The Energy Market Architecture Repository (EMAR) is the digital home of the REC; an online tool designed to help you better access, understand, and apply the REC within your organisation.
EMAR is a platform which contains and links Code Schedules, Defined Terms, Market Scenarios (Industry Process Maps), Market Messages and Data Items.
During mobilisation, we used Logical Analysis to deep dive into the contents of the REC as it was loaded into EMAR. We carried out a structured analysis of the code, including capturing all market participants roles; understand the sequencing and message catalogues; and document processes in the form of “market scenarios”. Over 1,300 issues were identified for review by our Code SMEs, many of which have now resulted in updates to the REC.
EMAR also provides a platform for Workflow Management and Test Management for both industry and technical infrastructure, which was utilised during mobilisation.
Data Specification We are committed to delivering a Data Specification that is easy to access, view and understand. During mobilisation, work to consolidate metadata from across industry presented a fresh challenge of how best to represent the new information.
The launch of the REC in September 2021 presented the opportunity to take a step back. We sought to launch a new plan to understand user requirements for the Data Specification, to present the information in a way that is both useful and accessible.
We held an engagement workshop with stakeholders on 03 November 2021 to gather feedback. This resulted in the publication of a machine-readable Access Database containing the DTC flows in November 2021.
Further improvements followed in February:
We have been flexible to the feedback and requirements of the industry, enhancing and improved our existing service, while, in parallel, have increased the scope of what we offer. Key improvements undertaken since the REC launched in September 2021 have been in the following areas:
Data Specification
As noted earlier, a stakeholder workshop was held on 03 November 2021 on the usability of the Data Specification. This produced compelling discussions around the human-readable and machine-readable requirements for how people access and use the Data Specification. This rich picture was produced based on the workshop feedback.
With the migration to a single Data Specification during REC mobilisation, the number of legacy systems still dependent on the original Data Transfer Catalogue (DTC) Access Database for updating information was underestimated.
The conclusion was that the machine-readable products offered to stakeholders should be varied and useful to the different users and systems in the industry. In contrast, the human-readable products needed to be simple and easy to navigate and understand, while retaining the wider navigation with the REC documents, processes, and terms.
We'll continue to support the industry as these products emerge and evolve.
Workflow Management
As people become more familiar with EMAR we have commenced implementation of the workflow management functionality to manage REC technical service providers and track their processes as we implement REC and industry driven changes.
The improvements will be realised in mid-2022, and will enable us to coordinate tasks, track workflows and share information across multiple service providers and stakeholders. We will then be able to analyse this data to evaluate these processes, in conjunction with our own change and release process, to identify process improvements and efficiencies.
Market Entry Testing
Our requirements for market entry testing at go live were limited to Data Transfer Network (DTN) connection testing for new Suppliers and Distribution Network Operators which assures their ability to send and receive of market messages.
From September 2021, we increased this scope to support development of testing storyboards for MEMs, as well as test scripts and data to be able to deliver this assurance.
In preparation for REC v3, we increased the scope further, through evolution of the above requirements according to CSS requirements, while developing new storyboards for Gas Suppliers, Shippers and Gas Transporters.
We're developing test scripts and test data for these entities so that we can assure their ability to send and receive market messages. In the longer term, we're exploring the options to automate this process and give stakeholders a ‘self-service’ approach to testing and assuring their DTN connections.
Meter Data Management
We've improved the support we provide to the industry through more comprehensive management of the Meter Product data set. Those raising changes are asked to provide associated meter manufacturer documentation. We validate the information provided in the Meter Product change submission form against the meter manufacturer documentation. This step replaces an industry consultation previously used under the SPAA to determine whether a submission was correct.
Additionally, our service now includes passing Prepayment Unallocated Transaction Reports to C&C Group. These reports allow Suppliers to opt-out of transactions to resolve multiple supplier issues. We confirm all Prepayment Meter Infrastructure Providers (PPMIPs) have submitted their reports, collate the data, and pass them to C&C Group in UTR file format.
Energy Company Data Management
The management of Market Participant data is essential for Suppliers being able to switch under the new CSS. As the Switching Programme progressed, we became the Authorised Provider of Market Participant Data to CSS, in place of Xoserve and Elexon.
The solution for provision of Market Participant data to CSS was redeveloped to include our own interfaces with Elexon and Xoserve as well as building interfaces to enable the existing Energy Company and Market Participant Role APIs to be operated.
We worked with Elexon and Xoserve to agree processes for them to provide this data, and developed our own process to transfer the data to CSS. During March 2022, we completed System Integration Testing (SIT) with Landmark and the DCC. Two minor defects were raised, neither leading to concerns regarding the stability or performance of our solution upon go-live.
Guidance Material
Based on Service Desk calls and other customer feedback, we've maintained a continuous review of our guidance material that is made available to stakeholders. We have drafted, and as required, are updating the following items:
The Q1 EMAR User Guide review has been completed, with all videos in the User Guide being re-recorded and additional videos on the Data Specification added. We have supplemented this information with the creation of articles for the new REC Wiki.