Electrical equipment management

Abstract

Techniques for electrical equipment management are described. Embodiments include receiving and validating a login request from a user. A selected order for an electrical equipment system is received for assembly, and in response, a plurality of instructions are retrieved and provided. An iterative assembly process is executed to manage assembly of the electrical equipment system by the user, where the iterative assembly process includes traversing the plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical equipment. As part of the iterative assembly process, digital artifacts of the electrical equipment system are recorded during execution of the plurality of instructions, and when it is determined that the assembled electrical equipment system has reached compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts satisfying predefined compliance criteria, a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system is recorded. Embodiments include storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system.

Description

TECHNICAL FIELD

[0001] The present disclosure relates to energy management, and more particularly to an electrical equipment management system.

[0002] CLAIM OF PRIORITY

[0003] This application claims priority to and the benefit of the following provisional patent application: U.S. Provisional Application Serial No. 63 / 055,938, filed July 24, 2020, and entitled “Electrical Equipment Management System.” The entire contents of the foregoing prior patent application are expressly incorporated herein by reference. BACKGROUND

[0004] Conventional factory-assembled switchboards typically have a relatively limited number of configurations, and often such factory-assembled switchboards require a large amount of electrical busbars, often made of copper, which can be very expensive. In addition, such assemblies are often assembled in a specialized factory environment and only by a technically trained personnel. Fully assembled switchboards can also be very large and very heavy, which means that shipping from the specialized factory environment to the job site can be expensive and maneuvering to the final location at the job site can be very difficult. Fully assembled switchboards can also be more difficult to wire for the installation personnel because certain components block or limit the areas of the switchboard where electrical connections must be made. SUMMARY

[0005] In one embodiment, a method for electrical equipment management includes: upon receiving a login request from a user, verifying the login request; receiving a selected order for an electrical equipment system to be assembled and, in response, retrieving and providing a plurality of instructions; performing an iterative assembly process to manage assembly of the electrical equipment system by the user, wherein the iterative assembly process includes traversing the plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical equipment; recording digital artifacts of the electrical equipment system during execution of the plurality of instructions as part of the iterative assembly process; when it is determined that the assembled electrical equipment system has reached compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts satisfying predefined compliance criteria, recording a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system; and storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system.

[0006] In another embodiment, a method for electrical equipment system management includes receiving a selected order for an electrical equipment system to assemble, and responsively retrieving and providing instructions; performing an assembly process to manage assembly of the electrical equipment system by a user, wherein the assembly process includes executing the instructions for assembling the electrical equipment system; recording digital artifacts of the electrical equipment system during execution of the instructions as part of the assembly process; determining a next instruction based on completion of assembly steps and the recorded digital artifacts when it is determined that the instructions have been completed based on the recorded digital artifacts satisfying a predefined compliance criteria; retrieving and providing the next instruction based on completion of assembly steps and the recorded digital artifacts; recording a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system when it is determined that the assembled electrical equipment system has reached compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts satisfying the predefined compliance criteria; and storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system.

[0007] In another embodiment, an electrical equipment management system includes one or more computer processors; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing computer program code that, when executed by operation of the one or more computer processors, performs operations for managing data access within a first computing environment, the operations including: receiving a selected order for a retrofit electrical equipment system to assemble, and responsively retrieving and providing a plurality of retrofit instructions; performing an iterative assembly process to manage assembly of the electrical equipment system by a user, wherein the iterative assembly process includes traversing the plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical equipment system; recording digital artifacts of the electrical equipment system during execution of the plurality of instructions as part of the iterative assembly process; recording a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system when it is determined that the assembled electrical equipment system has reached compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts satisfying a predefined compliance criteria; and storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

[0008] A more detailed description of the disclosure briefly set forth above can be had by reference to various embodiments, some of which are illustrated in the appended drawings. While these drawings depict selected embodiments of the disclosure, these drawings should not be considered limiting in scope, as the disclosure can admit other equally effective embodiments.

[0009] Wherever possible, the same reference numbers are used in the drawings and the following description to refer to the same elements. Elements disclosed in one embodiment can be beneficially used in other embodiments without specific recitation.

[0010] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for implementing end-to-end electrical equipment system digital regulatory compliance, in accordance with one embodiment described herein.

[0011] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for implementing electrical equipment system device design certification according to one embodiment described herein.

[0012] Figure 3 is a block diagram illustrating a system for creating and managing customer electrical equipment system device designs according to one embodiment described herein.

[0013] Figure 4 is a block diagram illustrating a system for creating and managing customer electrical equipment system orders according to one embodiment described herein.

[0014] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing user information, authorization, and authentication according to one embodiment described herein.

[0015] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for company information, authorization, and authentication according to one embodiment described herein.

[0016] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing user and company training according to one embodiment described herein.

[0017] Figure 8 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing electrical equipment system device assembly instructions and execution according to one embodiment described herein.

[0018] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing electrical equipment system device compliance instructions and execution according to one embodiment described herein.

[0019] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a system for implementing assembled electrical equipment system device certification according to one embodiment described herein.

[0020] Figure 11 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing and executing digital audits of assembled electrical equipment system devices according to one embodiment described herein.

[0021] Figure 12 is a flow diagram illustrating a method of managing and executing electrical equipment system device design, assembly, and certification according to one embodiment described herein.

[0022] Figure 13 is a flow diagram illustrating a user authentication and authorization method according to one embodiment described herein.

[0023] Figure 14is a flowchart illustrating a method of creating and certifying an electrical equipment system engineering equipment design, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0024] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating a method of creating a new customer electrical equipment system equipment design based on certified engineering rules, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0025] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating a method of updating an electrical equipment system equipment design based on previously assembled equipment, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0026] Figure 17 is a flowchart illustrating a method for selecting designs and components to start electrical equipment system assembly, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0027] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating a method for performing electrical equipment system equipment assembly and compliance, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0028] Figure 19 is a flowchart illustrating a method for obtaining a certification mark for an electrical equipment system by digital means, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0029] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating a method for auditing electrical equipment system equipment assembly and compliance by digital means, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0030] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating a method for enabling end-to-end electrical equipment system digital regulatory compliance, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0031] Figure 22 is a diagram of an electrical equipment assembly, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0032] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating a method for enabling end-to-end electrical equipment system digital regulatory compliance for a retrofit equipment, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0033] Figure 24 is a diagram of an electrical equipment assembly, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0034] Figure 25 is a block diagram of a general-purpose computer system, according to one embodiment described herein.

[0035] Figure 26 is a block diagram of a general-purpose storage system, according to one embodiment described herein. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] Power distribution panel systems are used to distribute electrical power to a variety of facilities including residential, commercial or industrial types. The National Electrical Code (NEC) defines a power distribution panel system as "a large single panel, frame or assembly of panels intended to be installed in a switchboard that has a front and back and on which are mounted switches, overcurrent protecting devices, and other protective devices, buses, and usually instruments. These assemblies can be accessed from the rear and front and are not intended to be installed in an enclosure" [NEC Chapter 1, Article 1]. Electrical equipment systems have modular components so that switches, overcurrent protecting devices, and other protective devices, buses, and instruments are available to trained technicians to allow for configuration of the power distribution panel system for a particular application.

[0037] Conventional factory-assembled power distribution panels have a relatively limited number of configurations available. It will be appreciated that these limited number of configurations can not be suitable for the very wide range of applications for which power distribution panels can be applied. Variations such as, but not limited to, size, shape, rated electrical power, circuit breaker configuration, and available instruments are important factors to consider when selecting electrical equipment for a particular application.

[0038] Typically, such factory-assembled power distribution panels require a large amount of electrical busbar, often made of copper, which can be very expensive. In addition, obtaining regulatory agency certification of the assembly is typically assembled in a specialized factory environment and only by trained technicians. The fully assembled power distribution panel can also be very large and very heavy, which means that shipping to the job site can be expensive and maneuvering to the final location at the job site can be very difficult. The fully assembled power distribution panel can also be more difficult to wire for the installer because certain components block or limit areas of the power distribution panel where electrical connections must be made.

[0039] Such limitations in the manufacture of existing factory-assembled power distribution systems can create additional problems in creating, assembling, and obtaining regulatory certification of custom electrical equipment. Factors such as extended delivery times, ability to accurately quote, availability of qualified facilities and technicians to assemble, and ability to obtain regulatory compliance of custom electrical equipment assemblies are key issues.

[0040] The solution to this challenge is the use of the disclosed electrical equipment management system and method. Embodiments of such a system described herein provide a method for users or systems to order, assemble, and obtain regulatory compliance for custom electrical equipment assemblies. These assemblies do not need to be assembled in a specialized factory, but can be assembled in locations that are not typically used for such switchgear assemblies, such as a local facility or the customer site itself. The technicians used to assemble these modular systems are guided by a series of automated assembly instructions based on feedback from the technician, the electrical equipment management system, or both. Such assemblies are created to meet a plurality of standards, including manufacturing, operational, quality, and regulatory compliance standards. The completed electrical equipment assemblies can then be submitted for regulatory review in place and approved through digital methods without the need for an on-site visit.

[0041] It should be understood that electrical distribution equipment can be considered a class or subclass of electrical equipment and, as such, is similar if not identical in some applications to the present disclosure. Examples can include, but are not limited to, panels, circuit breakers, load banks, and any ancillary equipment that facilitates the conduction of electricity.

[0042] Figure 1 is a block diagram illustrating a system for implementing end-to-end electrical equipment digital regulatory compliance according to one embodiment described herein. The electrical equipment management system 100 provides the ability to manage various aspects of implementing regulatory compliance and certification of electrical equipment systems, including but not limited to user access, user and company training, providing the ability to design, assemble, certify, implement regulatory compliance, and order equipment. As shown, the electrical equipment management system for digital regulatory compliance 100 includes a design certification system 110, a design management system 120, an order management system 130, a user management system 140, a company management system 150, a training management system 160, an assembly management system 170, a compliance management system 180, an assembly certification system 190, and a digital audit system 195. It should be understood that these various systems can utilize one or more networks 125 in various architectures to facilitate communication between and within the various systems described herein.

[0043] It should be understood that the electrical equipment management system 100 can contain one or more components for storing digital artifacts. For example, these digital artifacts can be historical, retained, or temporary in nature as the system operates. Such a system can be used, for example, to call up information for a current assembly of an electrical equipment system or a past assembly of an electrical equipment system. Furthermore, such a system can be used to store artifacts related to one or more modular assemblies, such as documents, drawings, instructions, certification history, measurements, or training artifacts. Multiple electrical equipment assemblies or digital artifacts about one or more electrical equipment assemblies can also be stored and called up for analysis. This analysis can include, for example, a success or failure rate of a particular assembly or a particular assembly step, the number of times an assembly step has been processed.

[0044] Figure 2 is a block diagram illustrating a system for design certification. The design certification system 110 includes design certification features 210, design certification algorithms 215, design certification training 220, design certification metrics 225, design certification models 230, engineering designs 235, certified designs 240, and certified design repositories 245.

[0045] Generally, design certification is the process and related systems responsible for designs that, when complete, can be certified and expected to complete regulatory compliance. For example, the design certification features component 210 can maintain all of the features of a particular electrical equipment design. These features can include, but are not limited to, power capacity, physical dimensions, available circuitry, or other features related to electrical equipment components.

[0046] The design certification algorithms 215 are algorithms used by the electrical equipment system to create certified designs for assembly. As one example, there can be an algorithm that, for a particular physical size backplane, can utilize a particular series of circuit breakers of a particular size. Another example can be that, for a particular component, a particular power capacity can not be exceeded and the coupling of these similar power capacity devices can create a certified design.

[0047] The design certification training 220 can be used to obtain training specific to a design. These can include operational, installation, functional, or other training necessary for operation, maintenance, or otherwise to maintain service.

[0048] The design certification metrics 225 can include embodiments of device design metrics that can include, but are not limited to, parameters utilized during the design of an electrical equipment system, such as the number and type of components (e.g., circuit breakers integrated into the design), features of the design (e.g., power capacity), physical features of any enclosures, or other metrics that can be used to create an electrical equipment design.

[0049] The design certification models 230 can include certified designs, such as reference models that are the starting point for designs that are certified. There can be other such design certification models and these models can be used in whole, in part, or in combination to assist a user or system in designing a certified design.

[0050] The engineering design component 235 can be used by the design certification system 110 for those designs that are becoming certified designs. The engineering designs 235 and components thereof can be combined with the certified designs 240 and components thereof or can be created as standalone designs to create new designs or modify existing designs.

[0051] Certified designs 240 are designs that have completed the entire electrical equipment assembly process and have been determined to be assemblable, validated, and certified by a regulatory agency. Certified design repository 245 stores such designs for future invocation as standalone designs, design combinations, or other uses determined by a user or system.

[0052] It should be understood that design management system 110 can contain one or more components for storing digital artifacts. For example, a device design history component that, in embodiments, stores a history of completed electrical equipment designs, a history of unfinished module switchboard designs, or templates of electrical equipment designs that have not yet been assembled. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0053] Figure 3 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating a design management system. Design management system 120 includes certified design rules 310, certified design templates 315, design user interface 320, design bill of materials 325, design drawing generation 330, and design artifact repository 335.

[0054] Design management system 120 is responsible for the entire design process. It should be understood that design elements can be provided by multiple sources, including but not limited to engineering designs 235, certified designs 240, or certified design repository 245. These design elements can include past and present designs, designs that a user or other system such as an ERP can initiate for configuration. Designs for electrical equipment systems can be completed by inputting parts, subassemblies, assemblies, complete designs, reference numbers for such assemblies, diagrams such as schematics, one line, mechanical, or textual descriptions. With this design information, a device design component can develop a design and related documentation, for example, a bill of materials (BOM) from which a modular assembly system can be manufactured.

[0055] Certified design rules component 310 is used to design solutions that conform to a set of design criteria to produce a design that can be produced according to manufacturing, quality, or regulatory standards.

[0056] Certified design templates 315 can include templates of certified designs, for example, reference models that serve as a starting point for designs that are certified. Other such design certification models can exist and can be used in whole, in part, or in combination to assist a user or system in designing a certified design in a template format. Design user interface 320 is provided to a user or system to receive feedback and allow input into the system.

[0057] A bill of materials (BOM) 325 can be generated as part of the design process to facilitate the creation of a list of parts to be used in the design. This list can be electronically shared with an ERP system to see what materials are available, or a time frame in which they can become available. In this way, the system can also suggest alternative design choices that allow for the completion of the design, but use available materials to eliminate or reduce lead time issues.

[0058] During the creation of a design, design drawing generation 330 can manufacture drawings of the assembly, including, for example, mechanical drawings, line drawings, schematics, reference drawings, CAD drawings, assembly drawings, or other drawings that can be used by a user, contractor, technician, assembler, system, or installer of the electrical equipment.

[0059] A design artifact repository 335 contemplates that the electrical equipment design drawing repository can include drawings, including, for example, but not limited to, mechanical, electrical, schematic, or reference drawings of electrical equipment designs that have been completed, templates of module switchboard drawings that have not been completed, or electrical equipment drawings that have not been assembled.

[0060] It should be appreciated that the design management system 120 can contain one or more components for storing digital artifacts. A technical documentation component data repository can include text, pictures, videos, drawings of an existing catalog of technical documentation, which in embodiments stores a history of completed electrical equipment technical documentation, a history of incomplete module switchboard technical documentation, or a template of electrical equipment technical documentation that has not been performed. Such a data repository can also include failed, successful, or untried technical documentation. It should be appreciated that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0061] Figure 4 FIG. 4 is a block diagram illustrating an order management system. The order management system 130 includes order pricing 410, customer order management 415, order tracking and status 420, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration 425. It should be appreciated that orders can be placed by a user, system, or some combination, individually or in bulk. The orders can be for entire assemblies, portions of assemblies, combinations of parts, or some combination of them that form an assembly. The assemblies can be available, such as a stock switchboard system, or require additional configuration to assemble, such as a custom switchboard system.

[0062] The order management system 130 includes an order pricing component 410. Embodiments of this order pricing component include, but are not limited to, pricing of units based on available inventory of switchboard assemblies, available inventory of parts to create a switchboard assembly, raw materials, production capacity, orders, parts, components, or assemblies, or purchase orders.

[0063] In embodiments, the customer order management component 415 and order tracking and status component 420 can be utilized to manage the nexus between the supply of, for example, switchboard assemblies, parts and raw materials and the demand for completed switchboard assemblies. This component can progress as the order progresses, allowing a manufacturer, supplier, partner or customer to track the progress of a switchboard assembly.

[0064] It should be understood that an enterprise resource planning (ERP) integration component 425 can exist in the electrical equipment system to collect, store, manage and interpret data. The ERP can be integrated into the order management system 130 or can be a separate information available to the order management system 130, and embodiments show that such a system can track various resources, such as available inventory of switchboard assemblies, available inventory of parts used to create switchboard assemblies, raw materials, production capacity, orders and purchase orders.

[0065] It should be understood that the order management system 130 can contain one or more components for storing digital artifacts. For example, an order history component data repository can include a catalog of existing electrical equipment orders that, in embodiments, stores a history of completed electrical equipment orders, a history of orders for module switchboards that are not completed or templates for electrical equipment orders that have not yet been executed. Such a data repository can also include order status in an attempt to determine necessary materials and manpower for planning purposes. Further, such a module can predict future order placement based on past orders. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0066] Figure 5 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing users. The user management system 140 includes user information 510, user function 515, user authentication 520 and user authorization 525. Examples of this system can include a system that manages users and their related information, what users or systems will be authenticated to gain access to the electrical equipment management system 100. Examples of user management systems can include systems such as Active Directory (AD), Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS) or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

[0067] The management of users includes the storage and changeability of users and their related features or user information 510, such as a user name and related password or passcode or security question. The user function 515 can indicate the level of access allowed for a particular user or group of users. For example, a user can have full rights to the system and therefore be named an “administrator” or have more limited rights as a “user”.

[0068] Generally, authentication is the process of identifying a user, company or system identity. Authorization is the process of determining the level of access or ability a user, company or system can use after being authenticated.

[0069] User authentication component 520 can include, but is not limited to, a single factor, two factor, or multi-factor authentication system. Methods of implementing authentication can include, but are not limited to, a username / password combination, a one-time password, a single sign-on (SSO), or a biometric factor method such as a fingerprint.

[0070] User authorization component 525 can include, but is not limited to, a role-based access control, a network token, a Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) exchange, or an API authorization call.

[0071] A general example of a user management system can include Active Directory (AD), Remote Authentication Dial-In User Service (RADIUS), or Lightweight Directory Access Protocol (LDAP).

[0072] Figure 6 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing a company. Company management system 150 includes company information 610, company roles 615, company authentication 620, and company authorization 625.

[0073] It should be appreciated that company management system 150 performs many of the same functions as user management system. However, one difference between user management system 150 and company management system 160 is that a partner organization (e.g., a company) must first be authorized, and then authorized users must be associated with the authorized partner organization. It should be appreciated that different companies and their associated users can have different levels of authorization that can differ from the company that grants access and authorization.

[0074] Another distinguishing feature between users and companies is which entity is responsible for authentication and authorization. For example, a parent company can authenticate and authorize users employed by the company. However, if a third-party company can provide, for example, manufacturing support, not only must the parent company authenticate and authorize the site, but the site must also obtain authorization and certification from any third-party certifying agency (e.g., UL).

[0075] Figure 7 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing user and company training. Training management system 160 includes company training programs 710, company training materials 715, company training repository 720, user training programs 725, user training materials 730, and user training repository 735. It should be appreciated that training for users and companies can take many forms, including but not limited to instructor-led training, computer-based learning, simulations, hands-on, lectures, group discussions, or offline activities such as user research. Training topics can include, but are not limited to, assembly of electrical equipment systems, quality or manufacturing procedures, or regulatory procedures.

[0076] The training management system 160 can include a user or company training management component. Such a system can be used for the management, recording, tracking, reporting, automation, and delivery of educational courses or training programs for users or groups of users. As such, the user training management system can be an example of a learning management system (LMS) that is specific to the electrical equipment management system 100.

[0077] The company training programs 710 and user training programs 725 components can contain information about training delivery, available training materials, or other training management, similar to that delivered by a LMS as indicated in the user or company training components.

[0078] The company training materials 715 and user training materials 730, unlike the company and user training programs 710, 725, include procedures for training users in various functions, such as but not limited to, administrators, assemblers, quality control technicians, or regulatory inspectors, for example.

[0079] The company training library 720 and user training library 735 can store training specific to the respective company and user that is used during training. It can also store both company training metrics and user training metrics. Embodiments can include training for users or companies that have been attempted, completed, failed, or prohibited by the user, group of users, company, or group of companies (e.g., local, regional, global). Training metrics can also include certifications, qualifications, or regulatory standards that the user, group of users, company, or group of companies can need, be required, or possess.

[0080] The company training history can include a training history for a manufacturing site, in embodiments the training history for a site stores a history of training that has been attempted at the manufacturing site, a history of training that has been completed at the manufacturing site, a history of training that has failed at the manufacturing site, a history of training that has been prohibited at the manufacturing site. The site training history component can also include certifications, qualifications, or regulatory standards that the site can require or possess. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0081] The user training history can include a training history for a user or group of users, in embodiments the training history for a user or group of users stores a history of training that has been attempted by the user, a history of training that has been completed by the user, a history of training that has failed by the user, a history of training that has been prohibited for the user. The user training history component can also include certifications, qualifications, or regulatory standards that the user can require or possess. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0082] Figure 8is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing equipment assembly. The assembly management system 170 includes assembly instruction management 810, assembly execution management 815, assembly artifact repository 820, assembly features 825, assembly algorithms 830, assembly training 835, assembly metrics 840, and assembly models 845. Each of these components is responsible for executing the assembly, quality control, and regulatory instructions for each component, respectively. It should be understood that this execution need not be completed for each module before proceeding to the next module.

[0083] It should be understood that quality control and quality control standards can be included as part of the assembly process and can include, but are not limited to, verification of one or more quality or manufacturing standards through inspection or testing. Standards can verify electrical, mechanical, assembly, aesthetic, or other such standards. Such standards can include company, local, regional, national, or international standards, and can come from standard bodies such as ISO, or be derived exclusively by the manufacturer, or even specifications for a customer or customer company.

[0084] The assembly management system 170 includes an assembly instruction management component 810, where for a given electrical equipment assembly, a set of assembly instructions is managed for the user or system. These instructions can include the use of specific tools, and can further include the calibration of these tools to ensure regulatory standards. This management can include the creation, presentation, and ordering of assembly instructions for electrical equipment. Further, there is integration with, for example, the design management system 120, which can provide the appropriate drawings to the assembly management system, the order management system 130, which can request the user to select a specific part for the next step of the assembly operation, or the assembly metrics module 840, which pauses or repeats specific checks at specific operations to allow the electrical equipment assembly system to capture and store relevant assembly metrics.

[0085] The assembly execution management module 815 is provided to manage the execution of assembly instructions for a given electrical equipment assembly. In various embodiments, a series of assembly instructions are provided to the assembly instruction management component 810, where for a given electrical equipment assembly, a set of assembly instructions is managed for the user or system and passed to the assembly execution management module 815 for execution. This management can include the creation, presentation, and ordering of assembly or quality instructions for electrical equipment. Further, there is integration with, for example, the design management system 120, which can provide the appropriate drawings to the quality management system for the user to perform visual inspections. Further such instructions can point to automated test systems, such as automated test equipment (ATE) or computer vision systems, to perform automated quality checks on the electrical equipment system being assembled. There can be additional integration with the assembly metrics module 840 to pause or repeat specific checks at specific operations to allow the electrical equipment assembly system to capture and store relevant assembly metrics.

[0086] It should be understood that the assembly management system 810 can include one or more components for storing digital assembly artifacts 820. The assembly artifact repository can include an existing catalog of assembly steps or instructions that, in embodiments, store a history of completed electrical equipment assembly steps, a history of incomplete module switchboard assembly steps, or templates of electrical equipment assembly steps that have not yet been executed. Such a data repository can also include assembly steps that have failed, succeeded, or not been attempted. It should be understood that all such embodiments can exist simultaneously.

[0087] Assembly characteristics 825 are characteristics of an electrical equipment system for creating an authenticated design of an assembly. As one example, a series of assembly characteristics can be characteristics specific to a particular design, such as torque requirements, site considerations, tools used (e.g., wireless torque wrench), or other characteristics specific to an assembly of an electrical equipment system.

[0088] Assembly algorithms 830 are algorithms of an electrical equipment system for creating an authenticated design of an assembly. As one example, there can be an algorithm that, for a particular physical size of backplane, a particular series of a particular size of circuit breaker can be utilized. A further example can be that, for a particular component, a particular power capacity can not be exceeded, and the coupling of these similar power capacity devices can create an authenticated design.

[0089] Assembly training 835 can be used to obtain training specific to an assembly of a design. These can include operational, installation, functional, or other training necessary for operation, maintenance, or otherwise to maintain service.

[0090] Assembly metric components 840 can include, but are not limited to, parameters utilized during an assembly of an electrical equipment system, such as torque, rigidity, power, current, resistance, user inspection verification, or other metrics that can be used for an assembly of an electrical equipment design.

[0091] Design authentication models 230 can include authenticated designs, such as reference models that are a starting point for designs that are authenticated. There can be other such design authentication models, and these models can be used in whole, in part, or in combination to help a user or system design an authenticated design.

[0092] Figure 9 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing assembly compliance and quality. The compliance control system 180 includes a compliance instruction management 910 that, in various embodiments, provides instructions regarding compliance for electrical equipment management. The instructions can include, but are not limited to, instructions necessary to complete a quality or compliance test, which can be performed by a user, a company, an automated test device, or some combination thereof. It should be understood that various users, groups of users, or companies can be utilized to facilitate these instructions.

[0093] Compliance execution management is indicated at block 915.

[0094] Compliance artifact repository is indicated at block 920.

[0095] Compliance features 925 are features of the electrical equipment system used to create certified designs that meet compliance standards. As one example, a series of compliance features can be specific to a particular design, such as regulatory agency, country, region, or other features specific to compliance of the electrical equipment system.

[0096] Compliance algorithms 930 are algorithms of the electrical equipment system used to create certified designs that will establish a certified design. For example, there can be algorithms for specific country certification standards (e.g. UL, CE, CCC). Another example can be regional compliance features that it is highly beneficial to meet these features for establishing a design that meets these regional compliance standards.

[0097] Compliance training 935 can be used to obtain training specific to compliance of the design. These can include operational, installation, functional, or other training necessary for operation, maintenance, or otherwise obtaining regulatory compliance. It should be understood that various users can perform this training and testing. While the regulatory agency is ultimately responsible for creating, transmitting, and verifying the affixing of the regulatory mark, other groups can perform a series of regulatory agency tests to ensure that the actual regulatory testing will be successful.

[0098] Compliance metrics 940 can include, but are not limited to, parameters utilized during compliance of the electrical equipment system, such as regulatory agency, stiffness, power, current, resistance, user inspection verification, or other metrics that can be used for compliance of the electrical equipment design.

[0099] Compliance models 945 can include certified compliance models or designs, such as a compliance reference model, as a starting point for a design that is certified and has an established compliance record. There can be other such compliance certified models, and these models can be used in whole, in part, or in combination to assist a user or system in designing a certified design that will ultimately result in regulatory compliance.

[0100] Figure 10 is a block diagram illustrating a system for managing assembly certification. The assembly certification system 190 includes assembly artifacts 1010, assembly certification features 1015, assembly certification algorithms 1020, assembly certification training 1025, assembly certification metrics 1030, assembly certification models 1035, assembly certification information 1040, and assembly certification repository 1045. It should be understood that the system for managing assembly certification is described in further detail in the various embodiments contained herein.

[0101] Figure 11is a block diagram illustrating a system for performing digital audits of assembled devices. The digital audit system 195 includes digital audit artifacts 1110, digital audit features 1115, digital audit algorithms 1120, digital audit training 1125, digital audit metrics 1130, digital audit models 1135, digital audit repository 1140, and digital audit external integrations 1145. It should be understood that the system for managing digital audits of assembled devices is described in further detail in the various embodiments contained herein.

[0102] According to one embodiment described herein, an engineered device design can first be created and certified by a design certification system 110. Once complete, a design management system 120 can interactively design a device based on user or system inputs while ensuring rules and features of the certified engineering design are implemented. A design graph generation component 330 presents a graphical representation of the resulting device throughout the interactive design process. Once the design is complete, it can be processed by an order management system 130, where an order pricing component 410 generates a cost estimate for completing the order. When the order has been purchased, shipped, and arrived at the user’s location, design information is passed to a digital system in order to guide the user through kit identification and selection, device assembly, and quality control testing required to ensure safety and reliability. Once the device has completed the assembly and compliance workflow, a device certification can be generated for the particular device from an assembly certification system 190. Additionally, throughout the process of designing, ordering, and assembling a device, digital artifacts can be produced. These artifacts can be captured in a master data repository and linked to the device in a digital manner. This traceability can be accessible through a digital tool, which can allow a user to view the history of a device at any time.

[0103] The design certification system 110 generally provides the ability to design and certify engineering designs for devices through the use of advanced technology. As one of many examples, using design certification features 210, design certification algorithms 215, design certification training 220, design certification metrics 225, and design certification models 230, an electrical device management system can use artificial intelligence (AI) to evaluate a submitted engineering design 235 and either create a certified design 240 or provide feedback on possible changes needed before certification can be met. Once a design is certified, it is recorded in a certified design repository 245 where other systems can access the design and design rules.

[0104] Based on the certified designs stored within the design certification system 110, the design management system 120 provides a set of digital tools to guide users or systems through the design of a device. For example, through the design user interface 320, a user can specify requirements and design parameters and can choose to start a new design based on certified design rules 310 or choose to use an existing certified design template 315. Once the design is complete, a design material list 325 is created and the design drawing generation component 330 processes the creation of computer aided design (CAD) drawings, which can be digitally linked to the device and accessed by the user at any time in the future through digital means. The design drawing generation 330 component can also create a digital representation of the system that identifies the unique kit required to complete the device assembly. The final design is stored in the design artifact repository 335 to ensure that the design is accessible throughout the life of the device. Key metrics derived from the design management can be used to optimize the design. Based on a set of inputs, the design management system 120 can use these metrics and optimizations to provide the user with a recommendation of the device design that best meets their requirements. The user can also optimize the created design based on features such as highest performance and lowest cost.

[0105] The order management system 130 generally provides the ability to price, procure, and track shipping of a given device design and device components. For example, once a user completes a design through the design management system 120, the design is transferred to the order management system 130. Pricing is provided for the design through the order pricing component 410. The ERP integration component 425 can integrate with an enterprise resource planning system to display inventory information and ensure component availability within an order. The user can purchase the order using the customer order management 415 and the order tracking and status component 420 can provide the user with status and updates on the shipping and delivery of the components.

[0106] The user management system 140 generally provides user identification and security services. For example, user information enters and is stored within the user information component 510 and user functions are managed through the user functions component 515. To manage access to digital services and components, users can need to log in according to their unique credentials. Users can be authenticated and authorized through the user authentication component 520 and the user authorization component 525.

[0107] The company management system 150 generally provides the ability for company identification and security services. For example, company information enters and is stored within the company information component 610 and company functions are managed through the company functions component 615. Once this is complete, authorized users managed within the user management system 140 can be associated with an authorized company. To manage access to digital services and components, users can need to log in according to their unique credentials. Users can be authenticated and authorized and then the company can be authenticated and authorized through the company authentication component 620 and the company authorization component 625.

[0108] The training management system 160 generally provides the functionality necessary for training companies and users to use the digital system and assemble certified equipment. For example, company training plans and materials can be generated and stored in the company training plans component 710 and the company training materials component 715. The results of company training execution and completion can be stored digitally in the company training repository 720. Similarly, user training plans and materials can be generated and stored in the user training plans component 725 and the user training materials component 730. The results of user training execution and completion can be stored digitally in the user training repository 735. Records of plans can be linked to the user management system 140 and the company management system 150 to ensure that training has been completed before providing access to the system.

[0109] The assembly management system 170 generally provides the ability to manage equipment assembly. For example, assembly instruction management 810 can be linked to components used in the equipment design and managed through the digital system. Rule engines can be used to sequence assembly instructions to ensure that the equipment is built to meet the user design. According to one embodiment described herein, instructions provided to the user include part selection, where information generated from the design can identify unique parts, and through the use of technologies such as QR codes and scanners, and deep learning and image recognition, kits can be pulled from inventory and brought to the location of the design to begin assembly. Engineering drawings, pictures, animations, videos, and other suitable forms of content can also be used to demonstrate how to complete the step. Additionally, augmented reality can provide additional visual information to the user to guide the proper placement of the kit within the assembly. Once the assembly instructions have been compiled, assembly execution management 815 can manage and facilitate the assembly workflow. Digital artifacts collected during the assembly process can be stored in the assembly artifact repository 820. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve and optimize assembly instructions and assembly execution. Using assembly features 825, assembly algorithms 830, assembly training 835, assembly metrics 840, and assembly models 845, we can improve assembly efficiency through the use of advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence methods can include image recognition for detecting and handling critical features, and machine vision for capturing and analyzing equipment and assembly personnel to ensure requirements are met. Technologies can identify problems in the process and determine engineering changes to the process or equipment design to improve quality, safety, or ease of assembly.

[0110] It should be understood that in this context, "machine learning" is a catch-all term intended to leverage imaging-based systems including one or more image sensors to capture digital artifacts. Embodiments include augmented reality (AR) or virtual reality (VR) systems for capturing one or more images. Further, one or more recognized images from such systems are further processed with digital image processing systems. Embodiments include optical character recognition (OCR) or deep learning systems, generally used to process such images to further analyze these digital images to produce digital artifacts for use by the electrical equipment management system 100. Indicators captured as part of this system can be used by the electrical equipment management system 100 to create actions such as assembly, inspection, regulatory, or verification instructions.

[0111] The compliance management system 180 generally provides the ability to manage and ensure the safety and quality of equipment through the assembly process. For example, compliance instruction management 910 provides instructions to be executed throughout the assembly process to verify and confirm key quality items. A rules engine can be used to order compliance instructions to ensure that equipment is built to meet certification requirements. Once compliance instructions have been compiled, compliance execution management 915 can manage and facilitate the compliance workflow. Execution of a compliance step can require multiple parts (e.g., two parts). In one embodiment, the first part of the process is for a user to confirm that the step has been completed (e.g., by entering user input into a connected computing device). In such an embodiment, the second part of the process is used by the compliance execution component 915 to ensure that the step has been completed. During this process, the compliance execution component 915 can check digital records, including pictures of the assembly step, videos of activities performed in the step, and integration with digital assembly tools to collect required measurements, such as torque. Other digital records can include augmented reality and image recognition, which can be used to verify that the correct parts have been used, are in the correct position and orientation, and that all required bolts are present within the assembly. Digital artifacts collected during the compliance process can be stored in the compliance artifacts repository 920. Artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to improve and optimize compliance instructions and assembly execution. Using compliance features 925, compliance algorithms 930, compliance training 935, compliance indicators 940, and compliance models 945, we can improve assembly quality and safety by using advanced technologies. Artificial intelligence methods can include predictive analysis of data artifacts, image recognition for detection and handling of key features, and machine vision for capturing and analyzing equipment and assembly personnel to ensure requirements are met.

[0112] The assembly certification system 190 generally provides the ability to certify assembled equipment to ensure it meets various standards and regulatory requirements. For example, the system can use assembly and compliance artifacts 1010 collected from the equipment assembly and compliance workflow. Artificial intelligence (AI) provided by assembly certification features 1015, assembly certification algorithms 1020, assembly certification training 1025, assembly certification metrics 1030, and assembly certification models 1035 can use these artifacts to ensure standards and regulatory requirements are met. Artificial intelligence methods can include predictive analysis of data artifacts, image recognition for detecting and handling key features, and machine vision for capturing and analyzing equipment and assembly personnel to ensure requirements are met. Once the standards and regulations have been verified as met, assembly certification information 1040 can be generated and provided to the equipment and stored in an assembly certification repository 1045.

[0113] The digital audit system 195 generally provides the ability to analyze and audit assembly and compliance artifacts to ensure rules and requirements are followed in the equipment assembly and compliance workflow. For example, the system can use digital audit artifacts 1110 collected from the equipment assembly and compliance workflow. Artificial intelligence (AI) provided by digital audit features 1115, digital audit algorithms 1120, digital audit training 1125, digital audit metrics 1130, and digital audit models 1135 can use these artifacts to ensure rules and requirements are followed. Artificial intelligence methods can include predictive analysis of data artifacts, image recognition for detecting and handling key features, and machine vision for capturing and analyzing equipment assembly and assembly personnel actions in the assembly and compliance workflow. Results of the digital audit can be stored in a digital audit repository 1140 and can be accessed by required external groups through digital audit external integration 1145.

[0114] Generally, the systems described herein can be used to manage qualified companies and users, including company groups and user groups. Embodiments can manage identity verification and authorization of companies and users, including company groups and user groups. In one embodiment, to gain access to the necessary systems, users can complete training and certification to ensure they can properly design equipment, assemble equipment, and perform quality control testing. This training can include portions on how to use the required tools (including digital tools), how to perform assembly processes (including calibration and use of tools), and how to perform quality control processes (including calibration and use of tools). In particular embodiments, each location managing assembly and quality control processes can require training and certification to ensure the location provides proper service. It should be understood that users, user groups, companies, or company groups can also require or have regulatory certifications (e.g., ISO 100001) that can be required to be authorized to order, assemble, and certify switchboard systems.

[0115] Figure 12 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method of managing equipment assembly according to one embodiment described herein. As shown, the method 1200 begins at block 1210, where a user or system can log into an electrical equipment compliance system. The electrical equipment compliance system can then verify the login (block 1215). The user or system can then select a product or equipment to be designed (block 1220). The electrical equipment compliance system can load certified design rules (block 1225), and the user or system can then design the equipment (block 1230) to meet its needs. The electrical equipment compliance system can then send the completed digital design to be assembled (block 1235). The user or system can then select the design to be assembled (block 1240). The electrical equipment compliance system can then provide the user or system with the necessary assembly and quality control instructions (block 1245). The user or system can execute the assembly and quality control instructions (block 1250), and the electrical equipment compliance system can record the digital artifacts collected in the assembly and compliance workflow (block 1255). The electrical equipment compliance system can then digitally implement certification (block 1260) prior to generating a final report (block 1265). At the end of these steps, the user or system can complete the assembly (block 1270).

[0116] Figure 13 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for user or system authentication and authorization. As shown, the method 1300 begins at block 1310, where a user can log into a system using secure credentials. It should be understood that the operation of the electrical equipment compliance system can not require a user and can grant autonomous access from another system. The electrical equipment compliance system can then authenticate the user (block 1315). Examples of authentication can include, but are not limited to, single factor, two-factor, or multi-factor authentication systems. Methods of implementing authentication can include, but are not limited to, username / password combinations, one-time passwords, single sign-on (SSO), or biometric factor methods such as fingerprints.

[0117] If authentication is successful, the electrical equipment compliance system can authorize the user (block 1325). The user authentication and authorization function can be performed by the user management system 140. Once user authentication and authorization is complete, the user can access the main screen of the digital system (block 1335). Examples of user authorization can include, but are not limited to, role-based access control, network tokens, Security Assertion Markup Language (SAML) exchange, or API authorization calls.

[0118] Figure 14is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of a method for composing and certifying engineering device designs through digital means. As shown, the method 1400 begins at block 1410, where an engineering design can be created using computer-aided design (CAD) or other such design tools. The completed design will be submitted for certification (block 1415). The system can then analyze the submitted design (block 1420) to ensure that the required codes and standards are implemented through the design. Once the design is certified, the system can generate a design certification (block 1430), which is then recorded (block 1435). The user can then complete the device design at the end of the certification process (block 1440).

[0119] Figure 15 is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of a method for creating a user device design based on certified design rules. As shown, the method 1500 begins at block 1510, where a user can select a certified device design to start customizing. The system can load certified design rules generated and managed from the design certification system 110 (block 1515). The user can select to start the design from an existing certified design template or other design source, which the system can load (block 1525) and provide to the user. The user can also design the device by specifying requirements and parameters or customize a design from an existing template (block 1530). Once the user device design is complete, the electrical device compliance system can record the final design (block 1535), generate a digital twin that matches the user design (block 1540), and then send the digital design information for assembly (block 1545).

[0120] Figure 16 is a flowchart illustrating embodiments of a method for determining and updating the design of an assembled device. As shown, the method 1600 begins at block 1610, where a user can scan a label or other appropriate reference of an assembled device. The electrical device compliance system can use the label information to retrieve any existing digital design information (block 1635). If a digital design does not exist for the assembled device, the user can scan the device features using the electrical device compliance system (block 1625). Using artificial intelligence (AI) such as including machine learning, image recognition, and machine vision, the electrical device compliance system can determine the components and features of the device and generate a corresponding design (block 1630). The user can be provided with the existing design (block 1640), where the user can then use digital tools to update the existing design to meet new requirements and parameters (block 1645). Once the user completes the updated design, the updated design is digitally recorded (block 1650), a digital twin or other appropriate representation is generated or updated (block 1655), and the information is sent to manage the updated assembly and compliance process (block 1660).

[0121] Figure 17is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for selecting a design to begin assembly. The method 1700 begins at block 1710, where a user selects a design, which can include a complete assembly or a partial design to be assembled. In response, the system determines whether an existing assembly of the selected design has already been initiated (block 1715). If so, the electrical equipment compliance system determines the progress of the existing assembly (block 1720) and retrieves existing assembly data (block 1725). Once the existing assembly data is retrieved, or if the system determines that no existing assembly exists, the system retrieves assembly instructions for the selected design (block 1730). In addition, the system identifies required parts for assembly (block 1735). Once the electrical equipment compliance system indicates the required parts, the user can collect the parts before beginning assembly (block 1740).

[0122] Figure 18 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for performing equipment assembly and compliance. The process can occur after a user has been identity authenticated and authorized and after the user has selected a design to be assembled. The method 1800 begins at block 1810, where the electrical equipment compliance system determines the next step of assembly and provides the next assembly or compliance instruction to the user via a human-machine interface (block 1815). The user follows the provided instruction, performs the next step of assembly (block 1820) and performs one or more user compliance operations to verify that the assembly step has been performed correctly (block 1825). Similarly, the digital assembly and compliance system performs digital quality control operations (block 1830). During this process, the system records assembly progress (block 1835), records compliance results from one or more compliance operations (block 1840) and records assembly metrics (block 1845). At block 1850, the system determines whether the assembly is complete or whether additional assembly steps remain. If the assembly is not complete, the method 1800 returns to block 1810, where the system determines the next assembly step. If the assembly is complete, the method 1800 exits the assembly and quality control process.

[0123] Figure 19is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for obtaining an authentication mark by digital means. The method 1900 begins at block 1910, where a user completes a final compliance check and then initiates a digital request for an assembly authentication mark (block 1915). The electrical equipment compliance system can determine whether this is a new assembly or an update to an existing assembly based on the assembly information (block 1920). If the device assembly has been updated from a previous design, an updated assembly authentication can be requested (block 1925). Otherwise, a new assembly authentication can be required for the device (block 1930). Upon completion of this activity, the system can obtain the authentication (block 1935) and return the authentication mark to the user for printing and application to the device (block 1940). A final report is then generated (block 1945) and recorded (block 1950), including the results of the assembly and compliance process. The electrical equipment compliance system then generates a notification that the assembly has been completed (block 1955) and a notification that the user has completed the assembly process (block 1960).

[0124] Figure 20 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for auditing a device assembly and compliance activity via digital means. The method 2000 begins at block 2010, where a user can request a digital audit of a previously assembled and authenticated device. The electrical equipment compliance system can then retrieve the assembly and compliance artifacts corresponding to the device (block 2015) and analyze these artifacts to determine whether all activities were successfully completed (block 2020). The system can then generate a digital audit result (block 2025). If the system determines that the audit was not successful (block 2030), a corrective action can be generated (block 2035) and included in the digital audit result returned to the user (block 2040). Based on the results of the digital audit, the user can take the necessary actions (block 2045).

[0125] Figure 21 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method for obtaining an assembly of an electrical equipment component and obtaining a compliance mark by digital means. The method begins at block 2110, where a login request from a user is received and verified. It should be understood that embodiments contemplate that the user is not required to initiate the method, one or more systems, such as an ERP discussed herein.

[0126] Once the user or system is authenticated and authorized to proceed, block 2120 describes receiving a selected order for an electrical equipment system to be assembled, and in response, retrieving and providing a plurality of instructions. Embodiments contemplate that the order to select an electrical equipment component is received by a user, a series of user inputs, or from a system such as an EPR system or other customer-facing system.

[0127] Embodiments also contemplate guiding a user through a series of device selections to create an electrical device with components that are compatible with one another. Further, the user can be guided through other product selectors to create an electrical device with specific features, such as power capacity, physical size, available circuitry, or other features related to electrical device components.

[0128] Once the design is established, block 2130 performs an iterative assembly process to manage assembly of the electrical device system by the user, where the iterative assembly process includes traversing a plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical device. It should be appreciated that the assembly process can include not only assembly steps, but also quality assurance checks, and regulatory verifications throughout the assembly process.

[0129] In one example, the user can be presented with one or more steps to tighten one busbar to another busbar with a torque bolt. The user can be presented with a first step to calibrate a torque wrench and enter the metrology data into the electrical device assembly system 100. Once complete, the user can be instructed to tighten each torque bolt to a specific specification captured by the system. Once these assembly instructions are complete, the user can be instructed to place a paint mark on each bolt to indicate whether the bolt head has been tampered with or as an indicator whether the specification of the bolt has been altered. This quality step can also be entered into the electrical device assembly system 100. Finally, the user can then be instructed to take connectivity measurements with an ohmmeter and enter the measurements as part of a regulatory step and enter the values into the electrical device assembly system 100. In this way, assembly, quality, manufacturing standards, and regulatory instructions can be performed in parallel during the assembly process of the electrical device components.

[0130] During the assembly process, various data provided in the form of digital artifacts becomes available. As part of the iterative assembly process, block 2140 performs recording digital artifacts of the electrical device system during the execution of the plurality of instructions. The digital artifacts can be, for example, data collected from instruments that enter the system directly, such as voltage, current, power measured directly from ATE. Other examples provide input data from a user at one or more terminals or from one or more instruments, such as torque values input from a wrench used by an assembler to tighten a torque bolt. In other cases, the digital artifact can be a confirmation from a user that a particular instruction step has been completed, such as marking a bolt to indicate that tightening has been completed. It should also be appreciated that examples of digital artifacts include, but are not limited to, data created by a machine vision system. In one example, a machine vision system can check for the presence of a bolt, which utilizes a visual torque value indicator. Based on this information, additional assembly instructions or alternative assembly instructions can be presented to the user or system. It should also be appreciated that these digital artifacts can be stored and recalled into memory for future use and used as a basis to optimize or otherwise enhance the operation of the electrical device assembly system 100.

[0131] Once assembly is complete based on the assembly steps and the relevant digital artifacts collected, block 2150 determines that the assembled electrical equipment system has achieved compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts meeting predefined compliance standards, and records a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system. It will be appreciated that throughout the assembly process, one or more standards can be met based on standards set at the beginning of the process. These standards include, but are not limited to, assembly standards, manufacturing standards, quality of operation standards, or regulatory standards. It will be appreciated that these standards can be directed by other parties than the electrical equipment assembly system 100 operator. Examples can include, but are not limited to, regulatory standards such as ISO, UL, FCC, CE, or CCC.

[0132] In various embodiments, regulatory data collected throughout the assembly and qualification process, including but not limited to digital artifacts on the assembly itself and any company or user training records, calibration or metrology records, or user or company standard records, can be combined into an electronic regulatory record for transmission to a regulatory agency for review. The electrical equipment assembly system 100 can transmit this electronic regulatory record to a regulatory agency (e.g., UL) for review of regulatory qualification of the electrical equipment assembly. Upon review and approval by the regulatory agency, the regulatory qualification can be transmitted electronically from the regulatory agency to the electrical equipment assembly system 100, at which point a regulatory marking can be affixed to the assembled electrical equipment assembly and the affixed evidence transmitted to the regulatory agency to complete regulatory registration of the completed electrical equipment assembly.

[0133] Once any regulatory markings are affixed to the completed electrical equipment assembly, block 2160 stores the final assembly report along with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system. It will be appreciated that the unique identifier facilitates allowing historical backtracking of the overall record for the electrical equipment assembly, including but not limited to specifications, instructions, documentation, standards, digital artifacts, or regulatory information for the particular assembly.

[0134] Figure 22 FIG. 1 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical equipment assembly according to one embodiment described herein.

[0135] In one embodiment, a branch circuit breaker kit 2248 is ordered, as shown in Figure 22 The assembly allows for multiple branch circuit breakers 2252 to be installed in a small space. The user receives an order from the electrical equipment management system 100 that instructs the user to retrieve a series of sub-assemblies from inventory, each sub-assembly labeled with an appropriate QR code. The user then retrieves each sub-assembly and scans each QR code into the electrical equipment management system 100 through a scanner when prompted to verify that each sub-assembly is present and correct.

[0136] The branch circuit breaker kit 2248 includes a branch circuit breaker support, and the user is prompted to securely connect the front and rear posts 2244 to each side of the frame kit. To accomplish this task, the user utilizes a wireless torque wrench, where the electrical equipment management system 100 guides the user through a calibration procedure on the set of controlled torque bolts with the wrench, and then requests that the user tighten the bolts to the front and rear posts 2244 on each side of the frame kit with the wireless torque wrench until the specified gauge is reached, transmitted from the electrical equipment management system 100 to the wireless torque wrench. For example, the user can monitor the visual readout of the torque level on the wrench until the specified level is reached. When reached, the wireless torque wrench can provide an indicator such as a green backlight and a mechanical indicator such as a vibrating handle to indicate that the torque bolt is tightened to the correct gauge. At this point, an assembly procedure can be indexed from the electrical equipment management system 100 to instruct the user to place a paint mark on the torque bolt head to indicate that the bolt has been tightened. When complete, the user can indicate that the procedure is complete in the electrical equipment management system 100.

[0137] The process can continue with the branch circuit breaker sub-frame 2260 securely attached to the branch circuit breaker support. The branch circuit breaker bus 2264 is securely attached to the branch circuit breaker sub-frame 2260, as is the circuit breaker support frame 2268. It should be appreciated that these assembly procedures can be similar to those described above, or unique for a particular electrical equipment assembly having unique assembly, manufacturing, quality, and regulatory specifications, and the procedures are instructed by the electrical equipment management system 100 based on the designed electrical equipment assembly.

[0138] The branch circuit breaker bus 2264 is electrically connected through the bus kit 2224, and provides power to the branch circuit breaker 2252, which is attached to and supported by the circuit breaker support frame 2268. Here, the electrical equipment management system 100 can instruct operational quality tests to be performed to verify the integrity of the electrical connections. It should be appreciated that such verification can be performed by ATE methods or user manual methods, where power is provided to the branch circuit breaker 2252 and verified with a calibrated test device such as a multimeter, and input into the electrical equipment management system 100 by the user or system.

[0139] It should be appreciated that in the present example, a matrix or two-dimensional barcode 2268 is attached to a member of the branch circuit breaker kit 2248, in a location that is visible after assembly, providing access to information describing each component of the branch circuit breaker kit 2248, the correct assembly procedures, the type of hardware and its location in the assembly, and any special tools required to assemble the branch circuit breaker kit 2248.

[0140] Additionally, virtual reality or augmented reality can also be used to show the certified assembler the location where each component of the branch circuit breaker kit 2248 will be installed in an approved and certified sequence.

[0141] Once the disassembly of the existing electrical equipment system is complete, the regulatory data collected throughout the disassembly and qualification process, including but not limited to digital artifacts on the disassembly itself and any company or user training records, calibration or metrology records, or user or company standard records, can be combined into an electronic regulatory record for transmission to a regulatory agency for review. The electrical equipment assembly system 100 can transmit this electronic regulatory record to a regulatory agency, in this embodiment to Underwriters Laboratories (UL), for review of the regulatory certification of the branch circuit breaker kit 2248.

[0142] Upon UL review and approval, a UL digital marker indicating the regulatory compliance of the completed branch circuit breaker kit 2248 can be electronically transmitted from UL to the electrical equipment assembly system 100. The user can affix the UL regulatory marker to the assembled electrical equipment component. Once affixed to the completed branch circuit breaker kit 2248, the affixed evidence is transmitted to UL to complete the digital regulatory registration of the completed electrical equipment component.

[0143] Figure 23 is a flowchart illustrating an embodiment of a method 2300 for disassembling an electrical equipment component and acquiring a digital compliance marker by digital means. It should be understood that the term “disassembling” is generic in nature and can include elements of the terms refurbishing, repairing, renovating, or replacing, among others. None of the terms can fully represent the possible operations contemplated in this disclosure.

[0144] The method begins at block 2310 with receiving a selected order of an existing electrical equipment system for disassembly and, in response, retrieving and providing a plurality of disassembly instructions. It should be understood that a complete component is not required to begin this process. A complete, partial, functional, or non-functional component or subcomponent is a viable alternative to begin the disassembly process.

[0145] Block 2320 performs an iterative disassembly process to manage the disassembly of the existing electrical equipment system, where the iterative disassembly process includes traversing the plurality of disassembly instructions for disassembling the existing electrical equipment system; it should be understood that the method can disassemble to the extent necessary to provide the possibility of assembly instructions, determine that digital compliance based on the state of the electrical equipment component is not possible, or capture and catalog the electrical equipment component to some extent for future use, such as but not limited to a reference design, certified design, or certified component.

[0146] Block 2330 determines that the iterative disassembly process of the existing electrical equipment system has completed. It should be appreciated that in various embodiments, the process can stop at this point if it is determined that there are no viable forward authentication paths. In other embodiments, such designs can be stored as engineering designs or possibly as certified designs for future reference.

[0147] The user or system can then receive a selected order to retrofit the electrical equipment system for assembly in block 2340, and responsively retrieve and provide a plurality of retrofit instructions. This can include instructions to Figure 21 Similar embodiments. It should be appreciated that the assembly process can include not only assembly steps, but also quality assurance checks, and regulatory verifications throughout the assembly process.

[0148] Block 2350 performs an iterative assembly process to manage assembly of the retrofit electrical equipment system, where the iterative assembly process includes traversing a plurality of retrofit instructions for assembling the retrofit electrical equipment system; it should be appreciated that the series of instructions provided for assembling the electrical equipment system while retrofitting are similar to the instructions in Figure 21 .

[0149] As part of the iterative assembly process, a digital artifact of the retrofit electrical equipment system is recorded during the performance of the plurality of retrofit instructions, which occurs in block 2360. The digital artifact of the retrofit electrical equipment system is similar to the digital artifact of the electrical equipment component discussed above.

[0150] Block 2370 determines that the assembled retrofit electrical equipment system has achieved compliance based on the recorded digital artifact satisfying predefined compliance standards, and records a final assembly report of the retrofit electrical equipment system; it should be appreciated that the relevant standards for the retrofit electrical equipment component can be different than the electrical equipment component that was not retrofitted.

[0151] Embodiments of the process complete at block 2380, storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled retrofit electrical equipment system.

[0152] Figure 24 is a diagram illustrating an example of an electrical equipment component according to one embodiment described herein. In one embodiment, a user can request to reassemble one or more circuit breakers of the electrical equipment shown in Figure 24 . In this case, the user can enter any identifying indicia in the electrical equipment management system to provide reference to the system. It should be appreciated that if there is no such scannable code (e.g., QR code), the user can capture an image of the electrical component and provide it to the system for processing and possible identification. Once identified in some manner, the system can then provide instructions to disassemble the easy wiring kit 2460, which provides more room to pull and connect cables from the disclosed utility.

[0153] Additional instructions from the system can instruct the easy wiring kit 2460 to be disassembled, which can be used with a standard or slightly modified framing kit, a line bus kit 2412 (configured similar to the load bus kit), a load bus kit, a main breaker / fuse switch kit, and a pass-through bus kit 2424 to easily provide more space for pulling and connecting utility power cables to the line bus kit 2412 and any other wiring typically located behind the main breaker / fuse switch kit, load bus kit, and pass-through bus kit 2424.

[0154] Once these steps are completed, the user indicates that they have been completed, at which point the electrical equipment management system can instruct the easy wiring kit to include a main breaker / fuse switch mounting bracket and an easy wiring sub-frame, a standard main breaker / fuse switch can be installed on the main breaker / fuse switch mounting bracket, which is installed on the easy wiring sub-frame.

[0155] The user can again indicate to the system that these steps have been performed, and the system forms an assembly instruction with the new breaker required for the retrofit.

[0156] Instructions are provided for the setup and installation of the new breaker in accordance with the appropriate manufacturing, quality, design, and regulatory standards established by the design. Examples of these instructions can include breaker placement, breaker orientation, breaker fastener torque values, quality steps to verify the installed breaker is operating correctly, or regulatory steps to verify the breaker has met or will meet any relevant regulatory or compliance qualifications.

[0157] The electrical equipment management system continues the process of providing steps and the user, autonomous system, or combination indicating to the electrical equipment management system the same steps until the electrical assembly is reassembled to the established design, quality, manufacturing, and regulatory standards.

[0158] A complete regulatory record will be compiled and sent to the appropriate regulatory agency. Once the regulatory agency completes the digital review, a compliance certification mark will be transmitted to the electrical equipment system. The user will then retrieve the digital compliance certification mark and affix the mark to the electrical assembly and verify the mark to the regulatory agency. At this point, the assembly has been retrofitted and has been certified to the appropriate regulatory standards required for operation.

[0159] Any general-purpose computer system used in various embodiments of the present disclosure can be, for example, a general-purpose computer such as a general-purpose computer based on an Intel Pentium-type processor, a Motorola PowerPC, a Sun UltraSPARC, a Hewlett-Packard PA-RISC processor, an AMD, or any other type of processor. It should be understood that, Figure 1The systems or subsystems shown may each utilize a general purpose computer, be grouped into several general purpose computers, or the entire system may be operated by a single general purpose computer.There is no implicit limitation on the type or number of general purpose computers that may be used with various embodiments of the present disclosure.

[0160] For example, various embodiments of the present disclosure may be implemented as Figure 25 25. The computer system 2500 may include a processor 2520 connected to one or more memory devices 2530 (such as disk drives, memory, or other devices for storing data). Memory 2530 is typically used to store programs and data during operation of the computer system 2500. The computer system 2500 may also include a storage system 2550 that provides additional storage capacity. The components of the computer system 2500 may be linked by an interconnection mechanism 2540, which may include one or more buses (e.g., between components integrated within the same machine) and / or networks (e.g., between components residing on separate, discrete machines). The interconnection mechanism 2540 enables communications (e.g., data, instructions) to be exchanged between the system components of the system 2500.

[0161] The computer system 2500 also includes one or more input devices 2510, such as a keyboard, a mouse, a trackball, a microphone, a touch screen, and one or more output devices 2560, such as a printing device, a display screen, and speakers. In addition, the computer system 2500 may include one or more interfaces (not shown) for connecting the computer system 2500 to a communication network (in addition to or in lieu of the interconnection mechanism 2540).

[0162] Storage system 2550, which is shown in more detail at Figure 26, typically includes a computer-readable and writable non-volatile recording medium 2610, in which a signal is stored that defines a program to be executed by a processor or information to be processed by a program stored on or in the medium 2610 to perform one or more functions associated with the embodiments described herein. For example, the medium can be a disk or flash memory. Typically, in operation, the processor causes data to be read from the non-volatile recording medium 2610 into another memory 2620, which allows the processor to access information faster than the medium 2610. The memory 2620 is typically a volatile random access memory, such as a dynamic random access memory (DRAM) or a static random access memory (SRAM). As shown, it can be located in the storage system 2600, or in the memory system 2530. The processor 2520 typically manipulates the data within the integrated circuit memory 2530, 2620, and then copies the data to the medium 2610 after processing is completed. Various mechanisms for managing data movement between the medium 2610 and the integrated circuit memory elements 2530 , 2620 are known, and the present disclosure is not limited thereto. The present disclosure is not limited to a particular memory system 2530 or storage system 2550 .

[0163] The computer system may include specially programmed, dedicated hardware, such as an application-specific integrated circuit (ASIC). Aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented in software, hardware, or firmware, or any combination thereof. Furthermore, such methods, actions, systems, system elements, and components thereof may be implemented as part of the aforementioned computer system or as standalone components.

[0164] Although computer system 2500 is shown by way of example as one type of computer system on which various aspects of the present disclosure may be practiced, it should be understood that aspects of the present disclosure are not limited to such computer systems. Figure 26 The various aspects of the present disclosure may be implemented on a computer system having Figure 26 In addition, when functions or processes of the embodiments of the present disclosure are described herein (or in the claims) as being executed on a processor or controller, such descriptions are intended to include systems that use multiple processors or controllers to perform the functions.

[0165] The computer system 2500 can be a general-purpose computer system that can be programmed using a high-level computer programming language. The computer system 2500 can also be implemented using special purpose hardware-based systems that are specifically programmed to perform the various functions described herein. In the computer system 2500, the processor 2520 is typically a well-known processor such as a Pentium-class processor available from the Intel Corporation of Santa Clara, California. Many other processors can be used. The processor 2520 typically executes an operating system which can be, for example, the Windows 95, Windows 98, Windows NT, Windows 1900, Windows ME, Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7, Windows 10, or a successor operating system available from the Microsoft Corporation, MAC OS System X or a successor operating system available from Apple Computer, the Solaris operating system available from Sun Microsystems, UNIX, Linux (any distribution), or a successor operating system available from various sources. Many other operating systems can be used.

[0166] The processor and operating system together define a computer platform for which application programs in high-level programming languages are written. It will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a specific computer system platform, processor, operating system, or network. Also, it will be appreciated that embodiments of the disclosure are not limited to a specific programming language or computer system. Also, it will be appreciated that other appropriate programming languages and other appropriate computer systems can be used.

[0167] One or more portions of the computer system can be distributed across one or more computer systems coupled to a communications network. For example, as described above, the computer system that determines the available power capacity can be located remotely from the system manager. These computer systems can also be general-purpose computer systems. For example, various aspects of the disclosure can be distributed among one or more computer systems, each configured to provide a service to one or more client computers (e.g., servers) or to perform an overall task as part of a distributed system. For example, various aspects of the disclosure can be executed on a client-server or multi-tier system that includes components distributed among one or more server systems that perform various functions according to various embodiments of the disclosure. These components can be executable, intermediate (e.g., IL) or interpreted (e.g., Java) code that communicates over a communication network (e.g., the Internet) using a communication protocol (e.g., TCP / IP). For example, one or more database servers can be used to store device data, such as expected power consumption, that is used to design a layout associated with embodiments of the disclosure.

[0168] It should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to executing on any particular system or group of systems. Further, it should be appreciated that the present disclosure is not limited to any particular distributed architecture, network, or communication protocol.

[0169] Various embodiments of the present disclosure can be programmed using an object-oriented programming language, such as SmallTalk, Java, C++, Ada, or C# (C-Sharp). Other object-oriented programming languages can also be used. Alternatively, functional, scripting, and / or logical programming languages can be used, such as BASIC, ForTran, COBoL, TCL, or Lua. Various aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented in non-programmed environments (e.g., documents created in HTML, XML, or other format that, when viewed in a window of a browser program, render aspects of a graphical-user interface (GUI) or perform other functions). Various aspects of the present disclosure can be implemented as programmed or non-programmed elements, or any combination thereof. In the foregoing, various embodiments have been described. However, the scope of the present disclosure is not limited to the specifically described embodiments. Rather, any combination of the described features and elements, whether related to different embodiments or not, is contemplated to implement and practice contemplated embodiments. Furthermore, although advantages of the embodiments can be highlighted, the scope of the embodiments is not limited to advantages or any particular described embodiment. Accordingly, the foregoing aspects, features, embodiments and advantages are merely illustrative and are not required in all implementations.

[0170] Various embodiments disclosed herein can be implemented as a system, method, or computer program product. Accordingly, aspects can take the form of an entirely hardware embodiment, an entirely software embodiment (including firmware, resident software, microcode, etc.) or an embodiment combining software and hardware aspects that can all generally be referred to herein as a "circuit," "module" or "system." Furthermore, aspects can take the form of a computer program product embodied in one or more computer readable medium(s) having computer readable program code embodied thereon.

[0171] Any combination of one or more computer readable medium can be utilized. The computer readable medium can be a non-transitory computer readable medium. A non-transitory computer readable medium can be, for example, but not limited to, an electronic, magnetic, optical, electromagnetic, infrared, or semiconductor system, apparatus, or device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. More specific examples (a non-exhaustive list) of non-transitory computer readable medium can include the following: an electrical connection having one or more wires, a portable computer diskette, a hard disk, a random access memory (RAM), a read-only memory (ROM), an erasable programmable read-only memory (EPROM or flash memory), an optical fiber, a portable compact disc read-only memory (CD-ROM), an optical storage device, a magnetic storage device, or any suitable combination of the foregoing. Program code embodied on a computer readable medium can be transmitted using any suitable medium, including but not limited to wireless, wired, optical fiber cable, RF, etc., or any suitable combination of the foregoing.

[0172] Computer program code for carrying out operations for aspects of the present disclosure can be written in any combination of one or more programming languages. Moreover, such computer program code can execute on a single computer system or multiple computer systems that communicate with one another, e.g., using a local area network (LAN), a wide area network (WAN), the Internet, etc. Although the various features have been described with reference to the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams, it will be understood that each block of the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams, can be implemented by computer program instructions that are tangibly embodied in a computer-readable medium. Generally, computer program instructions are provided to a processor of a general purpose computer, special purpose computer, or other programmable data processing apparatus to produce a machine, such that the instructions, which execute via the processor of the computer or other programmable data processing apparatus, create means for implementing the functions or acts specified in the flow diagrams and / or block diagrams.

[0173] The flow diagrams and block diagrams in the drawings are illustrative of the architecture, functionality, and / or operations of possible implementations of various embodiments of the present disclosure. In this regard, each block in the flow diagrams and block diagrams can represent a module, segment, or portion of code, which comprises one or more executable instructions for implementing the specified logical functions. It should also be noted that in some alternative implementations, the functions noted in the blocks can occur out of the order noted in the figures. For example, two blocks shown in succession may, in fact, be executed substantially concurrently or the blocks can sometimes be executed in the reverse order, depending upon the functionality involved. It will also be noted that each block of the block diagrams and / or flow diagrams, and combinations of blocks in the block diagrams and / or flow diagrams, can be implemented by special purpose hardware-based systems that perform the specified functions or acts or combinations of special purpose hardware and computer instructions.

[0174] It is to be understood that the above description is intended to be illustrative and not restrictive. Many other embodiments will be apparent to those of skill in the art upon reading and understanding the above description. Although the present disclosure describes specific examples, it should be recognized that the systems and methods of the present disclosure are not limited to the examples described herein, but can be practiced with modification and alteration within the scope of the appended claims. Accordingly, the specification and drawings are to be regarded in an illustrative, rather than a restrictive sense. The scope of the present disclosure should be determined with reference to the appended claims, along with the full scope of equivalents to which such claims are entitled.

Claims

1. A method for electrical equipment system management, comprising: receiving a selected order for an electrical equipment system to be assembled and, in response, retrieving and providing instructions; executing an assembly process to manage assembly of the electrical equipment system by a user, wherein the assembly process comprises executing instructions for assembling the electrical equipment system; recording digital artifacts of the electrical equipment system during execution of the instructions as part of the assembly process; determining a next instruction based on completion of the assembly steps and the recorded digital artifacts when it is determined that the instructions have been completed based on the recorded digital artifacts meeting predefined compliance standards; retrieving and providing the next instruction based on completion of the assembly steps and the recorded digital artifacts; recording a final assembly report for the electrical equipment system when it is determined that the assembled electrical equipment system has reached compliance based on the recorded digital artifacts meeting predefined compliance standards; and storing the final assembly report with a unique identifier corresponding to the assembled electrical equipment system, wherein executing the assembly process further comprises: receiving a third network message over a data communication network during execution of a third instruction of a plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical equipment system, the third network message specifying one or more regulatory compliance data sets received from one or more digital artifacts, wherein the one or more regulatory compliance data sets comprise a tool calibration data set; transmitting the one or more regulatory compliance data sets to a regulatory authority; receiving a regulatory stamp from the regulatory authority based on the transmitted one or more regulatory compliance data sets; affixing the regulatory stamp on the completed electrical equipment system; and advancing to a next instruction of the instructions for assembling the electrical equipment system upon determining that the regulatory stamp is correctly affixed on the electrical equipment system.

2. The method of claim 1, wherein the instructions further comprise at least one of (i) assembly instructions, (ii) quality assurance instructions, or (iii) regulatory instructions, wherein when the assembly instructions are executed during assembly of the electrical equipment system, result in the assembled electrical equipment system meeting predefined design standards, wherein when the regulatory instructions are executed during assembly of the electrical equipment system, result in the assembled electrical equipment meeting defined regulatory standards, wherein when the quality assurance instructions are executed during assembly of the electrical equipment, result in the assembled electrical equipment meeting defined manufacturing standards.

3. The method of claim 2, wherein executing the assembly process further comprises: receiving a first network message from a first digital assembly tool over a data communication network during execution of a first instruction for assembling the electrical equipment system, the first network message specifying one or more sensor values collected by one or more sensors of the first digital assembly tool; retrieving a first predefined acceptable value range for a first measurement involved in execution of the first instruction; comparing the one or more sensor values to the first predefined acceptable value range; and ​ ​ proceeding to a next instruction for assembling the electrical device system upon determining that the one or more sensor values are within the first predefined acceptable value range.

4. The method of claim 3, wherein the one or more sensor values of the first digital assembly tool include a tool calibration data set, or wherein the first digital assembly tool includes a torque wrench configured to detect and wirelessly transmit a torque value of a performed operation, including: wirelessly receiving, via the transceiver, a target torque range associated with an assembly task from the electrical device system; measuring a torque value of the assembly task based on a user operating the torque wrench for the associated assembly task; comparing the torque value of the assembly task to the target torque range of the associated assembly task; and wirelessly transmitting to the electrical device system to advance to the next instruction of the plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical device system upon determining that the measured torque value of the associated assembly task is within the received target torque range.

5. The method of claim 1, wherein performing the assembly process further comprises: receiving, over the data communication network, a second network message during execution of a second instruction for assembling the electrical device system, the second network message specifying one or more digital artifacts collected by a machine vision system; retrieving a second predefined acceptable value range for a second measurement related to execution of the second instruction; comparing the one or more digital artifacts to the second predefined acceptable value range; and advancing to a next instruction of the plurality of instructions for assembling the electrical device system upon determining that the one or more digital artifacts are within the second predefined acceptable value range.

6. The method of claim 5, further comprising: identifying the one or more digital artifacts used by processing one or more digital images captured by one or more image sensors using a digital image processing system.

7. The method of claim 6, wherein the one or more image sensors are within at least one of an augmented reality device or a virtual reality device. the digital image processing system is configured to perform at least one of (i) an optical character recognition (OCR) process, (ii) a deep learning type process, or (iii) a feature recognition analysis using a convolutional neural network.

8. The method of claim 6, wherein, 9. The method of claim 8, wherein performing the assembly process further comprises utilizing the digital image processing system to identify a predefined feature within the one or more digital images, wherein the predefined feature corresponds to one or more bolts utilizing a visual torque value indicator.

10. The method of claim 5, wherein performing the assembly process further comprises developing performance metrics from the received digital artifacts, including system configuration, assembly time, or assembly step failures.

11. The method of claim 10, wherein subsequent assembly, quality assurance, and regulatory instructions provided by the rules engine are optimized based on the developed performance metrics, ​ wherein the optimization instructions are provided to the rules engine for subsequent assembly, quality assurance, and regulatory instructions.

12. An electrical equipment management system comprising: one or more computer processors; and a non-transitory computer-readable memory containing computer program code that, when executed by operation of the one or more computer processors, performs the method steps performed by the electrical equipment management system according to any one of claims 1 to 11.

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