Utility Modernize Workflows | Spring 2026 | ArcNews<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"After migrating to ArcGIS Pro, the Albuquerque Bernalillo County Water Utility Authority used its own data to train staff on the new system.\" \/>\n<meta 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