Utilities outage management SaaS

OutagePop

Outages Reported. Power Restored. Instantly.

OutagePop enables utility technicians, support agents, and tech-savvy residents to instantly report and track power outages on a live, interactive map. By unifying crowdsourced updates with targeted utility alerts, it slashes restoration delays, keeps neighborhoods informed in real time, and transforms outage response into a transparent, collaborative process.

Subscribe to get amazing product ideas like this one delivered daily to your inbox!

OutagePop

Product Details

Explore this AI-generated product idea in detail. Each aspect has been thoughtfully created to inspire your next venture.

Vision & Mission

Vision
To empower communities and utilities worldwide with instant, transparent outage response for a future of uninterrupted shared power.
Long Term Goal
By 2028, OutagePop will empower 50 million residents and 1,000 utilities worldwide to cut power outage response times by 30% through real-time, crowdsourced collaboration.
Impact
Reduces outage response time by 30% for utility providers, increases customer satisfaction scores by 20%, and cuts service call volume by 40% by delivering real-time, crowdsourced outage data and instant neighborhood updates to both residents and frontline utility staff.

Problem & Solution

Problem Statement
Utility technicians, support agents, and residents face delayed, fragmented communication during outages, as current platforms lack real-time, crowdsourced reporting and public status mapping—causing prolonged restoration times, missed updates, and increased frustration for both users and staff.
Solution Overview
OutagePop lets users instantly report and verify power outages via a public web portal, feeding real-time, crowdsourced data into live interactive maps that utilities use to pinpoint issues and send immediate neighborhood status updates—eliminating communication delays and confusion during outages.

Details & Audience

Description
OutagePop empowers utility technicians, support agents, and residents to crowdsource and track power outages in real time. It slashes response delays by unifying instant customer reports with live, interactive outage maps. Users get immediate, transparent updates on their neighborhood status, while utilities can target repairs and send automated alerts. Its public-facing web portal makes restoration status visible, fast, and collaborative.
Target Audience
Utility technicians, customer support agents, and tech-savvy residents needing instant outage visibility and proactive neighborhood updates.
Inspiration
The morning after a summer storm, I watched frustrated neighbors sharing conflicting updates across group chats while utility websites remained silent. As uncertainty and rumors spread, it became clear—people needed a direct, reliable way to report outages and see real-time status in their own neighborhoods. That’s when the vision for a live, crowdsourced outage map empowering both residents and utilities took shape.

User Personas

Detailed profiles of the target users who would benefit most from this product.

O

Off-Grid Olivia

- Age 42, lives in off-grid rural cabin - Manages household energy production - Moderate income from remote consultancy - Bachelor’s in environmental science

Background

After earning an environmental science degree, Olivia built her solar cabin retreat. Years under unreliable rural grids taught her to self-manage energy systems and value precise outage insights.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Accurate outage timing for generator scheduling 2. Detailed energy use and battery status alerts 3. Reliable offline notifications during poor connectivity

Pain Points

1. Unpredictable outages depleting battery reserves unexpectedly 2. Delayed alerts in low-signal rural areas 3. Overly generic alerts lacking energy context

Psychographics

- Values self-reliance and environmental sustainability - Motivated by energy autonomy and off-grid living - Prefers proactive planning over reactive fixes

Channels

1. Mobile app push notifications real-time 2. SMS text messages backup alerts 3. Offline map downloads low-connectivity 4. Email detailed outage summaries 5. Community forum peer troubleshooting

M

Med-Dependence Molly

- Age 37, lives alone with chronic respiratory condition - Uses ventilator and oxygen concentrator daily - Moderate fixed income covered by insurance - Bachelor’s degree in healthcare administration

Background

Diagnosed with severe COPD at age 30, Molly invested in home respiratory equipment. Frequent grid instability taught her backup planning importance, driving her to seek reliable outage tracking tools.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Immediate outage alerts for medical device backup 2. Automated caregiver notifications on power loss 3. Clear restoration ETA to manage oxygen supply

Pain Points

1. Sudden power cuts risking respiratory failure 2. Slow restoration updates increasing anxiety 3. Complex app interfaces delaying critical responses

Psychographics

- Driven by health security and reliability - Values proactive alerts and caregiver communication - Fears loss of medical device operation

Channels

1. SMS urgent health alerts 2. Mobile app high-priority notifications 3. Email daily status summaries 4. Caregiver portal shared access 5. Automated fax medical reports

S

Smart-Home Shawn

- Age 29, urban professional tech enthusiast - Owns smart thermostat, lights, and locks - Comfortable spending on home automation - Master’s in computer engineering

Background

As an IoT developer, Shawn built his first smart thermostat in college. Early experiments revealed vulnerability to power cuts, prompting his search for precise outage triggers.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Automated outage-triggered smart device switchover 2. API access for custom home automations 3. Precise integration with IoT platforms

Pain Points

1. Uncoordinated device shutdowns during outages 2. API limitations blocking automation scripts 3. Latency in outage-to-action processes

Psychographics

- Obsessed with seamless tech integration - Pursues efficiency through automation and data - Prefers DIY customization over presets

Channels

1. Mobile app API integration 2. Developer forum technical discussions 3. GitHub issue tracker collaboration 4. Slack smart-home community channel 5. Email dev alerts subscription

C

Community-Coordinator Carla

- Age 45, suburban homeowner and civic volunteer - Oversees 50-household neighborhood watch - Coordinates team of 10 volunteers - Bachelor’s in social work

Background

After coordinating local relief during recent storms, Carla realized lack of transparent outage data hindered timely help. She adopted tech tools to foster community resilience and streamline volunteer efforts.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Real-time shared outage data for neighborhoods 2. Tools to assign volunteer check-ins quickly 3. Clear maps to locate affected houses

Pain Points

1. Manual compiling of dispersed outage reports 2. Lack of geotagged data hindering response 3. Difficulty alerting vulnerable residents promptly

Psychographics

- Passionate about community welfare and cohesion - Driven by transparency and collective action - Values efficient, clear communication channels

Channels

1. Mobile app group messaging 2. WhatsApp volunteer broadcast 3. Facebook neighborhood group page 4. Email weekly status newsletters 5. In-person community meetings

R

Rural-Route Rita

- Age 50, operates 100-acre ranch off-grid - Limited 2G/3G cellular coverage area - Seasonal income from livestock sales - High school education, self-taught tech user

Background

Raised in a multigenerational farming family, Rita learned to repair generators early. Frequent communications blackouts drove her to seek tools resilient to network instability.

Needs & Pain Points

Needs

1. Offline outage maps with auto-sync 2. Low-bandwidth alerts during connection gaps 3. Clear generator restart guidance

Pain Points

1. App crashes in low-signal areas 2. Incomplete data without continuous connectivity 3. Difficult planning without reliable updates

Psychographics

- Endures challenges with rugged self-reliance - Values tools that withstand poor connectivity - Prefers simple, robust interfaces under pressure

Channels

1. Offline mobile app offline mode 2. SMS delayed-sync notifications 3. Satellite messenger backup alerts 4. Local radio community broadcasts 5. USB data export for offline review

Product Features

Key capabilities that make this product valuable to its target users.

FlickerSense Auto-Detect

Utilizes real-time grid monitoring to identify minute voltage fluctuations the moment they occur, triggering flash alerts within milliseconds. Ensures users receive timely notifications to engage backup systems before sensitive electronics are affected.

Requirements

Real-Time Voltage Fluctuation Detection
"As a utility technician, I want the system to detect voltage fluctuations in real time so that I can initiate alerts before devices are impacted."
Description

System ingests real-time grid monitoring data and analyzes voltage levels with sub-millisecond resolution to identify fluctuations beyond predefined thresholds. It seamlessly integrates with OutagePop’s data pipeline, ensuring precise detection of microvolt-level anomalies. The expected outcome is near-instantaneous identification of voltage irregularities, enabling flash alerts to be triggered immediately upon detection, thereby minimizing potential harm to sensitive electronics.

Acceptance Criteria
Residential Voltage Fluctuation Detection
Given a live grid data feed representing a residential transformer with baseline voltage of 120V, when a fluctuation beyond ±5 microvolts is detected, then the system shall detect and classify the anomaly and issue a flash alert to at least one subscribed residential user within 5 milliseconds.
Commercial Facility Microvolt Anomaly Identification
Given real-time monitoring at a commercial facility with baseline voltage of 240V, when a voltage deviation exceeds ±8 microvolts sustained over two consecutive sub-millisecond readings, then the system shall log the event with a timestamp accurate to 1 microsecond and notify subscribed facility managers within 10 milliseconds.
Edge Case Threshold Boundary Testing
Given incoming voltage data exactly at the ±5 microvolt threshold, when the reading crosses this boundary, then the system shall treat it as an anomaly, ensuring detection and flash alert triggering without false negatives at the threshold boundary.
Data Pipeline Integration Under Peak Load
Given continuous injection of 50,000 voltage readings per second into the data pipeline for a 10-minute window, when processing under peak load, then detection accuracy remains at 100%, no data packets are lost, and average end-to-end detection latency stays below 2 milliseconds.
Backup System Trigger Notification
Given a detected voltage anomaly, when a flash alert is triggered, then the system shall send an activation command to the connected UPS/Battery Management System via API within 10 milliseconds of detection.
Threshold Configuration Interface
"As a support agent, I want to configure voltage detection thresholds so that I can tailor alerts to our network’s specific characteristics."
Description

Provide an intuitive interface within the OutagePop admin dashboard for utility technicians to calibrate and adjust voltage fluctuation thresholds and sensitivity parameters. The interface allows dynamic tuning of detection criteria based on grid conditions, historical data, and equipment tolerance levels. The expected outcome is enhanced control over alert sensitivity, reducing false positives while ensuring critical events are always captured.

Acceptance Criteria
Seasonal Grid Condition Calibration
Given the technician selects 'Seasonal Calibration' mode When they input expected temperature and load patterns for the upcoming season Then the system auto-suggests voltage fluctuation thresholds based on historical seasonal data and highlights any recommendations that differ by more than 10% from current settings
False Positive Reduction Threshold Adjustment
Given the system has logged 100 voltage fluctuation events in the past 7 days When the technician adjusts the sensitivity parameter to reduce false positives by 20% Then the system updates the detection algorithm and logs a confirmation message indicating that threshold updates have been applied, and displays the expected reduction in flagged events
Historical Data Parameter Import
Given the technician has exported historical fluctuation parameters in CSV format When they upload the CSV file using the 'Import Parameters' feature Then the interface validates the file format, previews imported values, and applies valid entries to update existing threshold configurations while alerting about any inconsistencies
Threshold Change Impact Preview
Given a pending threshold adjustment has been made When the technician clicks 'Preview Impact' Then the system simulates potential detection rates using real-time grid data for the next one-hour window, displays projected alerts, and provides confidence percentage scores for each threshold setting
Role-Based Access Control
Given a user with 'Viewer' role signs in to the configuration interface When they attempt to modify threshold values Then the system denies write access, displays an 'Insufficient Permissions' message, and logs the attempt for audit purposes
Ultra-Low-Latency Alert Delivery
"As a resident, I want to receive flash alerts instantly so that I can activate my backup systems before my devices lose power."
Description

Implement a push notification service optimized for sub-10 millisecond delivery of flash alerts to users’ mobile devices and dashboards. Leverage edge servers, WebSocket channels, and priority messaging protocols to minimize network hops and processing overhead. The expected outcome is the delivery of critical alerts within milliseconds of detection, ensuring users receive warnings before experiencing any power disruptions.

Acceptance Criteria
Mobile App Instant Notification
Given a voltage fluctuation is detected by the grid sensor; When a flash alert is generated; Then a push notification is delivered to the user’s mobile app within 10 milliseconds.
Dashboard WebSocket Notification
Given a user’s dashboard is connected via WebSocket; When an edge server emits a flash alert; Then the notification arrives at the dashboard client within 10 milliseconds in 99.9% of transmissions.
Secondary Edge Server Failover
Given the primary edge server is unavailable; When an alert is triggered; Then the secondary edge server delivers the notification within 15 milliseconds and maintains 99.5% uptime.
Priority Messaging Under Congestion
Given network congestion and high volumes of standard traffic; When a flash alert is dispatched using the priority messaging protocol; Then delivery latency remains below 10 milliseconds with priority over non-critical messages.
Low Battery Device Notification
Given a mobile device battery level below 20%; When a flash alert is sent; Then the notification is received within 10 milliseconds without failure due to power constraints.
Simulated High-Latency Environment Delivery
Given network latency is artificially increased to 50ms per hop in a test environment; When a flash alert is processed through edge servers and WebSockets; Then end-to-end delivery remains under 10 milliseconds in at least 95% of test runs.
Backup System Activation Prompt
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want to be guided to activate my backup power so that my critical devices remain protected during fluctuations."
Description

Upon sending a flash alert, automatically generate an in-app prompt guiding users through activating their backup power systems (e.g., UPS, generators). Integrate with smart home APIs where available to trigger or confirm activation. The expected outcome is a streamlined user experience that encourages timely engagement of backup resources to protect sensitive electronics.

Acceptance Criteria
Desktop Backup Activation Prompt Display
Given a desktop user receives a flash alert When the flash alert is triggered Then an in-app prompt appears within 500ms with activation instructions and a 'Activate Backup' button
Mobile Backup Activation Prompt Integration
Given a mobile user receives a flash alert When the app is in foreground or background Then a push notification and in-app modal are displayed with activation instructions
Smart Home API Trigger Confirmation
Given the user has connected a compatible smart home system When the user taps 'Activate Backup' Then the app sends the appropriate API request and confirms successful activation to the user
Fallback Manual Activation Option
Given the smart home API fails or is unavailable When the user taps 'Activate Backup' Then the app displays manual activation steps and provides a confirmation checkbox
Timely Prompt Delivery Under Network Latency
Given flash alert transmission over variable networks When network latency exceeds 2 seconds Then the app retries prompt delivery up to 3 times and logs success or failure
Continuous Performance Monitoring and Logging
"As a system administrator, I want performance metrics and logs so that I can ensure the auto-detect feature remains accurate and reliable."
Description

Develop comprehensive dashboards and logging mechanisms to monitor detection accuracy, alert delivery latency, and false positive/negative rates. Integrate these metrics into OutagePop’s analytics platform and configure automated health checks and failure alerts. The expected outcome is ongoing visibility into system performance, enabling rapid identification and resolution of issues to maintain high reliability.

Acceptance Criteria
Dashboard displays real-time detection accuracy metrics
Given the monitoring dashboard is accessed, When new grid data is processed every 60 seconds, Then the detection accuracy is updated and displayed within 30 seconds with a maximum deviation of ±0.5%.
Automated health checks trigger system alerts
Given the health check service runs every 5 minutes, When processing latency exceeds 2 seconds or error rate exceeds 1%, Then an alert notification is sent to the operations team within 1 minute.
Logging captures false positive and false negative rates
Given each detected event is classified, When a verification routine identifies a false positive or false negative, Then the incident is logged with timestamp, event ID, and classification result in the central log repository.
Analytics platform visualizes performance trends
Given the analytics module aggregates daily metrics, When performance data for the past 30 days is requested, Then a trend chart is generated and displayed within 5 seconds showing detection accuracy, latency, and error rates.
Latency monitoring raises failure alerts on threshold breach
Given latency metrics are collected in real time, When delivery latency exceeds 500ms for more than 5 consecutive events, Then an automated failure alert is posted to the incident management system.

SmartSwitch Integration

Seamlessly connects with smart home devices and UPS systems to automatically engage backup power when a flicker is detected. Eliminates manual intervention and prevents device shutdowns, safeguarding critical appliances and health devices.

Requirements

Smart Device Discovery
"As a homeowner, I want the system to automatically discover my smart home devices and UPS systems so that I can quickly enable backup power without manual configuration."
Description

Implement an automatic discovery protocol that scans the local network to detect compatible smart home devices and UPS systems supporting the SmartSwitch Integration. This feature should continuously monitor network changes, authenticate devices, and maintain an updated registry within OutagePop. By automating device detection, it streamlines user setup and ensures seamless integration with minimal manual input.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Network Scan on App Launch
Given the user opens the OutagePop app for the first time, when the SmartSwitch Integration module initializes, then the app completes a full network scan within 30 seconds and lists all compatible smart home devices and UPS systems in the Devices Registry.
Device Joins Network After Initial Scan
Given a new compatible device connects to the local network after the initial scan, when the network change event is detected, then the system detects and adds the device to the registry within 10 seconds.
Authentication Failure for Unsupported Device
Given a device responding to the scan does not support SmartSwitch Integration, when the system attempts authentication, then authentication fails gracefully, logs an error, and skips the device without interrupting the scan.
Registry Update After Device Removal
Given a previously detected device is disconnected from the network, when the next network scan runs or a network change is detected, then the registry removes the device entry within 30 seconds.
Continuous Network Monitoring Under Network Change
Given the network topology changes (e.g., router restart or IP reassignment), when the Smart Device Discovery service is running, then it resumes scanning and maintains an updated device registry within 60 seconds without requiring an app restart.
Automatic Backup Activation
"As a utility technician, I want the integration to automatically switch to backup power when a flicker is detected so that critical appliances remain operational without delay."
Description

Develop a real-time monitoring mechanism that detects power flickers or outages and instantly triggers connected smart switches and UPS systems to engage backup power. The system must ensure a sub-second response time, coordinate with multiple devices simultaneously, and log each activation event for audit and analytics purposes.

Acceptance Criteria
Rapid Flicker Detection
Given the power supply experiences a flicker event (voltage drop below 95% of nominal) lasting at least 100ms, when the monitoring mechanism detects this flicker, then it must send activation commands to all connected smart switches and UPS systems within 500ms; And the switchover must maintain continuous power to all critical appliances without interruption.
Coordinated Multi-Device Activation
Given multiple smart switches and UPS systems are registered, when a single flicker event is detected, then the system must synchronize activation signals to all devices within a 50ms window; And no device should activate more than once per event.
Sub-Second Performance under Load
Given the system is handling up to 100 simultaneous device connections, when a power flicker is detected, then the system must complete detection, decision, and activation within 1 second; And system CPU utilization must remain below 80% during this process.
Event Logging and Audit Trail
Given a backup activation event is triggered, then the system must log the event with timestamp (UTC), detected voltage value, list of activated device IDs, response times for each device, and final activation status; And logs must be queryable via the analytics dashboard within 5 seconds of the event.
Error Handling and Manual Override
Given a failure occurs during automatic backup activation (e.g., device offline or command error), when the system detects the error, then it must retry activation up to 3 times with 200ms intervals; And if still unsuccessful, notify the technician via the mobile app, allow manual override, and log all retries and errors.
Backup Duration and Failback Management
"As a homeowner, I want to set how long backup power should be sustained and have the system switch back automatically so that I maintain control over my appliance operation during and after outages."
Description

Provide configurable parameters to define backup power time thresholds and automatic failback procedures. This includes notifying users before backup expires, smoothly transitioning devices back to the main power supply once restored, and handling ambiguous power fluctuations with adaptive timing to avoid rapid toggling.

Acceptance Criteria
User-Configured Backup Expiration Warning
Given a user sets a backup duration threshold of 30 minutes and a warning margin of 5 minutes, when backup power has been active for 25 minutes, then the system must send a notification to the user’s app at exactly the 25-minute mark.
Automatic Failback Upon Power Restoration
Given the main power returns and remains stable for 60 seconds, when the stability window completes, then the system switches devices back to main power within 5 seconds without toggling if power dips again within the next 30 seconds.
Adaptive Timing During Ambiguous Fluctuations
Given power fluctuations shorter than the configured 2-minute threshold occur during backup, when any fluctuation is detected, then the system resets the backup expiration timer and extends remaining backup time by the user-defined adaptive interval.
User Override of Automatic Failback
Given a user disables automatic failback in settings, when main power is restored, then the system must not switch back until the user manually confirms the transition via the app.
Critical UPS Battery Threshold Notification
Given a UPS battery level drops below 20%, when the threshold is crossed, then the system must notify the user within 10 seconds and initiate a safe shutdown sequence within 1 minute.
Real-Time Alerts and Notifications
"As a support agent, I want to receive real-time notifications when backup power activates or battery levels run low so that I can provide proactive support to users."
Description

Implement a comprehensive notification system that sends instant alerts via SMS, push notifications, and email regarding backup activation, power restoration, low UPS battery levels, and connection issues. The system should allow users to customize notification channels and severity levels for better situational awareness.

Acceptance Criteria
Backup Activation Notification Scenario
Given a SmartSwitch detects backup power activation When the system triggers a backup activation event Then the system sends an alert via SMS, push notification, and email to the user's configured channels within 30 seconds.
Power Restoration Notification Scenario
Given main power is restored and SmartSwitch disengages backup When the system detects a power restoration event Then the system sends an alert via SMS, push notification, and email summarizing restoration time and status.
Low UPS Battery Alert Scenario
Given UPS battery level falls below the user-defined threshold When the system monitors battery levels every minute Then the system sends an alert via the selected notification channels and escalates severity if not acknowledged within 10 minutes.
Connection Issue Notification Scenario
Given loss of connectivity between SmartSwitch and the server When no heartbeat is received within two minutes Then the system sends a connection issue alert via all enabled channels and retries connection checks every minute.
Notification Preferences Customization Scenario
Given a user accesses notification settings When the user updates notification channels and severity levels Then the system saves preferences and applies them to all subsequent alerts within one minute.
Secure Integration and Authentication
"As a security-conscious user, I want all device interactions to use secure authentication and encrypted channels so that my home network and data remain protected."
Description

Ensure end-to-end encryption, secure API keys, and OAuth 2.0 authentication for all communications between OutagePop, smart home devices, and UPS systems. Implement role-based access controls, secure storage of credentials, and periodic token refresh to protect user data and prevent unauthorized access.

Acceptance Criteria
User Authentication via OAuth 2.0 Flow
Given a registered user with valid credentials When the user initiates the OAuth 2.0 authorization code grant flow Then the system issues an encrypted access token and refresh token with appropriate scopes and expires within the configured lifetime
Encrypted API Key Transmission
Given the system needs to call a smart home device API When sending the API request Then the API key must be transmitted over TLS 1.2+ with message integrity verified via HMAC-SHA256
Role-Based Access Control Enforcement
Given users with different roles When accessing the UPS control endpoint Then only users with the 'Technician' role can execute activation or deactivation commands and residents receive a 403 Forbidden response
Secure Credential Storage
Given stored API keys and OAuth tokens When at rest in the database Then all credentials must be encrypted using AES-256 and decrypted only within the secure application environment
Periodic Token Refresh
Given an access token nearing expiration (less than 5 minutes remaining) When the system automatically requests a new token using a valid refresh token Then the system updates the access token seamlessly without user intervention and logs the refresh event

Predictive Flicker Analytics

Employs machine learning algorithms to analyze historical voltage data and forecast potential flicker events. Provides users with advance warnings and trend insights, enabling proactive power management and scheduling of essential tasks.

Requirements

Historical Voltage Data Aggregation
"As a data analyst, I want a consolidated, clean dataset of historical voltage readings so that the predictive model can learn from accurate, comprehensive information."
Description

Collect and normalize historical voltage readings from utility sensors, user-submitted logs, and third-party data sources to create a unified dataset for model training and analysis. Ensures data consistency, completeness, and accuracy by handling missing values, aligning timestamps, and standardizing formats.

Acceptance Criteria
Data Ingestion from Multiple Sources
Given utility sensor feeds, user-submitted logs, and third-party APIs are available When the aggregation pipeline executes Then all source datasets are ingested successfully without errors and logged in the system
Missing Value Handling
Given raw voltage records contain missing readings When the normalization process runs Then missing values are imputed using linear interpolation methods and all imputed entries are flagged
Timestamp Alignment
Given voltage data from different time zones and inconsistent timestamp formats When the alignment service processes records Then all timestamps are converted to UTC format within 1-second accuracy
Data Format Standardization
Given heterogeneous data formats (CSV, JSON, XML) from various providers When the standardization module executes Then all records conform to the predefined schema with correct field names, types, and units
Data Validation for Accuracy
Given the aggregated dataset is assembled When the validation pipeline runs Then any readings outside the acceptable voltage range (±5% of nominal) are flagged and overall dataset completeness exceeds 99%
Machine Learning Model Integration
"As a system engineer, I want the predictive model integrated into our platform so that flicker forecasts are generated automatically and reliably."
Description

Integrate a scalable machine learning pipeline that trains, validates, and deploys flicker prediction models using the aggregated data. Includes automated retraining schedules, model versioning, and performance monitoring to maintain prediction accuracy over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Automated Model Training Pipeline Execution
Given new aggregated voltage data is available When the daily training pipeline runs Then a new flicker prediction model is trained, validated against the test dataset, and performance metrics (accuracy, precision, recall) are recorded in the monitoring dashboard
Model Version Deployment Verification
Given a validated model version in the model registry When deployment is triggered Then the new model is deployed to the prediction service endpoint and the model metadata (version identifier, checksum, deployment timestamp) is updated in the system registry
Scheduled Retraining Trigger
Given model performance has degraded below the defined threshold for three consecutive evaluation periods When the performance monitoring service detects the degradation Then an automated retraining job is scheduled and initiated within one hour of detection
Prediction API Response Validation
Given a valid flicker prediction request with site parameters is sent to the API When the API processes the request Then it returns a flicker probability and confidence score within expected ranges and responds in under 500 milliseconds
Performance Monitoring Alert Generation
Given the live model performance metrics exceed predefined alert thresholds When an anomaly is detected in prediction accuracy or latency Then an alert is sent to the operations team via email and the incident is logged in the monitoring system
Real-time Forecast Dashboard
"As a utility technician, I want a real-time dashboard of flicker forecasts so that I can prioritize inspections and maintenance before outages occur."
Description

Develop an interactive dashboard that visualizes upcoming flicker events, trend graphs, and confidence intervals. Enables users to filter forecasts by geographic area, time window, and severity level, providing clear insights for proactive decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter Forecast by Geographic Area
Given the user is on the forecast dashboard When the user selects a geographic region from the map or dropdown Then the dashboard updates the map view and trend graphs to display only flicker event forecasts within the selected region
Select Forecast Time Window
Given the dashboard is loaded When the user specifies a start and end time using the time window slider Then the trend graphs and upcoming event list reflect forecasts exclusively within the chosen time range
Adjust Forecast Severity Level
Given the user has access to severity level controls When the user selects one or more severity tiers (e.g., low, medium, high) Then the dashboard filters and highlights only those flicker event forecasts meeting the selected severity criteria
View Confidence Intervals on Trend Graphs
Given the trend graph is displayed When the user toggles confidence interval visibility Then the graph overlays shaded confidence bands corresponding to each forecasted data point
Use Multiple Filters Simultaneously
Given the dashboard displays all filters When the user applies geographic area, time window, and severity level filters at once Then the map, trend graphs, and statistics panels update to show forecasts that satisfy all applied filter conditions
Alert Notification System
"As a resident, I want to receive alerts about upcoming flicker events so that I can plan essential tasks and avoid disruptions."
Description

Implement a configurable alert system that sends warnings of predicted flicker events via email, SMS, or in-app notifications. Users can set custom thresholds for severity, lead time, and notification channels to stay informed.

Acceptance Criteria
Custom Severity Threshold Setup
Given a logged-in user on the Alert Notification Settings page When the user sets the severity threshold to 'High' and saves changes Then the system stores 'High' as the minimum severity for flicker alerts
Lead Time Configuration
Given the user accesses lead time settings When the user specifies a 30-minute lead time and confirms Then the system schedules alerts to be sent 30 minutes before predicted flicker events
Notification Channel Selection
Given the user is on the notification preferences screen When the user selects SMS and email as delivery channels and clicks save Then the system verifies the presence of a valid phone number and email address and enables both channels for alerts
Scheduled Alert Dispatch
Given a predicted flicker event exceeding the configured threshold and lead time When the event prediction is generated by the ML model Then the system automatically sends alerts via all configured channels within 60 seconds of prediction
Delivery Confirmation and Acknowledgment
Given an alert has been dispatched When the user receives the alert on a device Then the system records a delivery confirmation status and displays acknowledgment in the user’s notification history
Data Export and Reporting
"As a support agent, I want to export flicker prediction reports so that I can share analysis with management and regulatory bodies."
Description

Provide users with the ability to export prediction results, trend analyses, and raw data in common formats (CSV, PDF). Includes customizable report templates for monthly or incident-based summaries to support stakeholder reviews and compliance.

Acceptance Criteria
Monthly Summary Report Generation
Given a user selects the monthly reporting period and chooses PDF format When the user clicks ‘Generate Report’ Then the system exports a PDF summarizing prediction results, trend analyses, and raw data for that month with accurate data, correct formatting, and embedded charts
CSV Export of Raw Voltage Data
Given a user filters raw voltage data by custom date range When the user selects CSV and initiates export Then the downloaded CSV includes all filtered records, correct column headers, ISO-8601 timestamps, and a non-zero file size
PDF Export of Prediction Results
Given a user views flicker prediction results for a selected timeframe When the user exports results to PDF Then the generated PDF includes prediction tables, trend graphs, summary text matching on-screen data, and metadata (date, user ID) in the header
Custom Template Configuration
Given a user creates or edits a report template and selects fields, layout, and file format When the user saves the template Then the custom template is listed in the user’s templates, can be selected for future exports, and applies selected configurations correctly
Incident-based Trend Analysis Export
Given a user selects a specific outage incident and timeframe When the user exports trend analysis Then the system generates a report (CSV or PDF) containing the incident ID, voltage trend graph, statistical summary (mean, min, max), and accurate timestamps for all data points

Custom Alert Profiles

Allows users to define personalized flicker thresholds, notification methods (push, SMS, email), and quiet hours. Delivers tailored alerts that align with individual sensitivity levels and lifestyle routines, reducing unnecessary disruptions.

Requirements

Flicker Threshold Configuration
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want to define custom flicker sensitivity levels so that I only receive alerts for significant power fluctuations."
Description

Provide an intuitive interface allowing users to set and adjust flicker sensitivity levels—such as minimum voltage drop or flickers per second—to control which fluctuations trigger alerts. This empowers users to filter out insignificant voltage changes, ensuring they only receive notifications for meaningful power disturbances. The configuration integrates directly with the OutagePop detection engine, dynamically applying user-defined thresholds to incoming data streams and adjusting alert logic in real time.

Acceptance Criteria
Setting Custom Flicker Sensitivity
Given a logged-in user navigates to the Flicker Threshold Configuration page When the user enters a minimum voltage drop value of 5% and saves the setting Then the system updates the detection engine with the new threshold and displays a confirmation message
Adjusting Threshold via Slider or Input
Given a user adjusts the flicker sensitivity using the slider control When the slider value is moved to 3 flickers per second Then the numeric input field reflects ‘3 fps’ and the system applies this value to incoming data streams immediately
Real-Time Threshold Application
Given the flicker threshold is configured at 10% voltage drop When a voltage fluctuation of 12% is detected Then an alert is generated and delivered via the user’s selected notification methods
Validation of Threshold Input
Given a user enters an invalid threshold value (e.g., a negative number or non-numeric string) When the user attempts to save Then the system displays an inline validation error and prevents saving until a valid value is entered
Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user has configured a flicker threshold and logged out When the user logs back in Then the previously saved threshold value is displayed and actively used by the detection engine
Notification Channel Selection
"As a utility subscriber, I want to select my preferred alert channels so that I receive outage notifications through the methods I check most often."
Description

Enable users to choose one or multiple notification methods (push notification, SMS, email) and establish a delivery hierarchy or fallback order. This ensures that alerts are delivered through preferred channels and reduces the risk of missed messages. Integration with communication gateways allows real-time routing of notifications based on user preferences and system availability.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Notification Channel Selection
Given a user selects only SMS as their notification channel, When an outage alert is triggered, Then the system sends the alert via SMS and does not send push notifications or emails.
Multiple Notification Channels with Priority
Given a user configures email as primary and push notifications as secondary, When an outage alert occurs, Then the system attempts to send the alert via email first and, if successful, does not send via push.
Channel Fallback on Delivery Failure
Given a user sets SMS as primary and email as secondary, When the primary SMS delivery fails, Then the system retries the alert via email within 1 minute and logs the failure event.
Notification Gateway Unavailability Handling
Given the push notification gateway is down, When an outage alert is sent, Then the system automatically reroutes the alert to the next available channel defined by the user within 30 seconds.
Respecting Quiet Hours Settings
Given a user defines quiet hours from 10:00 PM to 7:00 AM and selects email and SMS channels, When an outage alert happens at 2:00 AM, Then the system queues the alert and delivers it via email at 7:00 AM, and sends an SMS only if the outage persists past 7:15 AM.
Quiet Hours Setup
"As a night-shift worker, I want to set quiet hours so that non-urgent notifications don’t disturb me while I’m resting."
Description

Allow users to configure quiet hours schedules—daily, weekly, or custom date ranges—during which alerts are suppressed, silently batched, or deferred until the next allowable window. Users can set multiple intervals, override single dates, and choose whether to receive summary reports during these periods. This respects users’ downtime while still offering visibility into critical outages.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Quiet Hours Configuration
Given the user sets daily quiet hours from 22:00 to 06:00, When the system receives alerts during this period, Then notifications are suppressed and queued for delivery at 06:00 the next day.
Weekly Quiet Hours Configuration
Given the user configures weekly quiet hours for weekends (Friday 23:00 to Monday 07:00), When an outage alert occurs on Saturday, Then the alert is suppressed until Monday 07:00.
Custom Date Range Quiet Hours
Given the user defines a custom quiet period from 2025-08-10 to 2025-08-15, When an outage is reported on 2025-08-12, Then the user receives no real-time notifications and the alert is deferred until 2025-08-15 at 00:01.
Single-Day Override During Quiet Hours
Given the user sets a one-time override for 2025-08-12 to receive critical alerts immediately, When a critical outage occurs at 03:00 on 2025-08-12, Then the user receives the alert instantly despite quiet hours.
Summary Report Delivery
Given the user opts in for summary reports during quiet hours, When quiet hours end, Then the system sends a consolidated summary email or SMS detailing all suppressed alerts.
Alert Profile Management
"As a field technician, I want to manage multiple alert profiles so that I can switch configurations quickly depending on my current role or location."
Description

Provide a management interface where users can create, name, edit, delete, and designate default alert profiles. Profiles bundle flicker thresholds, notification channels, and quiet hours into reusable configurations. Changes sync across all user devices and update in real time to ensure consistency. This streamlines switching between personal, family, or work modes.

Acceptance Criteria
Creating a New Alert Profile
Given the user opens the Alert Profile Management interface When the user enters a unique profile name, selects flicker thresholds, chooses notification methods, and defines quiet hours Then the system saves the new profile, displays it in the profile list, and confirms success to the user
Editing an Existing Alert Profile
Given an existing profile is selected When the user modifies the flicker threshold or notification channels and saves changes Then the system updates the profile parameters in real time, reflects changes in the interface, and notifies the user of successful update
Deleting an Alert Profile
Given the user chooses to delete a non-default profile When the user confirms deletion Then the system removes the profile from the list, ensures it cannot be used for alerts, and displays a deletion confirmation message
Setting a Default Alert Profile
Given multiple profiles exist When the user designates one as default Then the system marks it as the default profile, applies its settings to incoming alerts, and visually highlights it in the profile list
Cross-Device Synchronization of Profiles
Given the user creates or updates a profile on Device A When the user views profiles on Device B within 5 seconds Then the new or updated profile appears identically on Device B with no data conflicts
Profile Testing & Preview
"As a cautious user, I want to send a test alert to preview my notification settings so that I can confirm they work as expected."
Description

Offer a feature that sends a simulated outage notification based on the active profile settings, allowing users to preview the exact content, channels, and timing of alerts. Users receive test messages mirroring real events—complete with sample data and formatting—so they can validate and refine their alert preferences before relying on them during actual outages.

Acceptance Criteria
Preview Push Notification During Quiet Hours
Given a user has configured quiet hours, When the user triggers a profile test during these hours, Then the push notification is held until quiet hours end and delivered immediately thereafter.
Simulated SMS Alert with Custom Flicker Threshold
Given a flicker threshold of 3 occurrences in 5 minutes, When a test simulation includes sample data meeting this threshold, Then an SMS alert is sent containing the defined threshold details.
Email Notification Timing Accuracy Test
Given email notifications are enabled in the profile, When the preview is initiated, Then the email is sent within 10 seconds and includes the correct outage details and user information.
Multi-Channel Alert Delivery Validation
Given push, SMS, and email methods are selected, When a profile test is executed, Then push, SMS, and email notifications are each delivered within 15 seconds and match their respective templates.
Sample Outage Data Formatting Preview
Given sample outage data is loaded into the preview, When the user views the test notification, Then timestamps, location, and outage ID fields match the production template and reflect the sample data accurately.

Community Flicker Feed

Aggregates flicker reports from nearby users into a live community feed, highlighting emerging patterns and local grid anomalies. Empowers neighborhoods to stay informed collectively and coordinate backup strategies during widespread flicker events.

Requirements

Flicker Report Aggregation
"As a utility technician, I want aggregated flicker data from multiple reports so that I can identify common patterns and prioritize inspection routes efficiently."
Description

The system must collect and unify flicker submissions from nearby users in real time, deduplicate overlapping reports, and standardize data formats. Benefits include accurate representation of localized flicker events and reliable input for downstream analysis. It integrates with existing outage report services to ensure continuity across the platform.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Flicker Report Reception
When a user within a 1 km radius submits a flicker report via the mobile or web app, the system must ingest and display the report in the community feed within 2 seconds.
Flicker Report Deduplication
When multiple flicker reports occur within 100 meters and 5 minutes of each other, the system must merge them into a single aggregated report, preserving the highest reported severity and earliest timestamp.
Data Format Standardization
All incoming flicker submissions must include a UTC ISO 8601 timestamp, WGS84 latitude/longitude coordinates, and a severity level between 1 and 5; any report missing these fields must be rejected with a validation error.
Downstream Integration Consistency
Each aggregated flicker cluster must generate a correctly formatted API call to the outage report service, including cluster ID, geolocation bounding box, severity level, and occurrence window.
Community Feed Update Performance
All users subscribed to the flicker feed must receive updates reflecting new or updated aggregated flicker reports within 3 seconds of ingestion.
Live Community Feed Display
"As a resident, I want to see a live feed of recent flicker reports so that I can stay informed about my neighborhood's power stability in real time."
Description

On the Community Flicker Feed page, display an auto-updating chronological list of flicker reports, showing timestamp, location, severity, and user comments. Benefits include community awareness and quick visual confirmation of ongoing flicker events. It should integrate seamlessly with the main UI and support infinite scroll for historical context.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Feed Updates
Given the user is on the Community Flicker Feed page When a new flicker report is received Then the report appears at the top of the feed within 2 seconds without requiring a page reload
Infinite Scroll for Historical Reports
Given the user scrolls to 80% of the current list When the threshold is reached Then the next batch of 20 reports loads and appends within 3 seconds
Report Detail Display
Given a flicker report is listed When it is rendered Then it displays the timestamp in the user’s local timezone, location (city and street), severity level with color coding, and a user comment truncated to 100 characters with an ellipsis if longer
UI Integration and Consistency
Given the user navigates between the main UI and the Community Flicker Feed page When the feed reloads Then the scroll position is retained and styling matches the main UI with no layout shifts
Error Handling on Feed Update Failure
Given a websocket or API update failure When the connection is lost Then a non-blocking banner displays “Live feed paused. Attempting to reconnect…”, and the system retries every 10 seconds up to 5 attempts
Flicker Anomaly Detection
"As a support agent, I want the system to detect and highlight unusual flicker clusters so that I can proactively notify affected areas and deploy resources faster."
Description

Implement algorithms to analyze aggregated flicker data and highlight emerging anomalies or clusters on the feed. The feature flags significant deviations beyond normal thresholds and surfaces them with visual indicators and summaries. Benefits include early warnings for widespread disturbances and targeted utility responses.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Flicker Cluster Identification
Given a continuous stream of flicker reports, When at least 10 reports originate within a 1 km radius over 5 minutes, Then the system shall automatically flag the region as an anomaly on the feed.
Threshold-Based Anomaly Flagging
Given aggregated flicker intensity data, When the aggregated flicker frequency exceeds the historical baseline by 50%, Then the system shall surface a visual indicator and summary stating the deviation percentage and affected area.
Anomaly Visualization and Summary Display
Given a flagged flicker anomaly, When the user views the community feed, Then the anomaly shall be highlighted with a red overlay on the map and a summary panel showing start time, report count, and geographic bounds.
False Positive Suppression During Normal Fluctuations
Given normal grid fluctuation patterns logged over the past 24 hours, When incoming flicker data falls within one standard deviation of the baseline, Then no anomaly shall be flagged or surfaced in the feed.
Historical Pattern Comparison for Validation
Given a newly detected anomaly cluster, When the system compares it against anomalies recorded in the past month, Then it shall append a confidence score indicating whether the pattern is novel or matches previous disturbances.
Custom Notification Thresholds
"As a power-sensitive resident, I want to set custom flicker alert thresholds so that I only receive notifications relevant to my immediate area and tolerance."
Description

Allow users to configure personalized flicker alert settings based on distance radius, report count, and severity level. Offers push and email notifications when configurations are met. Benefits include tailored alerts and reduced notification fatigue. Integrates with user profile settings and notification service.

Acceptance Criteria
Distance-Based Notification Configuration
Given a user configures a distance radius of Y miles in settings, when a flicker report is submitted within Y miles of the user’s location, then the user receives a notification within 2 minutes.
Report Count Threshold Configuration
Given a user sets a minimum report count threshold of N, when N or more flicker reports are received within the configured radius in a 15-minute window, then the system sends the user a notification.
Severity Level Alert Configuration
Given a user selects specific severity levels (e.g., medium or high), when a flicker report matching one of the selected severity levels occurs within the user’s radius, then the user receives an alert.
Notification Delivery Preference Setup
Given a user chooses both push and email channels for notifications, when thresholds are met, then notifications are delivered via both push and email within 2 minutes of threshold fulfillment.
Threshold Change Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user updates their notification thresholds and logs out, when the user logs back in, then the previously configured thresholds are correctly loaded and displayed in the profile settings.
Map Overlay Integration
"As a technician, I want to view flicker clusters on the outage map so that I can quickly assess spatial impact and plan on-site inspections."
Description

Overlay flicker report clusters onto the interactive outage map, using heatmap and pinpoint markers to visualize density and severity. Benefits include spatial context for flicker events and easier correlation with known outage zones. Integrates with existing map component and supports toggling via UI controls.

Acceptance Criteria
Heatmap Toggle Activation
Given the interactive outage map is loaded When the Utility Technician toggles the Heatmap control ON Then the flicker heatmap overlay appears with correct color gradient from low (green) to high (red) density And the overlay updates in real-time as new reports arrive
Pinpoint Marker Display for New Reports
Given new flicker reports are received within the map viewport When the map overlay is refreshed Then pinpoint markers appear at the correct geolocations for each report And marker icons correspond to severity levels (e.g., small dot for minor, large dot for severe)
Density Visualization on Zoom Level Change
Given the user adjusts the map zoom level When the zoom level crosses defined thresholds (e.g., city, neighborhood) Then the heatmap granularity adjusts accordingly with cluster radius scaling And clusters accurately represent the number of reports within their area
UI Control Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user toggles the flicker overlay controls (heatmap or markers) When the user refreshes or revisits the page Then the last selected state of the overlay controls is maintained And the overlays reflect the persisted user preferences on load
Integration with Outage Zones Overlay
Given the outage zones layer is active When the flicker overlays are toggled on Then both layers are displayed simultaneously without visual overlap issues And flicker density heatmap adjusts opacity to ensure outage zones remain visible

Dynamic Reroute

Automatically recalculates and optimizes the technician’s route in real time based on new outage reports, traffic fluctuations, and road closures. Minimizes detours and idle time, ensuring faster arrivals and improved repair efficiency.

Requirements

Live Traffic Data Integration
"As a field technician, I want the system to use live traffic information so that my route automatically avoids congestion and delays."
Description

Integrate real-time traffic data feeds into the routing engine to dynamically adjust technician paths based on current road conditions, accidents, and congestion levels, ensuring the fastest possible travel times and reducing idle time.

Acceptance Criteria
Peak Hour Traffic Congestion Detection
Given the technician’s scheduled route crosses an area where live traffic data shows average speeds below 20 mph during peak hours, When the routing engine receives this data, Then the system recalculates an alternative route with a lower estimated travel time and updates the technician’s navigation instructions within 5 seconds.
Accident-Induced Detour Calculation
Given a traffic incident alert is received on the technician’s current path, When the incident location is within 1 mile ahead, Then the routing engine generates a detour avoiding the incident zone and presents at least two alternative routes ranked by fastest arrival time.
Road Closure Rerouting
Given a planned or reported road closure appears on the technician’s route, When the closure is reported in the live feed, Then the system blocks the closed segment and instantly redirects the technician along a valid open path, ensuring no routing instructions ever direct onto the closed road.
Real-Time Speed Fluctuation Adjustment
Given live traffic feed shows a sudden drop in speed on the current route segment by more than 30%, When this drop persists for 2 minutes, Then the routing engine evaluates adjacent segments for faster alternatives and switches the technician’s active route if the alternative reduces total eta by at least 2 minutes.
Multiple Outage Task Sequencing with Traffic Updates
Given the technician’s task list contains multiple outage repair locations, When live traffic data updates occur, Then the system reorders the pending stops to minimize total travel time, updates the sequence dynamically, and notifies the technician of the new stop order before departure from the current location.
Outage Severity Prioritization
"As a support agent, I want the route algorithm to prioritize critical outage reports so that the most urgent issues are addressed first."
Description

Incorporate outage severity metrics into the routing algorithm so that high-priority incidents (e.g., hospitals, emergency services) are assigned first, optimizing resource allocation and ensuring critical infrastructure is restored promptly.

Acceptance Criteria
Hospital Outage Prioritization
Given a newly reported outage tagged as ‘critical’ at a hospital, When the routing algorithm executes, Then this outage is placed at the top of the technician’s queue before any non-critical tasks.
Concurrent Critical Outages Sequencing
Given multiple active outages with the same ‘critical’ severity, When sorting for assignment, Then outages are ordered by proximity to the technician’s current location.
Emergency Service Outage Dynamic Insertion
Given a technician en route to a non-critical outage, When a new ‘critical’ outage at an emergency service facility is received, Then the route is updated immediately to insert the new outage as the next stop and the technician receives a push notification.
Road Closure and Severity Routing
Given a high-severity outage located beyond a closed road segment, When recalculating the optimal path, Then the algorithm selects an alternative route avoiding closures while still prioritizing the high-severity incident over lower-severity ones.
Standard Outage Routing After High Severity Resolved
Given all active high-priority outages have been assigned, When recalculating routes, Then the algorithm assigns the nearest non-critical outages in ascending order of severity.
Auto-Route Recalculation Engine
"As a technician on the move, I want the app to instantly recalculate my route when conditions change so that I always follow the most efficient path."
Description

Develop a high-performance recalculation engine that automatically reoptimizes technician routes in response to new outage reports, traffic changes, or road closures, triggering updates within seconds and minimizing reroute latency.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Outage Report Trigger
Given a technician is en route and a new outage report is received within 500 meters of the current route, when the recalculation engine processes the update, then a revised optimal route is generated and delivered to the technician’s device within 3 seconds.
Dynamic Traffic Adjustment
Given live traffic data indicates a speed reduction of over 30% on any segment of the planned route, when the engine recalculates, then the alternative route is provided within 2 seconds and avoids congested segments by selecting roads with average speed at least 20% higher.
Emergency Road Closure Handling
Given an emergency road closure alert is received for a segment on the technician’s assigned route, when the recalculation engine runs, then a new route bypassing the closed segment is computed and pushed to the technician’s navigation within 3 seconds.
Degraded Network Conditions
Given network latency up to 200ms and packet loss under 5%, when the recalculation request is submitted, then the engine returns the updated route within 5 seconds, ensuring continuous operation despite degraded connectivity.
Multiple Concurrent Event Updates
Given three or more simultaneous route-impacting events (e.g., outages, traffic incidents, closures), when the engine processes all events in a single recalculation pass, then the final route accounts for all events and is delivered within 4 seconds.
Technician Notification Alerts
"As a technician in the field, I want immediate notifications when my route changes so that I’m aware of the new instructions without constantly checking the app."
Description

Implement an alert system that sends real-time push or SMS notifications to technicians whenever their route is updated, including a summary of changes and a direct link to the updated map view.

Acceptance Criteria
Immediate Notification on Route Change
Given a technician’s route is updated, when the system recalculates the route, then a push or SMS notification must be sent within 10 seconds containing a summary of changes and a direct link to the updated map view.
Notification Content Accuracy
Given a route update includes new stops, removed stops, or reorderings, when the notification is generated, then it must list the type of change, the affected stops, updated ETA, and include a clickable link to the updated map.
Fallback to SMS When Push Fails
Given a push notification attempt fails due to network or device issues, when the retry limit is reached, then the system must automatically send an SMS with identical content to the technician.
Link Navigation to Updated Map
Given a technician taps the notification link, when the mobile app or web interface opens, then the map must center on the technician’s new route and visually highlight the updated segments.
Notification Rate Limiting
Given multiple route recalculations occur in rapid succession, when updates exceed one within a rolling 1-minute window, then the system must aggregate changes and send a single consolidated notification per minute.
Offline Navigation Support
"As a technician working in low-connectivity zones, I want the rerouting feature to function offline so that I can still navigate efficiently without an active internet connection."
Description

Enable offline caching of map data and reroute logic so that technicians can continue to receive route guidance even in areas with poor connectivity, synchronizing updates once the network is restored.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Map Data Caching
Given the technician enables offline mode and selects an area up to 50 miles radius, When the technician is online, Then the map tiles and reroute data for the selected area are downloaded and stored locally.
Offline Route Guidance
Given the technician is offline within a cached area and requests a reroute to a new address, When no network is available, Then the application uses locally stored reroute algorithms to generate turn-by-turn directions without errors.
Post-Connectivity Synchronization
Given the technician has orders and route adjustments queued while offline, When the device reconnects to the network, Then all offline actions including outage reports and route changes are automatically synchronized with the server without duplicates or data loss.
Cache Expiry Handling
Given cached map data older than 30 days and the device is offline, When the technician attempts navigation, Then a warning is displayed indicating data may be outdated, and navigation proceeds using existing cache.
Intermittent Connectivity Handling
Given fluctuating connectivity during navigation, When the device switches between online and offline, Then the application seamlessly transitions modes without dropping active route guidance or losing location accuracy.

Priority Dispatch

Analyzes outage severity, customer impact, and SLA commitments to assign high-priority jobs first. Ensures critical repairs are tackled immediately, reducing downtime for the most affected customers.

Requirements

Severity Scoring Engine
"As a support manager, I want the system to automatically score outage severity so that high-impact incidents are addressed first."
Description

A backend service that automatically calculates and assigns a severity score to each reported outage by analyzing factors such as number of customer reports, critical infrastructure status, time of day, and existing SLA commitments. This enables the system to objectively rank incidents for dispatch prioritization and ensures that the most impactful outages receive immediate attention.

Acceptance Criteria
High Customer Report Volume During Peak Hours
Given 100 customer reports received within 10 minutes during peak hours, when the scoring engine processes these reports, then it assigns a severity score ≥ 8.
Critical Infrastructure Outage Detection
Given an outage location within 1km of a designated critical infrastructure asset, when the scoring engine evaluates location data, then it increases the severity score by at least 2 points above the baseline.
SLA Commitment Breach Imminent
Given the estimated restoration time exceeds the SLA threshold of 4 hours, when SLA parameters are evaluated, then the scoring engine flags the outage as high priority by assigning a severity score ≥ 7.
Nighttime High Impact Outage
Given an outage affecting more than 500 customers occurs between 10 PM and 6 AM, when time-of-day and customer impact are analyzed, then the scoring engine applies a +1 severity multiplier and produces a final score ≥ 6.
Combined Factor Scoring Consistency
Given an outage with 50 reports, no critical infrastructure involvement, occurring during off-peak hours, and within SLA compliance windows, when all factors are combined, then the resulting severity score is between 3 and 5 inclusive.
Impact Analysis Dashboard
"As a utility operations director, I want a dashboard showing outage impact and severity so that I can quickly identify critical incidents and allocate resources effectively."
Description

An interactive dashboard that visualizes outage severity scores alongside customer impact metrics and SLA deadlines. It provides real-time insights into which incidents are most critical, enabling decision-makers to monitor queue health and adjust dispatch strategies dynamically.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Update on New Outage Reports
Given a new outage is reported, when the backend processes the report, then the dashboard updates within 5 seconds to display the new outage with correct severity score, customer impact metrics, and SLA deadline.
Automatic Ranking of Incidents by Priority
Given multiple active incidents, when the dashboard loads or refreshes, then incidents are ordered descending by a composite priority score and the top 10 highest priority incidents are listed first.
SLA Breach Alert and Highlighting
Given an incident's SLA deadline is within 30 minutes, when that threshold is reached, then the dashboard highlights the incident row in red and sends an alert notification to subscribed users.
Dynamic Filtering by Region and Severity
Given the user selects a region filter and severity threshold, when filters are applied, then the dashboard displays only incidents matching the region and severity criteria and updates the metrics counts within 2 seconds.
Detailed Incident Drill-Down View
Given a user clicks on an incident entry, when the detail view opens, then it displays full incident data including timestamp, affected customer count, severity score, SLA deadline, and recommended dispatch priority with no missing fields.
Automated Priority Queue
"As a dispatch coordinator, I want an automated queue that updates in real time so that my team always works on the highest priority repairs."
Description

A dynamic queuing system that orders reported outages by calculated priority, automatically reordering jobs as new data arrives. This ensures that dispatch lists always reflect the latest severity assessments and that high-priority jobs are surfaced to technicians first.

Acceptance Criteria
Adding a New Outage to the Dynamic Queue
Given a new outage report with severity level and customer impact data, When the system receives the report, Then the outage is inserted into the queue within 5 seconds and positioned correctly according to its calculated priority relative to existing jobs.
Updating an Existing Outage's Priority
Given an existing outage in the queue, When updated sensor or customer impact data is received, Then the system recalculates the outage’s priority score and reorders the queue within 5 seconds to reflect the new ranking.
Prioritizing SLA-Breaching Outages
Given an outage’s projected restoration time approaches the SLA breach threshold, When the threshold is crossed, Then the outage is automatically moved into the top five positions in the queue and an alert is sent to dispatchers within 2 minutes.
Applying Manual Priority Overrides
Given a dispatcher applies a manual critical flag to an outage, When the override is confirmed, Then the system updates the outage’s priority immediately and reorders the queue, while still processing subsequent automated data updates.
Assigning Technicians Based on Queue Order
Given a technician requests the next assignment, When the request is made, Then the system returns the current highest-priority outage from the queue and marks it as assigned within 3 seconds.
SLA Breach Alerts
"As a support agent, I want to receive alerts before an SLA breach so that I can take immediate action to avoid penalties."
Description

A notification module that continuously monitors SLA deadlines for active outage tickets and sends automated alerts to support agents and managers when a ticket is at risk of breaching its SLA. This feature helps maintain compliance and drives timely resolution of critical outages.

Acceptance Criteria
Imminent SLA Breach Notification
Given an active outage ticket with an SLA deadline within 30 minutes, when the system evaluates SLA timers, then it sends an automated alert to the assigned support agent’s dashboard and mobile app within one minute.
Automated Escalation After SLA Breach Warning
Given an SLA breach alert was sent and no agent acknowledgment is received within 10 minutes, when the escalation timer expires, then the system automatically escalates the ticket to the manager and logs the escalation event.
Managerial Alert for Multiple At-Risk Tickets
Given a manager dashboard overview, when more than three tickets are within 15 minutes of SLA breach, then the system generates a batch notification summarizing all at-risk tickets to the manager’s email.
Daily SLA Status Summary
Given the end of business day at 6 PM local time, when the system compiles SLA data, then it sends a daily summary report of pending and breached SLAs to support team mailing list.
User Acknowledgment of SLA Breach Alert
Given an SLA breach alert is received, when the support agent clicks the acknowledgment button in the notification, then the system updates the ticket status to “Acknowledged” and records the timestamp of acknowledgment.
Technician Assignment Optimization
"As a field operations manager, I want the system to recommend the best technician for each high-priority job so that critical outages are resolved faster."
Description

An AI-driven scheduler that matches high-priority outage tickets with the best-suited technicians based on skill set, location proximity, and current workload. This ensures efficient resource utilization and reduces travel time for urgent repairs.

Acceptance Criteria
Matching Technician Skills to Outage Requirements
Given a high-priority outage ticket requiring a specific skill set, When the scheduler processes the ticket, Then it assigns only technicians whose skills match all required competencies.
Minimizing Technician Travel Time
Given multiple eligible technicians for an outage, When the scheduler evaluates assignments, Then it selects the technician with the shortest estimated travel time to the outage location.
Balancing Technician Workload
Given available technicians with current workload data, When assigning high-priority tickets, Then ensure no technician exceeds a threshold of pending work hours post-assignment.
Handling New High-Priority Ticket
Given a new ticket is marked as critical after initial scheduling, When the system detects the status change, Then it re-evaluates and reassigns the nearest qualified technician if a more optimal match exists.
Updating Assignments on Real-Time Availability Changes
Given a technician updates their availability to unavailable, When the system records this change, Then it must reassign any pending high-priority tickets from that technician to the next suitable technician within one minute.

Multi-Stop Sync

Batch schedules multiple repair tasks into a single, streamlined route. Consolidates nearby outages and repair tasks to reduce back-and-forth travel, saving technicians time and fuel.

Requirements

Route Optimization Algorithm
"As a field technician, I want the system to generate an optimized route for multiple repair tasks so that I can minimize travel time and complete more jobs efficiently."
Description

The system shall calculate the most efficient multi-stop repair route by evaluating task locations, estimated service durations, traffic conditions, and technician schedules. This functionality will reduce travel time and fuel costs, dynamically reordering tasks to adapt to real-time data and ensure timely resolution of outages.

Acceptance Criteria
Technician Route Planning at Shift Start
Given the technician’s daily task list and schedule, When the technician initiates route optimization at shift start, Then the system generates a complete multi-stop route within 30 seconds that includes all tasks, orders them to minimize total travel time, and provides an estimated total travel time within 5% of the optimal calculated baseline.
Dynamic Rerouting for Traffic Delays
Given real-time traffic data indicating a delay exceeding 10 minutes on the current route segment, When the delay is detected, Then the system recalculates the remaining route within 10 seconds to minimize additional travel time and notifies the technician of the updated route.
Emergency High-Priority Outage Insertion
Given an emergency priority outage is added to the technician’s task list mid-route, When the system receives this high-priority update, Then it recalculates the remaining sequence within 10 seconds, places the emergency task as the next stop, reorders subsequent tasks to minimize extra travel time, and alerts the technician of the change.
Service Duration Update Adjustment
Given the technician logs a service duration overrun of more than 15 minutes at a current stop, When the update is submitted, Then the system reevaluates and recalculates the sequence of upcoming tasks within 10 seconds to maintain overall route efficiency, ensuring the revised completion time does not exceed the original route’s planned end time by more than 10%.
Clustered Tasks Grouping
Given a batch of repair tasks located within a 5-mile radius, When the system generates the route, Then it groups those tasks into contiguous sub-routes so that no sub-route exceeds 2 hours of combined travel and service time, and reduces estimated total fuel consumption by at least 15% compared to a simple sequential route.
Batch Scheduling Interface
"As a dispatcher, I want to select and schedule multiple repair tasks at once so that I can efficiently assign routes without manually scheduling each job."
Description

A dedicated UI component enabling dispatchers to select multiple repair tasks and schedule them collectively as a single route. It will provide drag-and-drop task ordering, date and time slot selection, and conflict detection to streamline batch assignments and prevent overlaps.

Acceptance Criteria
Task Selection for Batch Scheduling
Given the dispatcher is viewing the Batch Scheduling Interface when they select multiple repair tasks, then all selected tasks are added to the batch list and highlighted on the map.
Drag-and-Drop Task Reordering
Given tasks displayed in the batch list, when the dispatcher drags a task to a new position, then the system updates the route order and visually reflects the new sequence immediately.
Date and Time Slot Selection
Given tasks are in the batch list, when the dispatcher chooses a date and time slot, then the interface displays available slots, disables conflicting slots, and saves the selected slot for all tasks.
Conflict Detection for Overlapping Schedules
Given tasks in the batch list, when a selected task conflicts with an existing scheduled route, then the system alerts the dispatcher of the conflict and prevents finalizing the batch until resolved.
Batch Schedule Confirmation
Given a completed batch configuration with tasks, order, date, and time set, when the dispatcher confirms the batch, then a single route is created in the system, notifications are sent to technicians, and the route appears on the live map.
Editing Batch Before Confirmation
Given the dispatcher needs to adjust a batch before confirmation, when they modify task order, date, or time, then the interface updates changes in real-time and allows reconfirmation without data loss.
Real-Time Outage Integration
"As a dispatcher, I want real-time outage data integrated into the scheduling system so that batch routes reflect the latest service priorities and incidents."
Description

Integrate live outage reports from crowdsourced user inputs and utility alerts into the batch scheduling process. The system will prioritize newly reported or critical outages, updating routes in real-time and notifying dispatchers of changes that affect scheduled tasks.

Acceptance Criteria
Dispatcher Adjusts Route After Critical Outage Report
Given a dispatcher has an active batch route and a critical outage is reported via crowdsourcing, when the system receives the report, then it updates the batch schedule within two minutes to insert the critical outage repair task at the top of the queue.
Technician Mobile App Receives Real-Time Route Update
Given a batch route is en route and a new critical outage is integrated, when the route is updated, then all assigned technicians receive a push notification with the updated route details within 30 seconds.
Utility Alert Overrides Crowdsourced Low-Priority Report
Given the system receives both a utility alert and a crowdsourced report for the same outage but with conflicting priority levels, when prioritizing tasks, then the utility alert task is scheduled before the crowdsourced report task.
Batch Scheduler Reprioritizes Tasks Based on New Data
Given multiple outages are scheduled in a batch and a higher-criticality outage is reported, when new data is input, then the scheduler reprioritizes tasks so that highest criticality tasks are visited first.
Notification Sent for Route Change Due to High-Impact Outage
Given a technician is en route to a scheduled outage repair, when a nearby high-impact outage is integrated, then the technician receives an SMS and in-app notification detailing the route change before arrival at the next task.
Map Visualization & Route Editing
"As a technician, I want to see my route on a map and adjust stops if needed so that I can respond to local conditions or preferences."
Description

Provide an interactive map view displaying batch routes, individual stops, and relevant outage data. Technicians and dispatchers can visualize routes, manually adjust stop sequences via drag-and-drop, and view detailed task information directly on the map.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Batch Route on Interactive Map
Given a technician selects a batch route, when the map view initializes, then the full route polyline with sequentially numbered stop markers is displayed.
Editing Stop Sequence via Drag-and-Drop
Given a dispatcher is in route edit mode, when the dispatcher drags a stop marker to a new position in the sequence, then the map updates the marker order and triggers route recalculation.
Viewing Detailed Task Information
Given a technician clicks on a stop marker on the map, when the marker is selected, then a detail panel pops up showing task ID, outage severity, customer address, and estimated repair time.
Handling Overlapping Task Locations
Given multiple tasks share identical or very close coordinates, when the map displays these tasks, then markers are clustered or offset so each is independently selectable.
Route Recalculation on Manual Adjustments
Given the stop sequence has been manually reordered by drag-and-drop, when the user confirms the changes, then the system recalculates the optimized route, updates the polyline, and displays updated total distance and estimated travel time.
Technician Notification & Alerts
"As a field technician, I want to receive automatic notifications about my batch schedule so that I can stay informed about route assignments and changes."
Description

Automated notifications and alerts delivered via mobile app or SMS to technicians, informing them of new batch assignments, route changes, or emergency tasks. Notifications will include route details, task lists, and time windows to ensure technicians are always up-to-date.

Acceptance Criteria
New Batch Assignment Notification
Given the technician is logged into the mobile app When a new batch assignment is created for their route Then a push notification containing route details, task list, and time windows is delivered to the technician’s device within 10 seconds
Route Change Alert
Given the technician has an active route When the system updates the route due to task reprioritization or traffic conditions Then an in-app alert with updated route information and revised task sequence is displayed immediately and acknowledged by the technician
Emergency Task Notification
Given an emergency repair task is assigned to the technician When the task is flagged as high priority Then a high-priority push notification with audible and vibration alerts including task details and required response time is delivered within 5 seconds
Time Window Reminder
Given a task time window is approaching When there are 15 minutes remaining before the start of the scheduled window Then a reminder notification is sent to the technician’s device and displayed in the app’s notification center
SMS Fallback Notification
Given the technician’s device fails to receive a push notification within 30 seconds When a notification is sent Then an SMS containing the same assignment details is delivered within 2 minutes

Team Sync

Shares live route updates and task assignments across the technician team and dispatch center. Enhances coordination, prevents overlap, and allows for rapid reassignment if someone finishes early or encounters delays.

Requirements

Real-Time Technician Location Broadcast
"As a dispatch agent, I want to see live technician locations so that I can assign tasks to the nearest available technician and avoid overlap."
Description

Enable continuous sharing of technicians’ GPS locations with the dispatch center and team members, updating every 5 seconds. This real-time broadcast ensures accurate situational awareness, minimizes duplicate routes, and allows dispatchers to assign the closest technician to new tasks, thereby reducing response times and optimizing resource utilization.

Acceptance Criteria
GPS Update Frequency Verification
Given a technician’s device is active and GPS is enabled, when the technician moves, then their location must be transmitted to the dispatch center every 5 seconds with a maximum transmission latency of 2 seconds.
Dispatch Center Real-Time Map Refresh
Given the dispatch center dashboard is open, when new location data is received, then the technician’s marker must update on the live map within 3 seconds of the data being received.
Technician Proximity Assignment
Given a new outage task is created, when multiple technicians are available, then the system must calculate real-time distances from the last three location updates and automatically suggest assignment to the closest technician.
Location Data Accuracy Check
Given a technician travels along a predefined route, when GPS coordinates are collected, then the reported path must not deviate more than 15 meters from the actual route for 95% of data points.
Network Interruption Handling
Given a technician’s device loses connectivity for up to 30 seconds, when the network is restored, then buffered location updates must be transmitted in chronological order without data loss and reflected on the dispatch map within 5 seconds.
Dynamic Task Reassignment
"As a team lead, I want to reassign tasks on the fly so that I can respond to delays or early completions and maintain efficient coverage."
Description

Allow dispatchers and team leads to reassign tasks instantly between technicians based on real-time progress, location, and workload. The system should automatically notify affected technicians, update their task list, and recalculate optimized routes to accommodate the change without manual intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Emergency Task Reassignment by Dispatcher
Given a dispatcher reassigns an active outage repair task from Technician A to Technician B based on location proximity When the reassignment is confirmed Then Technician B receives a notification within 5 seconds And the task is added to Technician B’s task list And removed from Technician A’s list
Reassignment After Technician Delay
Given Technician C marks a job as delayed When a team lead triggers reassignment Then the system identifies the next optimal technician by workload and location And automatically updates both technicians’ task lists within 10 seconds
Automatic Route Recalculation Post-Reassignment
Given a task reassignment occurs When the system updates the new technician’s route Then it recalculates an optimized route including the reassigned task within 15 seconds And reflects updated ETAs on the live map for all team members
Notification Confirmation and Acknowledgment
Given a technician receives a reassignment notification When the technician acknowledges the notification Then the system logs the acknowledgment timestamp And notifies the dispatcher of the confirmed reassignment
Conflict Prevention for Overlapping Tasks
Given two technicians have overlapping service areas When a task is reassigned to one of them Then the system ensures no duplicate assignments exist And updates the interactive map to highlight the reassigned technician as primary
Live Route Visualization
"As a technician, I want to see my route on a map in real time so that I can navigate efficiently and know what’s coming next."
Description

Display each technician’s current route and upcoming stops on an interactive map within the dispatch dashboard and mobile app. The map should update dynamically to reflect en route progress, allowing dispatchers and technicians to visually track routes, identify potential detours, and anticipate arrival times.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-time Technician Location Update
Given a technician is en route to a stop, when their GPS position updates, then the technician’s icon on both dispatch dashboard and mobile app map must move to the correct location within 5 seconds of the GPS signal.
Route Progress Milestone Notification
Given a technician reaches 50% of the distance to a scheduled stop, when the milestone is crossed, then a progress marker appears on the map and a notification is sent to the dispatch dashboard.
Detour Alert Visualization
Given a technician deviates from the planned route by more than 200 meters, when the deviation occurs, then the map highlights the detour in red and sends an alert to dispatchers within 10 seconds.
Estimated Arrival Time Accuracy
Given current route progress and live traffic data, when the system calculates an ETA, then the displayed ETA on the map must be within ±2 minutes of the actual arrival time in at least 90% of test cases.
Route Change Synchronization
Given a dispatcher reassigns a stop to a different technician, when the change is confirmed, then both technicians’ maps and the dispatch dashboard must update the new route assignments within 3 seconds.
Push Notifications for Status Changes
"As a technician, I want to receive notifications when my task status changes so that I stay updated without constantly checking the app."
Description

Implement push notifications for critical task status changes (e.g., en route, arrived, completed, delayed). Notifications should be configurable by user role, ensuring technicians and dispatchers receive timely alerts to stay informed of team activities and respond promptly to updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Technician Configures Notification Preferences
Given a technician is on their notification settings page When they enable or disable push notifications for specific task status changes Then the system persists these preferences and confirms successful update within 2 seconds
Dispatcher Configures Notification Preferences
Given a dispatcher accesses the notification settings interface When they select which status updates (en route, arrived, completed, delayed) to receive Then the system saves the configuration and displays a confirmation message
Technician Receives En Route Notification
Given a technician has enabled notifications for 'en route' status When dispatch updates a task to 'en route' Then the technician's device receives a push notification within 5 seconds containing the task ID, customer address, and estimated arrival time
Technician Receives Delayed Task Notification
Given a technician has enabled notifications for 'delayed' status When a task is updated to 'delayed' Then the technician receives a push notification within 5 seconds with the task ID and delay reason
Dispatcher Receives Task Completion Notification
Given a dispatcher has enabled notifications for 'completed' status When a technician marks a task as completed Then the dispatcher’s device receives a push notification within 5 seconds including task ID, completion time, and any closure notes
Notifications Respect User Role Filters
Given notification preferences are configured per role When a task status changes Then only users with matching roles and enabled notification types receive the push notification
Offline Sync and Conflict Resolution
"As a field technician, I want to use the app offline and sync automatically when back online so that I can continue working seamlessly in low-coverage areas."
Description

Support offline operation for technicians in areas without connectivity by caching route data and task updates locally. Once connectivity is restored, the app should automatically sync changes, detect conflicts (e.g., two technicians updating the same task), and prompt a resolution workflow to ensure data consistency across the team.

Acceptance Criteria
Local Route Data Caching
Given the technician is offline and opens the OutagePop app, when they navigate to the team sync section, then previously fetched route data displays from local cache within 2 seconds.
Offline Task Update Queueing
Given the technician marks a task as completed while offline, when the action is saved, then the update is added to a pending changes queue and visible in the offline updates list.
Automatic Sync Upon Reconnection
Given the device regains network connectivity, when connection remains stable for at least 10 seconds, then all queued offline updates automatically sync to the server and a success notification appears.
Conflict Detection and Notification
Given two technicians update the same task offline, when the first sync completes, then the app detects the conflicting update and shows a conflict notification with details of both versions.
Manual Conflict Resolution Workflow
Given a task conflict is detected, when the technician selects ‘Resolve Conflict’, then the app displays both versions side-by-side and allows the technician to choose or merge changes, saving the final decision to the server.

Offline Navigator

Caches optimized routes and outage data on the device for areas with poor connectivity. Enables technicians to continue navigation and report progress offline, automatically syncing when the network returns.

Requirements

Offline Map Caching
"As a field technician, I want the app to cache map tiles and outage information for my service area so that I can navigate and report progress even when I'm offline."
Description

Caches map tiles and outage data for specified regions on the device to enable map rendering and navigation without network connectivity. When connectivity is restored, the app automatically updates cached data to ensure the latest information. This functionality reduces downtime and allows technicians to work reliably in low-connectivity areas.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Cache Creation in Offline Mode
Given a technician selects a region while online, When they initiate caching, Then map tiles and outage data for the specified region are stored locally and are accessible when the device is offline.
Navigation Using Cached Map Tiles
Given the device has no network connectivity and the region is cached, When the technician navigates a route within the cached area, Then the map renders within 2 seconds and routing information uses only cached data.
Outage Data Reporting Offline
Given the technician is offline, When they report an outage on the map, Then the report is queued locally with a timestamp and the technician receives a confirmation message that the report will sync when online.
Automatic Sync on Connectivity Restoration
Given the device reconnects to the network, When connectivity is restored, Then the app uploads all queued outage reports within 1 minute and updates cached map tiles and outage data if newer versions exist on the server.
Cache Storage Limit and Eviction Policy
Given the total cache size exceeds 200 MB, When the user attempts to cache additional regions, Then the app evicts the least recently used tiles to maintain the cache under the limit before storing new data.
Optimized Offline Routing
"As a technician working in remote areas, I want the app to provide optimized offline routes so that I can reach outage sites quickly and efficiently without relying on live connectivity."
Description

Implements an offline routing engine that calculates the most efficient paths based on cached map and outage data. The engine accounts for real-time road conditions, closures, and outage locations, providing reliable turn-by-turn directions without a network connection.

Acceptance Criteria
Route Calculation with Outage Avoidance Offline
Given the device is offline with cached map and outage data, when the technician requests a route from Location A to Location B, then the routing engine calculates the optimal path avoiding all known outages and closures within 2 seconds.
Turn-by-Turn Directions Displayed Without Connectivity
Given an offline-calculated route, when the technician follows navigation instructions, then the app displays correct next-turn directions, distance to the turn, and estimated time of arrival for each step without a network connection.
Syncing Offline Reports Post-Reconnection
Given the technician has made multiple progress updates offline, when the device reconnects to the network, then the app automatically syncs all pending offline reports to the server within 1 minute, with no data loss or duplication.
Cached Data Expiration Handling
Given cached map and outage data older than 24 hours, when the technician initiates offline navigation, then the app warns of potential outdated information and prompts to refresh the cache when online.
Performance Under Low Device Resources
Given the device has less than 20% available memory and is offline, when the technician calculates a route under 10 km, then the routing engine completes the calculation within 3 seconds without causing the app to crash.
Automatic Data Synchronization
"As a technician, I want my offline activities to sync automatically when I'm back online so that my updates are reflected in the system without manual intervention."
Description

Enables seamless synchronization of all offline actions, including route updates and outage reports, with the central server once the device regains connectivity. The mechanism resolves conflicts, ensures data integrity, and provides feedback on sync status.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Action Queuing
Given the technician adds or updates route and outage report while offline, when the action is completed, then the app queues the entry with a unique timestamp and status 'Pending Sync' without data loss
Automatic Sync on Reconnection
Given the device transitions from offline to online, when network connectivity is detected, then the app automatically initiates synchronization of all queued actions within 30 seconds
Conflict Resolution Strategy
Given an offline report conflicts with existing server data, when syncing, then the system resolves by retaining the entry with the latest timestamp and logs any overrides for review
Sync Status Feedback
Given synchronization is in progress or completed, then the user receives real-time status updates (e.g., 'Syncing…', 'Sync Successful', 'Sync Failed') and can view detailed sync logs
Bulk Data Sync Performance
Given up to 500 queued offline actions, when connectivity is restored on a 3G network, then full synchronization completes within 2 minutes and reports any unresolvable failures
Offline Outage Reporting
"As a technician in the field, I want to report outage details and capture photos while offline so that I can document issues even without network access."
Description

Allows technicians to record and annotate outage reports, upload photos, and update status directly within the offline mode. The reports are stored locally and tagged with timestamps and GPS coordinates for accurate context.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Outage Report Creation
Given the technician is in offline mode, when they submit a new outage report with annotations and photos, then the system must save the report locally with a timestamp, GPS coordinates, annotations, and attached images; and display a confirmation that the report is stored for later syncing.
Offline Report Editing
Given there are unsynced outage reports stored locally, when the technician chooses to edit a report, then they can modify annotations, add or remove photos, and update status, and changes are saved locally with an updated timestamp.
Automatic Sync Upon Reconnection
Given the device regains network connectivity, when any locally stored outage reports exist, then the system automatically initiates synchronization, uploads reports to the server, resolves attachments correctly, and marks local copies as synced.
Storage Capacity Handling
Given the local storage available for offline reports reaches 90% capacity, when the technician attempts to store an additional report, then the system warns about low storage and prevents data loss by allowing the technician to clear or export older reports.
Data Integrity Verification
Given a set of outage reports synced after reconnection, when the technician reviews the reports on the server, then each report must match the original locally stored timestamp, GPS coordinates, annotations, and photos without corruption or loss.
Cache Storage Management
"As a technician, I want to manage the cached map data and outage files on my device so that I can control storage usage and ensure I have the necessary data for my work."
Description

Provides controls for managing offline cache, including region selection, cache size limits, and manual cache refresh. Users can view and clear cached data to optimize storage usage on the device.

Acceptance Criteria
Region Selection for Offline Cache
Given the technician is offline and opens cache settings, when they select a map region for offline use, then the system caches the corresponding outage data and optimized routes for that region and displays a confirmation message.
Enforcing Cache Size Limits
Given a cache size limit is configured, when new cache data would exceed the limit, then the system prompts the user to clear older cache or adjust the limit, and prevents total cache usage from exceeding the configured value.
Manual Cache Refresh
Given the user is online, when they initiate a manual cache refresh, then the system re-downloads the latest outage data and optimized routes for all selected regions, updates cache size metrics, and displays a success notification within 5 seconds.
Viewing Cached Data
Given cached regions exist on the device, when the user navigates to the cache management screen, then the system lists each cached region with its data size and last update timestamp, and supports sorting by region name or date.
Clearing Cached Data
Given one or more regions are cached, when the user selects regions and chooses Clear Cache, then the system deletes the selected cache data, frees the corresponding storage space, updates the displayed cache usage, and logs the action for audit.
Secure Local Storage
"As a utility company administrator, I want offline data to be encrypted on the device so that sensitive information remains secure even if the device is lost or stolen."
Description

Implements encryption and secure storage protocols for all offline data, ensuring that cached maps, outage reports, and user information are protected against unauthorized access.

Acceptance Criteria
Secure Key Management on Device Boot
Given the application initializes secure local storage, when the device boots, then the app must generate or retrieve a unique encryption key from the platform keystore and store it only in secure hardware-backed storage.
Data Encryption Before Write to Local Cache
Given offline map or outage data is saved, when the app writes to local storage, then all data must be encrypted using AES-256 with the stored key and no plaintext data may be written to disk.
Data Decryption During Offline Data Access
Given a technician requests cached outage or route data while offline, when the app reads from local storage, then the data must be decrypted in memory and delivered intact without exposing encrypted blobs to the UI.
Unauthorized Storage Access Prevention
Given an external process or unauthorized app attempts to access the storage files, when the access is attempted, then the platform must deny read/write operations and log an access control violation.
Automatic Data Purge After Sync
Given the device regains network connectivity and offline data is synced successfully, when sync completes, then the app must securely wipe the local cache and rotate the encryption key to prevent reuse of old data.

Live ETA

Provides real-time estimated arrival times for each stop based on current traffic and route changes. Keeps dispatchers, support agents, and even customers informed, reducing inquiry calls and improving transparency.

Requirements

Traffic Data Integration
"As a dispatcher, I want the system to incorporate live traffic data into route calculations so that I can provide accurate arrival estimates and optimize technician assignments."
Description

Integrate real-time traffic data from reliable providers into the routing engine to enable accurate ETA calculations. The system should fetch traffic speed, congestion, and incident data at configurable intervals, normalize and apply this data to the active route of each technician. This requirement ensures that ETAs reflect current road conditions, improving transparency and reducing delays in outage resolution.

Acceptance Criteria
Traffic Data Fetch Schedule
Given the routing engine is active and configured, When the system interval is set to fetch traffic data every configurable X minutes, Then the system must send a successful request to each traffic provider API at the specified intervals without fail.
Traffic Data Normalization
Given raw traffic data received from multiple providers, When the data enters the normalization pipeline, Then all speed and congestion values must be converted into the system’s standard units and format within 30 seconds.
Route ETA Recalculation on Traffic Update
Given an active technician route with ongoing stops, When new normalized traffic data is applied, Then the system must recalculate and update the ETA for each remaining stop within 10 seconds of data receipt.
Failed Data Retrieval Handling
Given a traffic provider API is unreachable or returns an error, When the system attempts to fetch data, Then the routing engine should log the error, retry up to three times, and fall back to the last-known good data without disrupting ETA display.
Configurable Provider Selection
Given multiple traffic data providers are configured in the system, When a provider’s health check fails or latency exceeds thresholds, Then the system must automatically switch to a secondary provider and log the provider switch event for auditing.
Dynamic Route Recalculation
"As a technician, I want my route to update automatically when traffic conditions change so that I can avoid delays and reach the outage site promptly."
Description

Implement automatic route recalculation triggered by significant traffic changes or new outage assignments. The system should detect deviations and recalc routes in near real-time, updating ETAs accordingly. This ensures that technicians receive the most efficient path to their next stop and that dispatchers and customers see up-to-date arrival times.

Acceptance Criteria
Significant Traffic Delay Detection
Given a route segment’s travel time increases by more than 5 minutes, when the system detects this change, then it must recalculate the technician’s route and update the ETA within 30 seconds.
New Outage Assignment Received
Given a dispatcher adds a new outage stop to a technician’s schedule, when the assignment is saved, then the system must recalculate the route and display the updated ETA to both technician and dispatcher within 20 seconds.
Live ETA Display Update
Given a route recalculation event occurs, when the new ETA is computed, then the updated ETA must appear in the dispatch dashboard and technician mobile app within 10 seconds and match within a 1-minute tolerance.
Multiple Simultaneous Route Changes
Given both a significant traffic change and a new outage assignment occur within one minute, when changes are detected, then the system must perform a single consolidated route recalculation and present a unified updated ETA within 30 seconds.
Recalculation Failure Handling
Given a route recalculation attempt fails due to network or API errors, when the error is identified, then the system must log the error, notify the dispatcher of the failure, and automatically retry recalculation within 60 seconds.
ETA Map Overlay
"As a support agent, I want to see ETAs directly on the map so that I can quickly assess technician progress and inform customers without switching screens."
Description

Display the estimated time of arrival for each technician on the interactive map as an overlay. Each technician's marker should show a dynamic ETA label that updates in real-time. This feature provides dispatchers, support agents, and customers with immediate visual insights into expected arrival times across the service area.

Acceptance Criteria
Technician En Route ETA Display
Given a technician is en route and map is loaded, when the technician’s location and route data are available, then an ETA label is displayed next to the technician’s marker within 5 seconds and shows the estimated arrival time to the next stop.
Dynamic ETA Update on Traffic Change
Given real-time traffic data changes cause route delays, when new traffic information is received, then the ETA label for the affected technician updates within 10 seconds to reflect the new estimated arrival time.
Concurrent ETA Display for Multiple Technicians
Given multiple technicians operate within overlapping service areas, when the map is centered and zoomed appropriately, then each technician marker displays a distinct ETA label without overlapping or occlusion.
Customer Map ETA Accessibility
Given a customer accesses the public outage map, when they view a technician marker, then the ETA label is visible, legible, and the displayed time is accurate within a tolerance of ±2 minutes.
Dispatcher Overlay Visibility Toggle
Given a dispatcher needs to manage map overlays, when the ETA overlay toggle is enabled, then all technician ETA labels appear on the map; when disabled, all ETA labels are hidden.
ETA Change Notifications
"As a customer, I want to receive an alert if my technician's ETA changes significantly so that I know when to expect help without having to call support."
Description

Generate and send automated notifications to dispatchers, support agents, and assigned customers when the ETA changes by a configurable threshold (e.g., ±5 minutes). Notifications should be delivered via in-app alerts, email, or SMS based on user preferences. This requirement keeps stakeholders informed of delays or early arrivals, reducing their need to manually check for updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Dispatcher In-App Alert on Significant ETA Change
Given a dispatcher has in-app alerts enabled and the ETA for a stop changes by ±5 minutes or more, When the change is detected, Then the system sends an in-app notification to the dispatcher within 60 seconds showing the old ETA, new ETA, and reason for change.
Support Agent Email Notification for ETA Updates
Given a support agent’s notification preference is set to email and the ETA changes by ±5 minutes or more, When the change is detected, Then the system sends an email to the agent’s registered address within 120 seconds including the job ID, old ETA, new ETA, and timestamp.
Customer SMS Notification on ETA Variance
Given a customer’s notification preference is set to SMS and the ETA changes by ±5 minutes or more, When the change is detected, Then the system sends an SMS to the customer’s mobile number within 120 seconds with the updated ETA and the expected arrival window.
Suppressing Notifications for Minor ETA Fluctuations
Given the ETA change is less than the configured threshold of ±5 minutes, When the change is detected, Then the system does not send any notifications via in-app alert, email, or SMS.
Adherence to User Notification Preferences
Given a user has multiple notification channels configured with priority order, When an ETA change notification is triggered, Then the system sends the notification only through the user’s highest-priority enabled channel.
Dispatcher ETA Dashboard
"As a dispatcher, I want a dashboard view of all upcoming ETAs so that I can proactively address potential delays and communicate status to customers."
Description

Enhance the dispatcher dashboard with a dedicated ETA panel showing sorted list of all active tasks by ETA, color-coded status indicators for on-time, delayed, or early arrivals, and quick filtering options. This centralized view helps dispatchers prioritize resources and manage customer expectations effectively.

Acceptance Criteria
Sorting Tasks by ETA
Given multiple active tasks with distinct ETAs, when the dispatcher dashboard loads or ETAs update, then the ETA panel must list tasks in ascending order by ETA without error.
Color-Coded Status Indicators
Given each task’s ETA and scheduled arrival time, when the ETA panel displays tasks, then each task must show a green indicator if on time, a yellow indicator if delayed by up to 10 minutes, and a red indicator if delayed by more than 10 minutes.
Filtering Tasks by Status
Given the status filter options (On-Time, Delayed, Early), when a dispatcher selects one or more statuses, then only tasks matching the selected statuses must be displayed in the ETA panel.
Real-Time ETA Updates
Given live traffic and route data changes, when an ETA for any active task changes, then the dashboard must update the displayed ETA and resort the list within 30 seconds.
Hover Details for Task
Given a task row in the ETA panel, when the dispatcher hovers over the row, then a tooltip must appear showing the task’s address, technician name, original ETA, and updated ETA.
Customer-Facing ETA Widget
"As a customer, I want to see a live ETA widget on the outage status page so that I can stay informed about when service will be restored without contacting the utility."
Description

Embed a responsive ETA widget into the customer portal or outage status page, displaying a countdown timer, ETA map snippet, and estimated arrival window. The widget should refresh automatically as ETAs update, offering customers a self-service tool to track technician progress without contacting support.

Acceptance Criteria
Widget Embedding on Outage Status Page
Given the customer portal page loads, when the ETA widget area is present, then the widget is embedded with correct HTML and CSS, loads without errors, and matches the design specifications.
Automatic ETA Updates
Given the technician’s ETA changes on the backend, when the update API returns a new ETA, then the widget refreshes its displayed countdown timer and map snippet within 60 seconds without requiring a manual page reload.
Countdown Timer Accuracy
Given a displayed ETA of 15 minutes, when the countdown timer starts, then it decrements by one minute every 60 seconds and stops at 00:00 without overshooting or lag.
Responsive Design on Mobile Devices
Given the portal is accessed on screens between 320px and 768px width, when the widget renders, then all elements remain legible, the map snippet scales proportionally, and no horizontal scrolling is required.
Estimated Arrival Window Display
Given the technician ETA window of 14–18 minutes, when the widget loads, then it displays “Estimated arrival: between 14 and 18 minutes” in the correct format and updates dynamically if the window changes.

Time Estimator

Leverages historical repair duration data and job complexity metrics to forecast the expected time to complete each repair. Helps technicians and dispatchers plan the day more accurately, balancing workload and preventing overtime.

Requirements

Historical Data Aggregation
"As a data analyst, I want to collect and standardize historical repair data so that the forecasting engine has reliable information to generate accurate time estimates."
Description

The system ingests and normalizes historical repair data from multiple sources, including past outage tickets, technician logs, and SCADA timestamps, to build a robust dataset for time-to-repair calculations. This ensures comprehensive coverage and data consistency for accurate forecasting, enabling dispatchers to rely on validated historical patterns.

Acceptance Criteria
Ingestion of Outage Ticket Data
Given the system receives outage ticket data in CSV and JSON formats When the ingestion job runs Then 99% of records are successfully stored in the staging database with no missing required fields
Normalization of Technician Logs
Given raw technician log entries in varied formats When the normalization process executes Then all entries conform to the standard schema, timestamps are converted to UTC, and any missing critical fields are flagged for review
Consolidation of SCADA Timestamps
Given SCADA timestamp feeds from multiple utility providers When the consolidation routine runs Then duplicate events are removed, timestamps are aligned to 15-second intervals, and all events are tagged with a source identifier
Validation of Data Completeness
Given the aggregated historical dataset When the validation suite executes Then record counts match source totals, date coverage spans the full expected range, and a data completeness score of at least 95% is achieved
Performance of Data Aggregation Process
Given datasets up to 10 million records When the full aggregation pipeline runs Then the total processing time does not exceed 30 minutes and average CPU utilization remains below 75%
Complexity Metrics Input
"As a technician, I want to input specific job complexity details so that the estimated repair time reflects the true scope of work."
Description

Provide a mechanism within the technician dispatch interface to capture job complexity metrics such as equipment type, line voltage, environmental conditions, and required permits. This enriches the forecasting input parameters, allowing the time estimator to account for nuanced factors that impact repair duration.

Acceptance Criteria
Input Equipment Type and Line Voltage
Given a technician is assigned a job, when they open the complexity metrics input form, then they can select the equipment type from a predefined list and enter the line voltage within valid ranges (e.g., 120V–500kV), and see no errors.
Record Environmental Conditions
Given environmental factors impact repair duration, when the technician accesses the form, then they can select environmental conditions (weather, terrain, hazard level) from dropdowns and sliders, and these selections are saved successfully.
Select Required Permits
Given certain jobs need permits, when the technician reviews permit requirements, then they can select required permit types from a checklist, upload permit documents in accepted formats (PDF, JPG), and receive confirmation of valid uploads.
Mandatory Field Validation
Given the form has mandatory fields (equipment type, line voltage, environmental conditions, permits), when the technician attempts submission with missing fields, then the system highlights missing fields with error messages and prevents submission until all mandatory data are provided.
Persist Complexity Metrics
Given all complexity metrics are entered correctly, when the technician submits the form, then the system stores the metrics in the job record, updates the time estimator input parameters, and displays a success notification.
Forecast Computation Engine
"As a dispatcher, I want the system to compute and display an estimated repair time with confidence ranges so that I can allocate resources more effectively."
Description

Develop a scalable computation engine that applies statistical models and machine learning algorithms to predict repair duration for each outage event. The engine should process input parameters in real time, deliver forecasts with confidence intervals, and provide an interface for tuning algorithm parameters based on performance feedback.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Forecast Computation
Given a new outage event with all required input parameters, When the Forecast Computation Engine processes the event, Then it returns a repair duration forecast with a 95% confidence interval within 250ms, and the output adheres to the model’s expected format.
Scalability Under Concurrent Load
Given 1000 concurrent outage events arriving at peak time, When the engine processes all requests, Then the system completes all forecasts without errors and maintains an average response time below 500ms per request.
Accuracy Validation Against Historical Data
Given a historical dataset of past outage events, When the engine re-processes the dataset, Then the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) between predicted and actual repair durations is ≤ 15%.
Parameter Tuning Interface Functionality
Given an authorized user accesses the tuning interface, When they update model hyperparameters and submit changes, Then the engine applies the new parameters, logs the update with timestamp and user ID, and reflects changes in subsequent forecasts.
Anomaly Detection Alerting
Given a forecasted confidence interval width exceeds the configured threshold, When this anomaly is detected, Then the system automatically generates an alert in the monitoring dashboard and sends a notification to the data science team.
Time Estimate Visualization
"As a support agent, I want to see the predicted repair time displayed on the map so that I can inform affected residents about expected restoration schedules."
Description

Integrate real-time time-to-repair estimates into the outage map UI, showing estimated completion times per outage via tooltips and color-coded progress bars. Ensure seamless interaction, intuitive display, and mobile responsiveness, so that both technicians and support agents can easily view and interpret the forecasts in-field or in the operations center.

Acceptance Criteria
Viewing Time Estimate Tooltip
Given the outage map is displayed on a desktop browser When a technician hovers over an outage marker Then a tooltip appears showing the estimated time to repair formatted as 'HH:mm' And the tooltip remains visible until the cursor moves away
Interpreting Color-Coded Progress Bars
Given an outage marker is displayed on the map When the repair progress is <25% Then the progress bar is colored green When the repair progress is between 25% and 75% Then the progress bar is colored yellow When the repair progress is >75% Then the progress bar is colored red And the progress bar accurately reflects the calculated completion percentage
Responsive Interaction on Mobile Devices
Given the map is accessed on a mobile device When a user taps an outage marker Then a tooltip displaying the time estimate appears fully within the screen bounds And the color-coded progress bar scales to fit without horizontal scrolling
Real-Time Data Synchronization
Given updated repair duration data is received from the server When the map is active in the UI Then all displayed time estimates and progress bars update automatically within 60 seconds And no manual page refresh is required
Accessibility Compliance
Given the outage map UI is rendered Then all time estimate tooltips must include ARIA labels describing the estimate And all progress bars must meet a minimum color contrast ratio of 4.5:1 And keyboard navigation can focus and activate each outage marker tooltip
Model Training & Retraining Pipeline
"As a machine learning engineer, I want the forecasting model to retrain automatically with new data so that the accuracy of repair time predictions improves continuously."
Description

Implement an automated model training pipeline that retrains the forecasting models on a regular schedule and after significant data updates. Incorporate performance monitoring, versioning, and A/B testing capabilities to validate improvements, ensuring the prediction accuracy increases over time with minimal manual intervention.

Acceptance Criteria
Scheduled Retraining Trigger
Given the retraining schedule is set to daily at 02:00 UTC, when the system clock reaches 02:00 UTC, then the pipeline automatically initiates a new training job without manual intervention.
Data Update Retraining Trigger
Given a new data batch exceeding a 10% change in volume or content since the last training, when data ingestion completes, then the pipeline automatically starts retraining within one hour.
Model Version Validation
Given a newly trained model is produced, when validation metrics (MAE, RMSE) are computed, then the system stores the model version only if metrics improve by at least 5% over the current production model.
A/B Testing Integration
Given control and candidate model versions deployed, when A/B testing is initiated, then 50% of inference requests are routed to each model and after 1,000 predictions, statistical significance is assessed with p<0.05 to determine promotion.
Performance Monitoring Alert
Given the production model's prediction accuracy falls below 90% SLA for three consecutive days, when the third day’s monitoring completes, then the system sends an alert notification to the engineering team within 15 minutes.

PulseAlerts

Automatically notifies users when outage density in a specific area surpasses customized thresholds, ensuring rapid awareness of emerging hotspots and enabling prompt resource mobilization.

Requirements

Configurable Thresholds
"As a support agent, I want to define custom outage count thresholds for my coverage zones so that I receive alerts only when a significant number of reports indicate an emerging hotspot."
Description

Enable users to set custom outage density thresholds for specific geographic areas through an intuitive interface, storing preferences and applying them in real time to trigger alerts when conditions are met.

Acceptance Criteria
User Sets Threshold for a Selected Area
Given a logged-in user is on the Threshold Settings page; When the user selects a geographic area and enters a numeric threshold value; Then the system saves the preference and displays a confirmation message.
Real-time Alert Trigger on Threshold Breach
Given the user's threshold is stored; When the outage density in the specified area exceeds the threshold; Then the system sends a push notification and email alert within 60 seconds.
Invalid Threshold Input Handling
Given a user enters a non-numeric or out-of-range threshold; When the user attempts to save the setting; Then the system shows an inline validation error and prevents saving.
Threshold Preference Persistence Across Sessions
Given a user has configured a threshold; When the user logs out and logs back in; Then the previously set threshold is displayed in the settings interface.
Bulk Area Threshold Management
Given a user selects multiple areas; When the user applies a single threshold value to all selected areas; Then the system updates each area’s threshold and shows success for each.
Real-Time Density Monitoring
"As a technical lead, I want the system to continuously evaluate outage report density so that I can be immediately notified of critical situations without manual checks."
Description

Implement a scalable monitoring engine that continuously analyzes incoming outage reports and utility data to calculate live outage densities across defined regions, detecting threshold breaches within seconds.

Acceptance Criteria
Alert Trigger on Threshold Breach
Given the system receives 50 outage reports in region A within 1 minute When the computed density exceeds the user-defined threshold of 10 reports/km² Then an alert notification is generated and delivered to all subscribers within 5 seconds.
High Volume Data Processing
Given a continuous stream of 2000 outage and utility data events per second When processed by the monitoring engine during peak hours Then density calculations for all 100 predefined regions complete within 2 seconds per cycle And no data loss occurs.
Dynamic Region Boundary Update
Given an administrator updates the boundaries of region B When new boundary configuration is loaded into the system Then subsequent density calculations apply the updated boundaries within 5 seconds And historical density metrics remain intact.
Real-Time Multi-Source Data Handling
Given simultaneous data inputs from crowdsource reports and utility SCADA feeds When ingested in real time Then the monitoring engine normalizes and merges data without duplicates And calculates accurate density values within 3 seconds.
End-to-End Latency Verification
Given network latency spikes up to 500ms between data sources When processing incoming outage data Then the end-to-end density calculation latency remains below 5 seconds.
Multi-Channel Notification Delivery
"As a resident, I want to receive outage density alerts via my preferred channel so that I never miss critical updates regardless of my connectivity."
Description

Support delivery of PulseAlerts through multiple channels including push notifications, SMS, and email, with fallback logic to ensure users receive high-priority alerts even if one channel is unavailable.

Acceptance Criteria
Primary Channel Delivery
Given a high-priority PulseAlert is generated and the user has enabled push notifications, When the alert is dispatched, Then the push notification must be delivered to the user's device within 30 seconds.
Fallback to SMS upon Push Failure
Given a push notification attempt fails due to device unavailability or network error, When the failure is detected, Then an SMS message must be sent to the user's verified phone number within 1 minute of the failure.
Fallback to Email upon SMS Failure
Given both push notification and SMS delivery attempts have failed, When the second failure is confirmed, Then an email must be sent to the user's registered email address within 2 minutes of the initial alert dispatch.
User Channel Preferences Override
Given a user has specified in their profile that only email notifications are desired, When a PulseAlert is generated, Then the system must send the alert exclusively via email and not attempt push or SMS.
Notification Failure Event Logging
When all configured delivery channels for a high-priority alert fail, Then the system must log a failure event containing timestamps, channel-specific error codes, and user identification in the monitoring dashboard.
Geospatial Alert Mapping
"As a technician, I want to see highlighted hotspot areas on the map when an alert is triggered so that I can quickly identify where to allocate resources."
Description

Integrate alerts with the interactive outage map to highlight affected zones when thresholds are exceeded, providing users with visual context and direct links to detailed outage information.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Exceeded Zone Highlighting
Given an outage density threshold is set for a region, When the number of outage reports within that region exceeds the threshold, Then the region on the interactive map is highlighted with a red overlay within 5 seconds of threshold breach detection.
Interactive Zone Details Link
Given a highlighted zone due to threshold breach, When a user clicks on the highlighted zone, Then a popup displays detailed outage information and a direct link to the outage report page for that zone.
Map Layer Toggle Functionality
Given multiple map layers are available, When the user toggles the Alerts layer on, Then all threshold-exceeded zones are visible; When the user toggles the layer off, Then all highlighted zones are hidden.
Accurate Geospatial Boundary Rendering
Given the geospatial polygon data for service areas, When thresholds are exceeded, Then the overlay boundary matches the service area polygon coordinates within a 1-pixel margin of error on the map.
Performance Under High Load
Given up to 10 simultaneous threshold breaches across different service areas, When rendering the map updates, Then all highlighted zones appear without visual degradation and within 3 seconds of data refresh.
Notification Preference Management
"As a user, I want to customize when and how often I receive alerts so that I can balance staying informed with avoiding notification fatigue."
Description

Allow users to manage their notification preferences, including alert frequency, quiet hours, and channel priority, ensuring personalized and non-intrusive alert experiences.

Acceptance Criteria
Configuring Quiet Hours
Given the user navigates to Notification Preferences and sets quiet hours from 22:00 to 07:00, When the user saves these settings, Then the system acknowledges the update and suppresses PulseAlerts notifications during the specified period.
Adjusting Alert Frequency
Given the user selects an alert frequency option (Immediate, Hourly Digest, Daily Digest), When the user confirms their choice, Then subsequent PulseAlerts are delivered following the selected schedule.
Prioritizing Notification Channels
Given the user orders notification channels by priority (e.g., SMS first, Email second, In-app last), When an outage density threshold is exceeded, Then the system sends the PulseAlert via the highest-priority available channel.
Testing Preference Changes
Given the user updates notification preferences and triggers a test notification, When the test run is initiated, Then the test pulse alert is delivered according to the current preference settings and feedback is shown to the user.
Resetting to Default Preferences
Given the user selects the ‘Reset to Default’ option in Notification Preferences and confirms, When the user resets, Then all custom notification settings revert to system defaults and default notifications resume.

TimeLapse Tracker

Animates the heatmap over user-defined time ranges, revealing outage trends and patterns over hours, days, or weeks to help planners anticipate recurring issues and optimize maintenance schedules.

Requirements

Custom Time Range Selection
"As a power grid planner, I want to define specific time ranges for the animation so that I can analyze outage patterns during targeted periods."
Description

Allow users to select arbitrary start and end dates and times to define the period displayed in the time-lapse animation. This feature must support granular inputs (hours, days, weeks) and validate the range against available data to prevent empty or out-of-bounds queries. Integrating seamlessly with the map interface, the selector should update both the heatmap visualization and timeline controls upon confirmation, ensuring users can precisely tailor their analysis window.

Acceptance Criteria
Valid Custom Range Selection Within Data Bounds
Given the user selects a start and end date/time within the available data range, when they confirm their selection, then the heatmap animation displays outage data corresponding precisely to the selected period, and the timeline controls adjust to reflect the new range.
Handling Out-of-Bounds Date Range Inputs
Given the user specifies a start or end date/time outside the dataset's bounds, when they attempt to confirm, then the system displays a validation error indicating the invalid range and blocks the request until corrected.
Real-Time Heatmap and Timeline Update Upon Confirmation
Given the user confirms a custom time range, when the map interface refreshes, then the heatmap and timeline controls update in real time to represent the new range without requiring a page reload.
Granular Time Input at Hourly Resolution
Given the user enters start and end times down to the hour and minute, when they submit the range, then the system accepts the precise inputs and adjusts the animation frames accordingly.
Preventing Empty Data Queries for Sparse Data Periods
Given the user selects a time range with no recorded outages, when they confirm, then the system warns that no data exists for the selected period and prompts the user to adjust the range.
Playback Control Panel
"As a technician, I want intuitive playback controls so that I can examine outage evolution at different speeds and directions."
Description

Implement an interactive control panel providing play, pause, rewind, fast-forward, and speed adjustment (e.g., 0.5×, 1×, 2×) for the time-lapse animation. Controls should be intuitive and responsive, reflecting real-time changes in the heatmap. Tooltips and accessible labels must explain each control. Integration with the time range selector ensures that all playback operations respect the defined window.

Acceptance Criteria
Basic Play/Pause Interaction
Given a time-lapse is loaded, When the user clicks the Play button, Then the animation starts from the current timestamp and the Play button changes to Pause. Given the animation is playing, When the user clicks the Pause button, Then the animation stops at the current frame and the Pause button changes to Play.
Speed Selection and Application
Given the playback control panel is visible, When the user selects a different speed option (0.5×, 1×, or 2×), Then the animation playback rate updates immediately to the chosen speed and the control label reflects the current speed.
Rewind and Fast-Forward Navigation
Given the animation is paused or playing, When the user clicks Rewind or Fast-Forward, Then the timeline jumps back or forward by a fixed interval (e.g., 10 seconds) and the heatmap updates to the new timestamp accordingly.
Time Range Synchronization During Playback
Given a custom time range is selected, When the user initiates any playback operation (play, pause, rewind, fast-forward), Then all actions are constrained within the selected window and the animation does not move outside the defined start and end times.
Control Accessibility and Tooltip Display
Given the user hovers over any control icon, When the hover persists for at least 500ms, Then a tooltip with a clear description appears. And all controls have accessible labels that screen readers announce correctly.
High-Performance Heatmap Rendering
"As a field analyst, I want smooth, high-frame-rate animations so that I can accurately perceive outage trend shifts without lag."
Description

Optimize the animation engine and data pipeline to ensure smooth, jitter-free transitions between frames even for large datasets spanning weeks. Techniques may include client-side caching, incremental data loading, WebGL acceleration, and frame interpolation. The system should maintain at least 30 frames per second on typical hardware and degrade gracefully on lower-spec devices.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Animation on High-Resolution Desktop
Given a desktop with WebGL support and 20,000 data points for the past 24 hours, when the user plays the heatmap animation, then initial render loads within 2 seconds and the animation sustains at least 30 frames per second continuously for 5 minutes without frame drops.
Smooth Playback of Week-Long Data on Mid-Tier Device
Given a mid-tier laptop device and a dataset of 100,000 points spanning one week, when the user animates the heatmap over the full range, then the system maintains at least 30 frames per second for the first 2 minutes with no more than 5% frame drops.
Graceful Degradation on Low-Spec Mobile Devices
Given a mobile device with limited GPU capabilities, when the user animates a large dataset, then the engine automatically reduces point density or resolution to maintain a minimum of 20 frames per second, rather than causing jank or crashes.
Seamless Data Loading During Time Range Extension
Given the user extends the animation range mid-playback, when new data points are required, then incremental data loading occurs in the background without pausing the animation for more than 100 milliseconds per frame.
Consistent Frame Rate Under Concurrent Data Updates
Given live crowdsourced updates arriving during animation, when new outage reports are received, then the heatmap updates without dropping below 28 frames per second and without visible jitter.
Data Aggregation and Filtering
"As an outage analyst, I want to filter and aggregate data so that I can focus on specific regions or severity levels when reviewing trends."
Description

Enable users to apply filters on outage severity, geographic region, and reporting source before generating the time-lapse. Aggregation settings (e.g., hourly averages, daily sums) should be selectable to adjust data granularity. Filter settings must persist in the URL or user profile for quick retrieval and shareability, and should instantly update both the map and animation timeline.

Acceptance Criteria
Filter by Outage Severity
Given the user selects one or more outage severity levels in the filter panel When the time-lapse tracker is activated Then only outage events matching the selected severity levels are displayed on the heatmap and animation timeline
Filter by Geographic Region
Given the user draws or selects a geographic region on the map When the user applies the region filter Then only outage events within the defined boundary appear in the time-lapse animation and heatmap
Filter by Reporting Source
Given the user chooses one or multiple reporting sources (crowdsourced, utility alerts) When the filters are applied Then only outage events from the selected sources are shown in both map and animation timeline
Adjust Aggregation Granularity
Given the user selects aggregation settings (hourly averages or daily sums) When aggregation option is changed Then the heatmap and animation timeline update to reflect data aggregated according to the selected granularity
Persist Filters in URL
Given the user applies filters and aggregation settings When the user copies or refreshes the URL Then the URL parameters reflect the current settings and reloading the URL restores those filters and settings
Instant Update on Filter Change
Given the user modifies any filter or aggregation setting When the change is made Then the map visualization and time-lapse animation update instantly without page reload
Exportable Animated Reports
"As a utility manager, I want to export animations to presentations so that I can share outage trend insights with stakeholders."
Description

Provide functionality to export the configured time-lapse as a shareable video (MP4) or animated GIF with customizable resolution and frame rate. Exported files should include time stamps and legends. The export process should run asynchronously, notifying users via in-app alerts or email when the file is ready, and offering a secure download link.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Request Initiated Asynchronously
Given a user configures time range, resolution, and frame rate and then initiates export, when the export request is submitted, then the system enqueues the job asynchronously without blocking the UI and displays an in-app confirmation alert.
In-App Notification on Export Completion
Given the export job completes successfully, when processing finishes, then the system displays an in-app notification with a clear link to the exported file and its metadata.
Secure Download Link Generation
Given a completed export job, then the system generates a secure, expiring download link over HTTPS that is unique to the user and valid for 24 hours.
Custom Export Parameters Applied
Given a user-specified resolution and frame rate, then the resulting MP4 or GIF file must exactly match the selected resolution and frame rate within ±5 pixels and ±1 fps.
Timestamp and Legend Inclusion
Given the selected time range and legend options, then the exported video/GIF must display accurate timestamps and a legend overlay corresponding to the data shown at each frame.
Email Notification Sent Upon Completion
Given a user has a valid email address on file, when the export job completes, then the system sends an email within 5 minutes containing the secure download link and file summary.

ClusterView

Dynamically groups nearby outage points into clusters that adjust with zoom levels, reducing map clutter and allowing users to quickly identify and focus on high-impact zones.

Requirements

Dynamic Cluster Aggregation
"As a utility technician, I want outage points grouped into dynamic clusters based on proximity so that I can identify high-density outage zones quickly without map clutter."
Description

Groups outage data points within a configurable radius into clusters that adjust in real-time as the map view changes. The algorithm recalculates proximity-based groupings whenever users pan or zoom, reducing map clutter and highlighting areas with concentrated outages. It integrates with the existing mapping component and supports customization of clustering thresholds.

Acceptance Criteria
Configurable Clustering Radius Application
Given the user configures the clustering radius to X meters When the map loads with outage points Then any points within X meters of each other are grouped into one cluster And no points separated by more than X meters are included in the same cluster.
Real-Time Cluster Recalculation on Zoom
Given the map is displayed with initial clusters When the user performs a zoom-in or zoom-out action Then the clustering algorithm recalculates groupings in under 200ms And the map updates to reflect new clusters without manual refresh.
Cluster Update on Map Pan
Given the map with visible clusters When the user pans the map to a new area Then new clusters are recalculated for the visible area And clusters previously visible that move off-screen are removed.
Cluster Formation with High-Density Outages
Given a region with more than 100 outage points within the clustering radius When clusters are generated Then clusters represent no more than 50 points each by splitting large clusters And clustered markers display a count badge of the number of points contained.
Cluster Adjustment at Maximum Zoom Level
Given the map is at maximum zoom level When the user views outage points Then no clustering occurs And each outage point is displayed as an individual marker.
Zoom-Level Cluster Adjustment
"As a field support agent, I want clusters to adjust their grouping granularity based on zoom level so that I can see either a broad overview or detailed outage locations as needed."
Description

Modifies cluster compositions and granularity in response to map zoom levels. At wider zoom levels, clusters encompass larger areas, while at closer zoom levels, clusters break apart into smaller groups or individual points. This responsiveness ensures users see the right level of detail when inspecting outages at different scales.

Acceptance Criteria
Wide Zoom Level Cluster Aggregation
Given the map is zoomed out to zoom level 3 or below, When three or more outage points lie within a 10 km radius, Then those points are grouped into a single cluster icon.
Close Zoom Level Cluster Disaggregation
Given the map is zoomed in to zoom level 10 or above, When a cluster contains fewer than five outage points within a 1 km radius, Then that cluster splits into individual outage point markers.
Stable Cluster Recomposition During Incremental Zoom
Given the user smoothly increases or decreases the zoom level, When the zoom crosses cluster threshold levels, Then clusters dynamically merge or split without overlapping icons or flickering artifacts.
Performance Handling With High Outage Density
Given 1,000+ outage points in view at zoom level 4, When the user pans or zooms, Then clusters update in under 200 ms to maintain interactive performance.
Accurate Cluster Label Count Display
Given a cluster icon displays a label, When the cluster composition changes due to zooming in or out, Then the numeric label on the cluster updates to reflect the current count of contained outage points.
Cluster Detail Popover
"As a technical lead, I want to click a cluster and view summarized outage details so that I can assess the severity and navigate to individual incident reports seamlessly."
Description

Displays aggregated outage details in a popover when users click on a cluster. The popover shows the number of outages in the cluster, combined severity metrics, and a preview list of individual reports. It links directly to detailed outage logs, enabling fast drill-down from summary view to specific incident information.

Acceptance Criteria
Cluster popover opens on cluster click
Given a map with one or more clusters When the user clicks on a cluster Then a popover appears anchored to the cluster within 500ms
Aggregated outage count is accurate
Given a cluster representing N individual outage reports When the popover opens Then the displayed outage count equals N and matches the sum of the reports in the selected map area
Severity metrics display correctly
Given a cluster with mixed severity levels When the popover opens Then the combined severity score is calculated as the average severity of all reports rounded to one decimal and displayed prominently
Preview list shows up to 5 recent outages
Given a cluster containing more than five outage reports When the popover opens Then the popover displays the five most recent reports sorted by timestamp descending
Detail log link navigates correctly
Given an individual report item in the popover When the user clicks its 'View Details' link Then the application navigates to the detailed outage log page for that report within the same browser tab
High-Performance Clustering Engine
"As an application user, I want the map to remain responsive when many outage reports are displayed so that I can interact with the clusters without lag."
Description

Implements an optimized clustering algorithm leveraging spatial indexing (e.g., k-d tree or R-tree) and incremental updates to handle large datasets with minimal performance impact. Ensures map interactions remain smooth even with tens of thousands of outage points, supporting rapid recalculation during user actions.

Acceptance Criteria
Large Data Volume Rendering
Given 50,000 outage points loaded, when the map is initialized, then clusters are generated and displayed within 2 seconds
Zoom Level Cluster Adjustment
Given any zoom level change, when the user zooms in or out, then clusters recalculate and update within 500 milliseconds
Real-Time Data Update Handling
Given new outage reports arriving every second, when updates are streamed, then clusters adjust incrementally without full recomputation and maintain display latency under 300 milliseconds
Performance Under Rapid Interactions
Given rapid pan and zoom actions by the user, when interactions occur consecutively, then map responsiveness remains above 30 frames per second without visual lag
Memory Usage Optimization
Given continuous operation for 1 hour with 100,000 points, when memory profiling is performed, then memory consumption does not exceed 200 MB
Customizable Cluster Styling
"As a system administrator, I want to customize cluster appearance based on severity levels so that critical outage zones stand out visually for quick response."
Description

Allows users to configure visual aspects of clusters, including color schemes, size thresholds, and iconography based on outage severity or report age. Provides an interface for administrators to define styling rules that reflect operational priorities and enhance visual clarity on the map.

Acceptance Criteria
Configuring Cluster Color Schemes
Given the administrator selects a cluster severity level and chooses a color from the palette, when they save the selection, then all clusters of that severity update to the selected color in real time and persist after page reload.
Adjusting Cluster Size Thresholds
Given the administrator inputs minimum and maximum report counts for each size threshold, when thresholds are saved, then clusters adjust their displayed radius on the map according to the defined count ranges across all zoom levels.
Customizing Cluster Icons
Given the administrator selects an icon from the library or uploads a custom icon, when they assign the icon to a severity or report-age category and save, then clusters display the chosen icon correctly without distortion.
Defining Styling Rules Based on Outage Age
Given the administrator defines multiple age brackets (e.g., <1h, 1–4h, >4h) and assigns distinct colors or icons to each, when map data is refreshed, then clusters adopt styles matching each report’s age bracket.
Previewing and Saving Cluster Style Changes
Given the administrator modifies any styling option, when they click "Preview," then the map updates to reflect unsaved changes; and when they click "Save," then changes persist on page reload and are visible to end users.

Resource Optimizer

Analyzes real-time heatmap data to recommend optimal deployment of field crews and equipment, balancing workload and travel time while targeting the most critical outage concentrations.

Requirements

Real-time Data Ingestion
"As a system administrator, I want the optimizer to continuously ingest real-time outage data so that recommendations are based on the most up-to-date information."
Description

Enable the Resource Optimizer to ingest real-time outage reports and utility alerts from multiple sources, normalize the data, and feed it into the analysis pipeline with minimal latency, ensuring that the heatmap and recommendations reflect current conditions.

Acceptance Criteria
Simultaneous Multi-Source Data Ingestion
Given multiple concurrent outage reports and utility alerts from at least five different sources, when data is ingested, then 100% of incoming records are received by the pipeline without loss.
Data Normalization Accuracy under Varied Formats
Given incoming data in JSON, XML, and CSV formats, when normalization runs, then all records are transformed to the standard schema with zero field-mapping errors.
Low Latency Pipeline Performance
Given a sustained input rate of 1,000 events per second, when data enters the system, then the end-to-end ingestion latency does not exceed 2 seconds for 95% of events.
Failure Handling and Recovery for Data Streams
Given a temporary source outage or data stream interruption, when the system detects failure, then it retries ingestion up to three times within 5 seconds and logs the error with a timestamp.
End-to-End Data Flow Verification
Given a new outage report submitted by a technician, when the report is ingested and normalized, then the heatmap updates reflect the new event within 5 seconds.
Interactive Outage Heatmap Generation
"As a dispatch manager, I want to view an interactive heatmap of outage concentrations so that I can identify where crews are most needed."
Description

Generate and update an interactive heatmap overlay that visualizes the density of outages by location and severity, allowing dispatchers to quickly identify high-priority areas and monitor changes as new data arrives.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time Heatmap Update
Given new outage reports are received, when data ingestion occurs, then the interactive heatmap must refresh and display the updated outage density within 30 seconds.
Severity-Based Color Coding
Given multiple outage severities, when the heatmap renders, then each severity level must be represented by distinct, predefined color codes and a legend must display severity descriptions.
Dynamic Clustering at Various Zoom Levels
Given varying map zoom levels, when the dispatcher zooms in or out, then outage data points must aggregate or disperse appropriately to maintain readability and cluster counts update in real time.
Cross-Device Performance
Given the heatmap is accessed on desktop, tablet, and mobile browsers, when a user interacts (pan, zoom, filter), then response time for each action must not exceed 500 milliseconds and UI layout must adapt without overlap.
High Data Load Performance
Given up to 10,000 concurrent outage data points, when the heatmap initializes, then full rendering must complete within 2 seconds and FPS should remain above 30 during interactions.
Optimal Deployment Recommendation Engine
"As a field operations manager, I want the system to recommend deployment plans so that crews are assigned efficiently to the most critical outages."
Description

Analyze the real-time heatmap data and compute optimal deployment plans for field crews and equipment, balancing criticality, crew availability, skill sets, and travel time to minimize restoration times and maximize resource efficiency.

Acceptance Criteria
Clustered Outage Deployment Recommendation
Given a cluster of high-priority outages on the heatmap and three available crews, when the engine computes deployment, then recommended routes dispatch crews to cover at least 90% of the cluster within a maximum arrival time of 30 minutes per outage with balanced workload.
Skill-based Crew Assignment
Given an outage requiring specialized equipment and a minimum skill rating, when analyzing crew profiles, then assign only crews meeting the required skill rating with the necessary equipment, ensuring 100% of specialized tasks are covered.
Crew Availability and Travel Time Optimization
Given crew shift schedules and current GPS locations, when generating deployment plans, then include only crews available during the outage response window and ensure each crew’s total route travel time does not exceed its remaining shift time.
Dynamic Re-optimization after New Outage Reports
Given new outage reports are received while crews are en route, when the recommendation engine reruns optimization, then updated deployment plans are available within 2 minutes and dispatch notifications are sent to all affected crews.
Equipment Load Capacity Balancing
Given multiple outages requiring specialized tools and limited equipment units per crew, when computing deployments, then distribute specialized tasks across crews so that no crew is assigned more specialized tasks than its equipment capacity.
Route and Travel Time Optimization
"As a field technician, I want to receive optimized routes to each outage site so that I can reach locations quickly and safely."
Description

Integrate mapping services to calculate the fastest routes for assigned crews, taking into account current traffic, road conditions, and crew starting locations to minimize travel time and facilitate faster restoration.

Acceptance Criteria
Optimized Initial Route Assignment
Given a field crew is assigned to multiple outage jobs at the start of their shift When the technician opens the OutagePop app to begin routing Then the system calculates the fastest route that minimizes total travel time based on crew starting location, real-time traffic, and job priorities
Dynamic Rerouting on Traffic Obstruction
Given a crew is en route to an outage location When traffic conditions change or a road closure is detected Then the system automatically recalculates and displays an updated fastest route within 5 seconds
Multistop Route Sequencing for Multiple Outage Locations
Given a technician has three or more assigned stops in geographically distinct areas When the route optimizer runs Then stops are ordered to ensure the minimal cumulative travel time and distance, validated against alternative stop sequences
Alternate Route Suggestion for Road Closures
Given an active outage route encounters a full road closure When the technician requests alternate routing options Then the system presents at least three viable alternate paths ranked by estimated travel time
Travel Time Estimation Accuracy Validation
Given historical route data and actual travel logs When comparing estimated travel times against actual times for 100 test trips Then 95% of estimates must fall within a 10% margin of the real travel durations
Dynamic Workload Balancing Module
"As a dispatcher, I want the system to rebalance crew assignments in real time so that workload remains evenly distributed and high-priority outages are addressed promptly."
Description

Continuously monitor ongoing assignments and dynamically rebalance workloads by reallocating crews or equipment in response to new outages, crew delays, or changes in priority to maintain optimal coverage.

Acceptance Criteria
New Outage Report Received
Given a new outage is reported on the map When the system detects available crews Then it assigns the nearest available crew to the outage within 5 minutes and updates the live assignment map
Crew Delay Triggered Reassignment
Given a crew reports a delay exceeding threshold When the system receives the delay update Then it reassigns the delayed crew’s tasks to the next closest crew within 10 minutes and notifies stakeholders of the change
Outage Priority Escalation
Given an outage’s priority is escalated to high When the escalation is recorded in the system Then lower-priority assignments are deprioritized and resources are reallocated to the high-priority outage within 3 minutes
Real-Time Workload Imbalance Detected
Given a workload imbalance greater than 30% between regions persists for 2 minutes When the system detects this imbalance Then it generates reallocation recommendations and alerts dispatch for optimal coverage
Early Crew Availability Utilization
Given a crew completes tasks ahead of schedule When the crew reports availability Then the system assigns the crew to the nearest pending high- or medium-priority outage within 5 minutes

Severity Slider

Offers interactive controls to fine-tune heatmap intensity thresholds and color gradients, enabling users to highlight minor flickers or isolate major outages according to their operational priorities.

Requirements

Threshold Range Slider
"As a utility technician, I want to set precise minimum and maximum severity thresholds so that I can focus on outages within critical intensity ranges."
Description

Enables users to adjust the minimum and maximum severity thresholds on the heatmap using a dual-handle slider. This control allows fine-grained filtering of outage severity levels by dragging lower and upper handles to desired values. Integrated directly into the heatmap controls panel, it provides real-time visual feedback by immediately updating color intensities on the map. This requirement ensures technicians can isolate specific severity bands, improving focus on critical outages or minor flickers based on operational priorities.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Slider Load Display
Given the heatmap controls panel is visible, when the map loads, then the dual-handle slider displays with default minimum and maximum handles positioned at predefined thresholds and corresponding heatmap intensities reflect those defaults.
Lower Threshold Adjustment
Given a technician drags the lower handle to a higher severity value, when the handle is released, then the heatmap immediately excludes any outage points below the new minimum threshold and updates color intensities in real time.
Upper Threshold Adjustment
Given a technician drags the upper handle to a lower severity value, when the handle is released, then the heatmap immediately excludes any outage points above the new maximum threshold and updates color intensities in real time.
Handle Crossover Prevention
Given the handles approach each other, when a user drags one handle to overlap the other, then the slider prevents crossover by locking the handles at adjacent values, ensuring the lower threshold never exceeds the upper and vice versa.
Real-Time Feedback Performance
Given the slider handles are adjusted, when a handle movement completes, then the heatmap color intensities update within 200 milliseconds of the user releasing the handle.
Color Gradient Customization
"As a support agent, I want to customize the heatmap color gradient so that I can visually distinguish varying outage severities according to my organization’s standards."
Description

Allows users to select and adjust the color gradient applied to the heatmap visualization through a color picker interface. This feature enables setting start and end colors, as well as intermediate hues, to represent different outage severity levels. Integrated with the severity slider controls, changes in color settings are reflected instantly on the map, improving visual clarity and aligning with organizational color-coding standards. This customization supports better differentiation of outage severities and enhances map readability for diverse user preferences.

Acceptance Criteria
Custom Gradient Application on Map Initialization
Given the user has selected start and end colors in the color picker, When the map initializes, Then the heatmap must render using the selected gradient without errors.
Real-time Gradient Adjustment during Severity Slider Interaction
Given the user adjusts any color control, When the value changes, Then the map must update the color gradient within 500ms without requiring a page reload.
Intermediate Color Stops Configuration
Given the user adds intermediate hues, When the user confirms the settings, Then the gradient must display color stops in the correct order and reflect those intermediate hues accurately.
Valid Color Format Enforcement
Given the user inputs a color value, When the value is not in a valid hex or RGB format, Then the interface must display a validation error and prevent saving; And valid formats must be accepted and applied.
User-defined Gradient Persistence across Sessions
Given the user has configured a custom gradient and logged out, When the user logs back in, Then the previously saved gradient must be loaded and applied automatically.
Preset Configuration Management
"As a utility supervisor, I want to save and load preset severity slider and color settings so that my team can apply consistent views for different operational needs."
Description

Provides functionality to save, name, and load predefined slider threshold and color gradient settings as presets. Users can store commonly used configurations to quickly switch between views tailored to different operational scenarios, such as major outage focus or minor flicker monitoring. Presets are accessible via a dropdown menu in the controls panel, ensuring seamless transitions and improved workflow efficiency. This requirement facilitates rapid context switching and consistency across team members.

Acceptance Criteria
Saving a New Preset Configuration
Given a user has adjusted slider thresholds and color gradients, when they click 'Save Preset' and enter a unique name, then the preset is stored, appears in the presets dropdown, and persists after page reload
Loading an Existing Preset
Given a user has one or more saved presets, when they select a preset from the dropdown, then the slider thresholds and color gradients update to the saved values and a confirmation notification is displayed
Handling Duplicate Preset Names
Given a user enters a preset name that already exists, when they attempt to save, then the system displays a clear error message indicating the name conflict and prevents saving
Deleting a Saved Preset
Given a user views their saved presets, when they choose to delete a preset and confirm the action, then the preset is removed from the dropdown and no longer available after page reload
Sharing Presets Across Team Members
Given a user enables team visibility for a saved preset, when another team member logs in, then the shared preset appears in their dropdown and can be loaded without errors
Real-time Heatmap Update
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want the heatmap to update instantly when I adjust severity settings so that I can quickly identify areas of interest without waiting."
Description

Ensures that adjustments to severity thresholds and color gradients via the sliders and pickers trigger immediate updates to the heatmap without page reloads or noticeable lag. The system uses optimized data-fetching and rendering techniques, such as debouncing slider input and client-side interpolation, to maintain performance even with large outage datasets. This requirement guarantees smooth user interaction and real-time data visualization, critical for timely decision-making during outages.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Heatmap Load
Given the user opens the OutagePop map page, When the map finishes loading, Then the default severity thresholds and color gradients are applied and the heatmap renders completely within 500ms.
Consecutive Slider Adjustments
Given the user drags the severity slider multiple times within 2 seconds, When the slider value changes, Then the heatmap updates debounce after 300ms and reflects only the final slider position without errors or visible lag.
Color Gradient Update
Given the user selects a different color gradient from the picker, When the new gradient is confirmed, Then the heatmap smoothly transitions to the selected gradient within 200ms and no residual colors remain.
Large Dataset Interaction
Given the system has over 10,000 outage data points loaded, When the user adjusts the severity threshold, Then the heatmap re-renders fully within 500ms and client-side CPU usage remains below 70%.
Minor Outage Highlighting
Given the slider is set to highlight flickers only (severity below defined low threshold), When applied, Then only outage points below the threshold are color-coded on the heatmap and all higher-severity points are hidden.
Accessibility & Keyboard Navigation
"As a visually impaired technician, I want to navigate and adjust severity controls using my keyboard and screen reader so that I can effectively use the heatmap feature."
Description

Implements full keyboard accessibility and ARIA support for the severity slider controls, color pickers, and preset selectors. Users can navigate and adjust all interactive elements using keyboard inputs, with screen reader announcements for current values and control states. The implementation follows WCAG 2.1 guidelines to ensure the feature is accessible to users with disabilities. This improves usability for all users and adheres to accessibility compliance standards.

Acceptance Criteria
Keyboard Focus Navigation for Severity Slider
Given the severity slider is on the page, When the user tabs through interactive elements, Then focus moves sequentially to the slider handle and control buttons, and the focused element is visually indicated.
Adjust Severity Slider Using Arrow Keys
Given the slider handle has focus, When the user presses ArrowRight or ArrowUp, Then the severity value increases by one step and the slider thumb moves accordingly; When the user presses ArrowLeft or ArrowDown, Then the severity value decreases by one step and the slider thumb moves accordingly.
Screen Reader Announces Slider Value Changes
Given the slider handle has focus, When the user adjusts the severity value via keyboard, Then the screen reader announces the new value and its minimum and maximum range in real time.
Color Picker Keyboard Interaction
Given the color picker control has focus, When the user presses ArrowUp or ArrowRight, Then the selected color hue increases by one increment; When the user presses ArrowDown or ArrowLeft, Then the selected color hue decreases by one increment; And changes are reflected in the slider gradient preview.
Preset Selector Activation and Selection
Given the preset selector dropdown has focus, When the user presses Enter or Space, Then the dropdown opens; When navigating options with Arrow keys and pressing Enter, Then the selected preset is applied and announced to the screen reader.

GeoDrill Insights

Provides on-demand, detailed reports by clicking any heatmap region, delivering metrics such as total outage count, average restoration time, and customer impact statistics for informed decision-making.

Requirements

Region Drill Activation
"As a utility analyst, I want to click on a heatmap region to view detailed outage metrics so that I can make rapid, data-driven decisions during restoration efforts."
Description

Enable users to click any region on the interactive heatmap to trigger an on-demand insights panel. When a user selects a heatmap segment, the system fetches aggregated outage data for that region and displays a detailed report overlay without page reload. This functionality improves efficiency by providing instant access to key metrics directly from the map, streamlining decision-making workflows and enhancing the product’s interactivity.

Acceptance Criteria
Active Region Selection
Given a user views the interactive heatmap showing regions with active outages When the user clicks on a region with active outage data Then the system fetches aggregated outage data for the selected region And displays an insights panel overlay with metrics (total outage count, average restoration time, customer impact) without reloading the page
Region Without Outages Selection
Given a user clicks on a heatmap region that currently has no outages When the click occurs Then the system displays an insights panel overlay indicating 'No outages reported in this region' and hides metric fields
Rapid Consecutive Region Selections
Given a user rapidly clicks on multiple heatmap regions in succession When each region is clicked Then the system ensures only the most recent selected region's insights panel is displayed And cancels any in-flight data fetch requests for previous selections
Region Selection on Slow Connection
Given a user is on a network with latency >500ms When a region is clicked Then a loading indicator appears in the overlay And the insights panel is populated once data is received, with no page reload
Region Selection on Mobile Device
Given a user accesses the heatmap on a mobile device When the user taps a region Then the insights panel appears as a bottom-sheet overlay optimized for mobile screens And all metrics remain readable and scrollable without requiring page reload
Data Aggregation Engine
"As a system administrator, I want the platform to pre-calculate and serve aggregated outage metrics for any region so that the frontend can display detailed reports instantly."
Description

Implement a backend service that aggregates real-time outage reports, historical restoration times, and customer impact statistics for any selected region. The service must consolidate crowdsourced inputs and utility alerts, calculate summary metrics (total outages, average restoration time, affected customers), and deliver the data via a performant API. This requirement ensures accurate, up-to-date insights and maintains low latency for live reporting.

Acceptance Criteria
Data Retrieval for Selected Region
Given a valid region identifier When the backend service receives a data request Then it returns all real-time outage reports, historical restoration times, and customer impact statistics for that region
Metrics Calculation Accuracy
Given aggregated raw data for a region When the service calculates summary metrics Then the total outage count equals the sum of individual reports, average restoration time is computed as the arithmetic mean of restoration durations, and affected customers equals the unique count reported
API Performance Under Load
Given 100 concurrent requests for region data When the API is under load Then 95% of requests complete within 200ms latency and no requests fail
Data Consolidation from Multiple Sources
Given simultaneous crowdsourced reports and utility alerts for the same region When the service aggregates inputs Then no duplicates occur and each report’s timestamp and source are preserved
Error Handling and Resilience
Given an upstream data source failure When the service attempts to fetch data Then it retries up to 3 times with exponential backoff and returns partial results with an error flag if retries fail
Insights Visualization Template
"As a field technician, I want a clear, visually consistent report layout after drilling into a region so that I can quickly interpret outage data without confusion."
Description

Design and integrate a standardized UI template for presenting GeoDrill Insights reports. The template should include sections for total outage count, average restoration time chart, customer impact statistics, and key trend indicators. It must adhere to the product’s design system and support responsive layouts for desktop and tablet views. This component enhances readability, ensures consistency, and provides users with a cohesive, easy-to-understand report layout.

Acceptance Criteria
Desktop View Report Layout
Given a user accesses the GeoDrill Insights report on desktop resolution (>=1024px), when the Insights Visualization Template loads, then the layout displays total outage count, average restoration time chart, customer impact statistics, and key trend indicators in their designated grid positions without overlap or horizontal scrolling, adhering to the design system spacing and typography.
Tablet View Responsive Layout
Given a user accesses the GeoDrill Insights report on a tablet device (768px–1023px), when the page renders, then the template adapts to a two-column or single-column layout as per responsive guidelines, ensuring all sections are visible, legible, and maintain the designated hierarchy and spacing.
Total Outage Count Section Compliance
Given the report is rendered, when the Total Outage Count section is displayed, then it shows the accurate number of outages for the selected region, uses the H2 heading style, primary color from the design system, and has at least 16px padding around the element.
Average Restoration Time Chart Interactivity
Given the Average Restoration Time chart loads for a region, when a user hovers over any data point, then a tooltip appears showing the exact restoration time and timestamp, axes are labeled correctly per design system, and the chart resizes responsively to container width.
Customer Impact Statistics Accuracy
Given a region is selected, when the Customer Impact Statistics section loads, then it displays correct values for impacted customers, average duration affected, and critical customer count, each presented in card components consistent with the design system card styles.
Key Trend Indicators Display
Given the Insights Visualization Template renders key trend indicators, when trends are positive or negative, then each indicator displays a colored arrow (green for positive, red for negative), percentage change formatted to one decimal place, and includes a tooltip that explains the metric definition.
Exportable Insights Report
"As a support agent, I want to export the region’s outage report so that I can share the data with stakeholders and include it in formal documentation."
Description

Allow users to export the detailed GeoDrill Insights report in PDF and CSV formats. The export feature should capture all displayed metrics and charts, include a timestamp and region identifier, and generate files on demand. This capability supports offline analysis, stakeholder reporting, and record keeping, extending the utility of the insights beyond the application.

Acceptance Criteria
Export Button Visibility in Insights View
Given the user has loaded a GeoDrill Insights region view and all metrics and charts have rendered, When the page UI is fully interactive, Then the 'Export Report' button is visible in the toolbar and is enabled
PDF Report Download with Correct Structure
Given the user clicks 'Export Report' and selects 'PDF', When the export is processed, Then a PDF file named '{regionID}_{timestamp}.pdf' is downloaded containing all displayed metrics, charts embedded as images, the report generation timestamp in ISO 8601 format, and the region identifier in the header
CSV Report Download with Correct Structure
Given the user clicks 'Export Report' and selects 'CSV', When the export is processed, Then a CSV file named '{regionID}_{timestamp}.csv' is downloaded containing a header row with column names matching on-screen metrics, a row for each metric including values, the report generation timestamp in ISO 8601 format, and the region identifier as a dedicated column
Exported Report Data Matches On-Screen Metrics
Given a known dataset displayed in the GeoDrill Insights report, When the user exports the report in PDF or CSV, Then all exported metric values and chart data points exactly match the on-screen values within a tolerance of 0.1%
Export File Naming and Metadata
Given report export is initiated, When the file generation completes, Then the filename includes the region identifier and exact report generation timestamp, and the file metadata properties (e.g., PDF document properties or CSV file attributes) include a 'CreationDate' matching the embedded timestamp
Custom Time Range Filtering
"As an operations manager, I want to filter outage metrics by custom time ranges so that I can analyze performance during peak demand or specific incidents."
Description

Add controls to the insights panel enabling users to define custom time ranges for the displayed metrics. The filter should refresh the data aggregation on the fly, updating counts, averages, and charts according to the selected interval. This functionality empowers users to focus on specific periods, analyze trends over time, and tailor insights to their investigative needs.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering by 24-Hour Period
Given the user opens the insights panel, when they select a 24-hour time range via the custom time controls, then the outage metrics (counts, averages, and charts) refresh within 2 seconds to display data only for that period.
Custom Date Selection
Given the user selects a start and end date spanning multiple days, when they apply the custom time filter, then the metrics aggregate correctly across the entire date range and all charts update to reflect the new interval.
Multiple Consecutive Days Analysis
Given the user sets a consecutive 7-day time range, when they apply the filter, then the average restoration time recalculates accurately over the 7 days and the chart presents a daily breakdown for that period.
Edge Case: Single-Point Time Range
Given the user sets identical start and end timestamps, when they apply the filter, then the system returns outage count and related metrics strictly for that exact moment and handles the zero-duration range without errors.
Rapid Range Adjustments
Given the user changes the custom time range multiple times in quick succession, when each new range is selected, then data refreshes accurately each time within 2 seconds without displaying stale or overlapping information.

Beacon Burst

Aggregates and compresses multiple outage reports into a single low-bandwidth SMS packet, maximizing data throughput per beacon. Ensures rapid synchronization of queued updates while minimizing message count and conserving carrier credits.

Requirements

SMS Packet Compression
"As a support agent, I want the app to compress multiple outage reports into a single SMS packet so that I can minimize messaging costs and ensure rapid synchronization of queued updates."
Description

Implement an algorithm that aggregates multiple outage reports into a single SMS packet by using techniques like bit-packing, delta encoding, or lightweight arithmetic coding to minimize packet size. The module should automatically adjust compression levels based on network conditions and device capabilities, seamlessly integrate with the beacon transmitter, and ensure that data throughput is maximized while conserving carrier credits.

Acceptance Criteria
Adaptive Compression in Low Bandwidth Environments
Given network latency exceeds 500 ms and signal strength is 'Poor', when the compression module runs, then it increases compression level by at least one tier and produces an SMS packet size of ≤140 bytes.
Aggregation of Multiple Reports into Single SMS Packet
Given three outage reports are queued, when the compression algorithm aggregates them, then the combined data fits within a single 160-character SMS without truncation.
Delta Encoding for Consecutive Outage Updates
Given two sequential outage reports with overlapping data fields, when delta encoding is applied, then the resulting packet size is reduced by at least 30% compared to full-report encoding.
Dynamic Compression Level Adjustment Based on Device Capability
Given a device reports available memory below 50 MB, when initializing compression, then the module selects lightweight arithmetic coding and completes compression within 100 ms.
Integration with Beacon Transmitter for SMS Dispatch
Given a compressed SMS payload is generated, when the beacon transmitter API is invoked, then the packet is dispatched within 2 seconds and an acknowledgement receipt is received.
Outage Report Aggregation
"As a utility technician, I want the system to automatically aggregate my queued outage reports so that I can send comprehensive updates in a single message without manual bundling."
Description

Develop a service that collects individual outage reports—each containing timestamp, geolocation, and reporter metadata—into a structured queue. The service must handle deduplication, conflict resolution, and maintain ordering before passing the payload to the compression module, ensuring near real-time aggregation of user and technician updates.

Acceptance Criteria
Enqueue Valid Outage Report
Given a valid outage report with timestamp, geolocation, and reporter metadata When the service receives the report Then it is added to the aggregation queue within 200ms
Duplicate Report Detection
Given two outage reports with identical timestamp, geolocation, and reporter metadata When both reports are processed Then only one entry exists in the aggregation queue
Conflict Resolution for Overlapping Timestamps
Given multiple reports for the same location with different timestamps When processing conflicts Then the report with the latest timestamp is retained and earlier ones are flagged
Ordering of Reports by Timestamp
Given a batch of outage reports arriving out of order When queued Then they are ordered in ascending timestamp sequence before compression
Forwarding to Compression Module
Given the aggregation queue reaches 50 reports or a 5-second interval elapses When either threshold is met Then the service forwards the structured payload to the compression module within 100ms
Beacon Transmission Scheduler
"As a network administrator, I want the system to intelligently schedule beacon bursts so that it balances timely updates with carrier limitations and network congestion."
Description

Create a scheduler that determines optimal transmission intervals for beacon bursts based on pending update priority, SMS rate limits, network availability, and user-configured preferences. The scheduler should implement backoff strategies upon failures, respect carrier quotas, and log transmission metrics for performance analysis.

Acceptance Criteria
Optimal Interval Calculation Under Normal Conditions
Given pending high and low priority updates, sufficient carrier quota, available network connectivity, and default user-specified interval preferences, When the scheduler executes its interval-determination algorithm, Then it calculates a transmission interval that prioritizes high-priority updates, adheres to SMS rate limits, and respects user-configured settings.
Carrier Quota Limit Enforcement
Given that the cumulative SMS transmissions are within 90% of the carrier quota threshold, When the scheduler schedules the next beacon burst, Then it adjusts or delays upcoming transmissions to prevent exceeding the configured monthly carrier quota.
Exponential Backoff on Transmission Failures
Given a transmission failure due to network unavailability or SMS service error, When the scheduler initiates a retry, Then it applies an exponential backoff strategy doubling the delay between successive retries up to a maximum retry count.
Immediate Dispatch for Critical Updates
Given a newly enqueued critical-priority outage report, When the scheduler processes the queue, Then it overrides default transmission intervals and dispatches the beacon burst immediately.
Transmission Metrics Logging Verification
Given each attempted beacon burst transmission, When the transmission completes or ultimately fails, Then the scheduler logs the timestamp, number of messages sent, retry count, transmission interval used, and outcome status into the performance metrics repository.
Transmission Retry Mechanism
"As a power outage support agent, I want the system to retry failed SMS transmissions automatically so that no outage report is lost due to network issues."
Description

Implement a reliable retry framework that detects failed SMS deliveries via acknowledgments or lack thereof, applies exponential backoff, and re-queues unsent beacons for retransmission. Include fallback mechanisms to alternative channels when SMS repeatedly fails, and generate diagnostic logs and alerts for persistent failures.

Acceptance Criteria
Single Message Failure Detected
Given a beacon is sent via SMS and no acknowledgment is received within the defined timeout, when the retry mechanism triggers, then the system must resend the message using exponential backoff and log the retry attempt.
Multiple Retransmission and Fallback
Given an SMS message fails to deliver after the maximum retry attempts, when the retry logic exhausts its exponential backoff, then the system must route the beacon through the alternate channel and generate an alert for persistent failure.
Diagnostic Log Generation
Given any retransmission attempt occurs, when the system retries or falls back, then it must create a diagnostic log entry containing timestamp, attempt count, delivery channel, and error details.
Queue Persistence on System Restart
Given there are unsent beacons queued for retry and the system restarts, when the service initializes, then all queued beacons must be restored and scheduled for retransmission in line with their previous backoff state.
Backoff Timing Accuracy
Given an initial retry interval T0, when multiple retry attempts are made on repeated failures, then the intervals between attempts must adhere to the exponential backoff formula (interval_n = min(maxInterval, T0 × 2^(n−1))) within a tolerance of ±5%.
Data Integrity Verification
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want the system to verify the integrity of received outage update packets so that I can trust the accuracy of the outage map."
Description

Integrate checksum or CRC validation into each compressed SMS packet to ensure data integrity upon receipt. If corruption is detected, the receiver should request a retransmission or partial resend, while the sender logs the error and retries. Ensure seamless integration with the parsing engine and provide error notifications for manual intervention if needed.

Acceptance Criteria
Checksum Validation on Packet Reception
Given a compressed SMS packet is received with an attached checksum, When the recipient computes the checksum and compares it to the transmitted value, Then the packet is accepted only if both checksums match, otherwise corruption is flagged.
Retransmission Request on Corruption Detection
Given the recipient detects a checksum mismatch, When corruption is identified, Then the recipient sends an automatic retransmission request specifying the corrupted packet segment.
Partial Resend for Large Packet Errors
Given a large compressed SMS packet with multiple segments, When only specific segments fail validation, Then the recipient requests a partial resend for those segments instead of the entire packet.
Sender Error Logging and Automatic Retry
Given the sender receives a retransmission request or detects a send failure, When an error occurs, Then the sender logs the error details with timestamp and packet ID, and retries sending up to three times before escalating.
Error Notification for Manual Intervention
Given three consecutive automatic retry failures, When retries are exhausted, Then the system generates an error notification to the support dashboard including packet ID, timestamp, and error code.
Parsing Engine Integration on Valid Packets
Given a packet passes checksum validation, When the packet is forwarded to the parsing engine, Then the engine successfully decompresses and processes all data fields without errors.
Carrier Credit Usage Minimization
Given multiple queued updates are ready for transmission, When constructing SMS packets, Then the system aggregates, compresses, and verifies data integrity to minimize the total number of messages sent.

GeoFence Sync

Automatically detects when the device enters or exits predefined coverage zones using cell tower signals or GPS. Triggers instant dispatch of all queued beacons upon reentry, guaranteeing timely report delivery without manual intervention.

Requirements

Zone Definition Management
"As a system administrator, I want to define and manage geofence coverage zones so that the app can accurately detect when a device enters or exits these areas."
Description

Allows administrators to create, update, and manage geofenced coverage zones by defining geographic polygons or specifying cell tower identifiers. Integrates with the map module to display zones visually and stores configuration data in the backend for real-time reference by the mobile app. Ensures that coverage boundaries are accurate and up-to-date, enabling precise entry and exit detection for seamless syncing.

Acceptance Criteria
New Zone Creation
Given an administrator user on the zone management interface When they define a valid polygon or list of cell tower IDs and click ‘Save’ Then the system persists the new coverage zone in the backend database with a unique identifier and displays a confirmation message
Zone Visualization on Map
Given a defined coverage zone exists in the backend When an administrator views the map module Then the zone’s polygon appears in the correct geographic location with accurate boundaries and distinguishing style attributes
Zone Configuration Persistence
Given multiple coverage zones defined in the system When the backend service is restarted and the administrator refreshes the zone list Then all previously created zones are retrieved from storage and displayed without data loss
Zone Update Propagation
Given an existing coverage zone selected by the administrator When the administrator edits the polygon points or cell tower identifiers and saves the changes Then all queued update messages are dispatched to connected mobile clients within 1 minute to reflect the new boundary
Zone Deletion Handling
Given a coverage zone exists in the system When the administrator deletes the zone and confirms the action Then the zone is removed from the database, no longer appears on the map, and no longer triggers entry or exit detection events
Real-Time Entry/Exit Detection
"As a technician, I want the app to detect immediately when I enter or leave a coverage zone so that my outage reports are synced without manual input."
Description

Implements a detection engine on the device that continuously monitors location data from GPS and cell tower signals to identify when the device crosses predefined geofence boundaries. Optimizes for low battery usage by adjusting polling intervals and leveraging OS-level geofencing APIs where available. Provides immediate triggers for zone entry and exit events.

Acceptance Criteria
Geofence Entry Detection
Given the device is outside a predefined geofence, when it crosses into the geofence boundary, then the detection engine must register the entry event and emit a trigger within 5 seconds.
Geofence Exit Detection
Given the device is inside a predefined geofence, when it crosses out of the geofence boundary, then the detection engine must register the exit event and emit a trigger within 5 seconds.
Low Battery Mode Geofence Handling
Given the device battery level drops below 20%, when operating in geofencing mode, then the engine must switch to reduced polling intervals and still detect entry or exit events within 10 seconds.
OS-Level Geofence API Integration
Given the operating system supports native geofence APIs, when a geofence boundary is created, then the detection engine must leverage the OS-level API for boundary monitoring instead of manual polling.
Rapid Successive Boundary Crossing
Given the device crosses the same geofence boundary multiple times within a minute, when each crossing occurs, then the detection engine must generate distinct entry and exit events without duplication or omission.
Offline Beacon Buffering
"As a field user, I want my outage reports to be stored locally when I’m out of coverage so that they automatically send later when I’m back in a valid zone."
Description

Enables the device to locally queue outage report beacons when the device is outside coverage zones or offline. Stores queued beacons in an encrypted local database with retry counters and timestamps. Prevents data loss by ensuring that all user-generated reports are retained until successful dispatch.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Beacon Queuing
Given the device is offline or outside coverage, when a user submits an outage report, then the beacon is stored in the local encrypted database with a retry counter of 0 and a timestamp reflecting submission time.
Automatic Dispatch Upon Coverage Reentry
Given the device re-enters a predefined coverage zone, when the geoFence sync triggers, then all stored beacons are automatically dispatched to the server in chronological order without manual intervention.
Encrypted Local Storage
Given beacons are queued locally, then all beacon data must be encrypted at rest using AES-256 encryption and decryptable only by the OutagePop application.
Dispatch Retry Mechanism
Given a beacon dispatch failure due to network errors, when retrying dispatch, then the system increments the retry counter, waits using exponential backoff, and stops after 3 failed attempts, marking the beacon as failed if all retries are exhausted.
Local Queue Size Management
Given the local beacon queue reaches 1000 entries, then the oldest beacon is discarded, the queue maintains a maximum of 1000 entries, and the user is notified of quota limits through an in-app alert.
Automatic Beacon Dispatch
"As a resident reporter, I want my stored outage reports to be sent automatically when I re-enter a coverage area so that I don’t have to remember to resend them."
Description

Automatically transmits all queued beacons to the server immediately upon detecting re-entry into a defined coverage zone. Implements bulk dispatch logic with exponential backoff for error handling and retries. Updates the UI to reflect sync progress and success, ensuring users are informed when their reports reach the server.

Acceptance Criteria
Queued Beacons Exist Upon Re-Entry
Given the device has queued beacons while offline or out of coverage When the device re-enters a predefined coverage zone Then the system detects re-entry and prepares all queued beacons for dispatch within 5 seconds
Immediate Bulk Dispatch Initiation
Given the device has re-entered coverage When dispatch is triggered Then all queued beacons are sent in a single bulk request to the server
Exponential Backoff Retry Mechanism
Given a bulk dispatch request fails with a server or network error When retrying Then the system retries using exponential backoff intervals (1s, 2s, 4s, 8s, 16s) up to a maximum of 5 attempts before logging a final failure
Sync Progress Display in UI
Given the bulk dispatch process is in progress When beacons are being sent Then the UI displays a real-time progress indicator showing "x of y beacons sent" and updates until completion
Success Confirmation Notification
Given all queued beacons have been successfully transmitted When the final bulk dispatch response is received with status 200 Then the UI displays a success message and the beacon queue count resets to zero
Adaptive Signal Source Switching
"As a mobile user, I want the app to reliably detect zone crossings even in poor GPS conditions so that my beacon sync remains accurate."
Description

Dynamically selects between GPS and cell tower-based location sources to maintain accurate boundary detection under varying signal conditions. Monitors signal quality metrics and switches sources seamlessly to minimize false positives and conserve battery life. Logs source usage for diagnostics and performance tuning.

Acceptance Criteria
Seamless Switch to Cell Tower Location when GPS Signal Drops
Given the device is using GPS for location detection and the GPS signal strength falls below the predefined threshold, When the system detects the signal degradation, Then the system must automatically switch to cell tower-based location within 2 seconds without interrupting geofence boundary detection.
Revert to GPS Source upon Restoration of GPS Signal
Given the device is currently using cell tower-based location, When the GPS signal strength returns above the acceptable threshold and remains stable for at least 5 seconds, Then the system must switch back to GPS-based location seamlessly and resume high-accuracy boundary detection.
Accurate Boundary Detection with Dynamic Source Switching
Given the device is crossing a predefined geofence boundary under fluctuating signal conditions, When the system switches between GPS and cell tower sources, Then the boundary crossing event must be detected with no more than 5 meters deviation from the actual boundary.
Battery Usage Optimization through Source Switching
Given the device’s battery level drops below 20%, When the system is monitoring location sources, Then it must prioritize cell tower-based location to conserve battery, and ensure no more than one switch to GPS within any 10-minute period unless necessary for boundary detection accuracy.
Diagnostic Logging of Location Source Usage
Given the system switches between location sources, When any switch event occurs, Then the system must log the timestamp, previous source, new source, signal quality metrics, and battery level into the diagnostics log, and ensure logs are persisted locally and synced to the server within 1 hour.
User Sync Notification
"As a user, I want to receive a notification when my saved outage reports have been synced so that I know my input reached the system."
Description

Provides in-app and push notifications to inform users when queued beacons have been successfully dispatched after zone re-entry. Includes configurable notification templates and levels (e.g., success, warning, error). Ensures transparency and trust by giving immediate feedback on report status.

Acceptance Criteria
Successful Dispatch Notification on Zone Re-entry
Given a user has queued beacons pending delivery When the device re-enters a predefined geofenced coverage zone Then the system dispatches all queued beacons and sends an in-app notification and a push notification using the ‘success’ template specifying the number of reports delivered
Warning Notification when Dispatch Delayed
Given the device re-enters the coverage zone but beacon dispatch exceeds 30 seconds When dispatch finally succeeds Then the system sends both an in-app and a push notification with the ‘warning’ template indicating a delayed dispatch and completion time
Error Notification on Dispatch Failure
Given the device re-enters the coverage zone and beacon dispatch fails after three retry attempts When the system cannot deliver one or more beacons Then the user receives an in-app notification and a push notification with the ‘error’ template outlining the failure reason and recommended next steps
Notification Template Customization
Given an admin has defined custom templates for success, warning, and error notifications When any dispatch event triggers a notification Then the system uses the configured templates exactly as defined for both the in-app and push notifications
User Notification Preference Respect
Given a user has disabled push notifications and enabled in-app notifications only When queued beacons are dispatched upon zone re-entry Then the system sends only the in-app notification and suppresses the push notification

SignalSaver

Dynamically adjusts beacon transmission frequency based on current signal strength and battery level. Conserves power during weak-signal periods and prioritizes transmissions when conditions improve, extending device uptime in remote areas.

Requirements

Real-time Signal Monitoring
"As an IoT device, I want to monitor real-time signal strength so that I can adjust beacon transmission intervals to maintain reliable communication."
Description

Continuously measure and log the device’s current network signal strength (RSSI) in real time. Provide an API for other modules to access these signal metrics, enabling dynamic decisions for beacon transmission frequency based on connectivity quality.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time RSSI Measurement
Given the device is powered on, When the signal strength changes, Then the system logs the RSSI value with a timestamp in local storage at intervals no greater than 1 second, ensuring accuracy within ±1 dBm.
Historical Signal Data Retrieval
Given a valid API request for signal history within a specified time range, When the API is called, Then the system returns all stored RSSI measurements in JSON format with timestamps matching the requested interval.
API Access by Transmission Module
Given the transmission module requests current signal strength via the API, When the call is made, Then the API responds within 100 ms with the latest RSSI value or returns an error code if data is unavailable.
High-Frequency Sampling Under Stable Signal
Given the RSSI value remains above –70 dBm for a continuous 30-second period, When conditions are stable, Then the system adjusts sampling frequency to once per second and records at least 30 consecutive measurements at this rate.
Low-Power Mode Signal Monitoring
Given the device’s battery level drops below 20%, When low-power mode is activated, Then the system reduces RSSI sampling frequency to once every 10 seconds until battery level rises above 25%.
Battery Level Tracking
"As a field device, I want to track my battery level so that I can enter power-saving modes when the battery is low."
Description

Implement continuous monitoring of the device’s battery level and discharge rate. Expose battery metrics through a standardized interface to inform power-saving decisions in the transmission controller.

Acceptance Criteria
Continuous Battery Level Monitoring
Given the device is powered on, when the battery level changes, then the system records the new battery level in percentage at least once every 60 seconds.
Discharge Rate Calculation Accuracy
Given two battery level readings spaced 10 minutes apart, when the system calculates discharge rate, then the computed mA/hour value must be within ±5% of the reference measurement.
Critical Battery Level Alert Triggering
Given the battery level falls below 15%, when the threshold is breached, then the system emits a critical battery alert event within 5 seconds.
Exposure of Battery Metrics via API
Given an authenticated API request to GET /batteryMetrics, when invoked, then the response returns JSON containing batteryLevel (%), dischargeRate (mA/hour), and timestamp in ISO 8601 format.
Adaptive Sampling Frequency Adjustment
Given the signal strength drops below predefined threshold, when battery level monitoring continues, then the system increases sampling interval by 50% and logs the adjustment.
Adaptive Transmission Controller
"As a utility endpoint, I want to dynamically adjust my beacon transmission frequency based on signal and battery status so that I can optimize uptime and report reliably."
Description

Develop an adaptive algorithm that dynamically adjusts beacon transmission intervals based on predefined signal strength and battery level thresholds. Ensure frequent transmissions under strong signal and healthy battery conditions, and reduced frequency to conserve power during weak signal or low battery.

Acceptance Criteria
High Signal and Healthy Battery
Given signal strength ≥75% and battery level ≥50%, when the device schedules a transmission, then the interval shall be set to 30 seconds or less.
Low Signal and Healthy Battery
Given signal strength ≤25% and battery level ≥50%, when the device schedules a transmission, then the interval shall be set to 120 seconds or more.
High Signal and Low Battery
Given signal strength ≥75% and battery level ≤20%, when the device schedules a transmission, then the interval shall be set between 60 and 90 seconds.
Low Signal and Low Battery
Given signal strength ≤25% and battery level ≤20%, when the device schedules a transmission, then the interval shall be 180 seconds or more to conserve power.
Signal Improvement Adjustment
Given the device is operating under low-signal conditions (≤25%) and then signal strength increases to ≥75%, when the next transmission is scheduled, then the interval shall adjust to 30 seconds or less within one transmission cycle.
Threshold Configuration Interface
"As a system administrator, I want to configure signal and battery thresholds so that I can tailor device behavior to different deployment scenarios."
Description

Provide a configuration interface (via API or onboard UI) that allows administrators to set and modify custom signal strength and battery level thresholds. Ensure changes take effect immediately without requiring a firmware update.

Acceptance Criteria
Administrator updates signal strength threshold via onboard UI
Given the admin is logged into the onboard UI When they navigate to the Threshold Configuration screen and set a new signal strength threshold to –80 dBm Then the UI displays the updated value and the device acknowledges the change within 2 seconds
Administrator updates battery level threshold via API
Given the admin sends a PUT request to /api/thresholds with batteryThreshold=20% When the API validates and accepts the request Then the response code is 200 OK and the response body returns the new battery level threshold
Immediate threshold application upon modification
Given a threshold has been changed via UI or API When the new threshold is set Then all subsequent beacon transmissions immediately use the updated threshold without requiring a firmware restart
Validation of invalid threshold inputs
Given the admin attempts to set threshold values outside acceptable ranges (e.g., signalStrength > 0 dBm or batteryLevel < 0%) When the system receives the invalid input Then it returns a 400 Bad Request with a clear error message and does not update the threshold
Persistent retention of threshold settings after device reboot
Given the device reboots after thresholds have been configured When the system starts up Then it loads and applies the last saved threshold configurations from persistent storage
Power Consumption Reporting
"As a utility manager, I want to view reports on device power consumption and transmission history so that I can assess the effectiveness of the SignalSaver feature."
Description

Log device power consumption statistics and record transmission frequency changes over time. Generate periodic reports summarizing uptime, energy savings achieved by SignalSaver, and transmission reliability metrics.

Acceptance Criteria
Daily Power Consumption Report Trigger
Given the device has been operational for 24 hours, when the reporting interval elapses, then the system logs power consumption metrics and compiles the data into a report summary.
SignalSaver Energy Savings Calculation
Given baseline power consumption without SignalSaver over identical intervals, when the report is generated, then the system calculates the percentage of energy saved and includes it in the summary.
Transmission Frequency Change Recording
Given any change in beacon transmission frequency, when frequency adjustments occur, then the system records the timestamp, previous frequency, new frequency, and battery level at the time of change.
Report Accuracy Verification Against Baseline
Given the generated report, when cross-checked with stored raw consumption data, then the report metrics match within a 1% margin of error.
Failure Handling During Report Generation
Given a failure in data retrieval or report compilation, when the generation process fails, then the system logs the error, notifies the support agent, and retries the generation up to three times.

Priority Pulse

Allows users to tag reports with priority levels (e.g., critical infrastructure, medical needs) so the system sends high-priority beacons first upon reconnection. Accelerates delivery of urgent updates to support emergency responses.

Requirements

Priority Level Tagging
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want to tag my outage report with a priority level so that urgent situations are identified and addressed promptly."
Description

Allows users to assign predefined priority levels (e.g., critical infrastructure, medical needs, standard) to their outage reports, ensuring that the system recognizes and marks urgent situations for expedited processing and response.

Acceptance Criteria
User Selects Priority Level During Report Creation
Given the user is on the outage report creation page When the user selects the “Medical Needs” priority level and submits the report Then the report should be saved with its priority field set to “medical_needs”
System Defaults Priority Level When User Omits Selection
Given the user submits an outage report without choosing a priority level When the report is created Then the system should automatically assign the priority level “standard”
User Updates Priority Level Pre-Submission
Given the user has a draft outage report with priority “standard” When the user changes the priority level to “critical_infrastructure” before submitting Then the draft should reflect the updated priority and the final submission should record “critical_infrastructure”
System Sends High-Priority Beacons First Upon Reconnection
Given multiple pending outage report beacons in the local queue When the device reconnects to the network Then beacons tagged “critical_infrastructure” and “medical_needs” must be transmitted before any “standard” priority beacons
Report List Displays Assigned Priority Levels
Given a user views the live outage feed When reports are displayed Then each report must show its assigned priority label and corresponding color coding for easy identification
Priority-based Beacon Queuing
"As a support agent, I want high-priority outage beacons to be sent first upon reconnection so that critical updates reach the system without delay."
Description

Implements a queuing mechanism that orders outgoing beacons by their assigned priority level, guaranteeing that high-priority updates are transmitted first upon reconnection to the network.

Acceptance Criteria
Mixed Priority Beacon Dispatch Upon Reconnection
Given a set of queued beacons with varying priority levels When the device reconnects to the network Then all high-priority beacons are transmitted first in the order they were created and only after those succeed are lower-priority beacons dispatched
Bulk High-Priority Beacon Handling
Given more than fifty high-priority beacons queued and network restored Then the system must batch and send all high-priority beacons within 30 seconds without mixing in lower-priority beacons
Interleaved Urgent and Standard Beacon Queueing
Given a queue containing alternating urgent and standard beacons When reconnection occurs Then the system sends all urgent beacons first in their original order and enqueues standard beacons to send immediately after urgent dispatch completes
Beacon Queue Persistence Across Application Restarts
Given the application is closed unexpectedly with pending beacons When the user reopens the app and network is available Then the beacon queue persists with correct priority ordering and resumes dispatch from the highest-priority item
Priority Adjustment Before Dispatch
Given a user edits the priority level of a queued beacon before reconnection When the network returns Then the beacon is repositioned in the queue according to its new priority and dispatched accordingly
Emergency Notification Workflow
"As a utility technician, I want to receive immediate notifications for critical infrastructure or medical need reports so that I can respond quickly to prevent hazards."
Description

Automatically generates and dispatches notifications to utility teams and emergency responders when a report is tagged with the highest priority, ensuring rapid awareness and mobilization.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Priority Tag Triggers Notification Generation
Given a report is tagged with the highest priority and saved, When the system processes the report, Then a notification payload containing report ID, location, timestamp, and priority level is generated within 2 seconds.
Successful Dispatch to Utility Team and Emergency Responders
Given a generated notification payload, When the dispatch module is invoked, Then the system sends the notification via SMS, email, and the emergency responder API within 5 seconds and logs the dispatch status for each channel.
Notification Content Accuracy Verification
Given a dispatched notification, When recipients receive the notification, Then the content must include the correct address, priority level, and reporter contact info matching the original report with zero discrepancies.
Notification Delivery Acknowledgment Handling
Given notifications are dispatched to all channels, When an acknowledgment is received from each endpoint, Then the system marks the notification as acknowledged and updates its status in the notification dashboard.
Failure Retries for Notification Dispatch
Given a dispatch failure due to network error or API downtime, When the system detects the failure, Then it retries sending the notification up to 3 times at 30-second intervals and raises an alert if all retries fail.
Priority Filter in Map Interface
"As a dispatcher, I want to filter outage reports by priority on the live map so that I can focus on critical areas first."
Description

Adds a filter control to the interactive outage map allowing users to display and focus on reports of specific priority levels, enhancing situational awareness and resource allocation.

Acceptance Criteria
Filtering by Critical Infrastructure
Given the outage map is open, when the user selects 'Critical Infrastructure' from the priority filter, then only outage reports tagged 'Critical Infrastructure' are displayed on the map and all others are hidden.
Filtering by Medical Needs Priority
Given multiple reports are visible, when the user applies the 'Medical Needs' priority filter, then the map shows only reports tagged 'Medical Needs' and updates in under 2 seconds.
Combined Priority Filters
Given the user selects both 'Critical Infrastructure' and 'Medical Needs' priorities, when the filter is applied, then only reports matching either of those priorities are displayed simultaneously without duplicates.
Resetting to All Priorities
Given any single or combined filter is active, when the user clicks the 'Reset Filters' button, then the map returns to displaying all outage reports regardless of priority.
No Reports for Selected Priority
Given no reports exist for the selected priority level, when the user applies that filter, then the map displays a 'No reports found' message and remains centered with no report markers.
Priority Analytics Dashboard
"As a support manager, I want to see analytics for outage reports by priority level so that I can measure performance and allocate resources effectively."
Description

Provides a dashboard view with metrics and visualizations for the volume, response times, and resolution rates of outage reports segmented by priority level, supporting performance monitoring and decision-making.

Acceptance Criteria
High-Priority Report Volume Visualization
Given the Priority Analytics Dashboard is loaded When the user selects the 'Critical Infrastructure' priority level Then the dashboard displays a bar chart showing the hourly count of critical reports for the selected date range matching the backend data source
Response Time Trend Analysis
Given the dashboard is displaying data for all priority levels When the user switches to the 'Response Time' metric Then the line chart plots average response times by priority level over the past seven days with values matching the calculated data
Resolution Rate by Priority Level
Given the dashboard is loaded When the user views the resolution rate widget Then the widget shows the percentage of resolved versus total reports for each priority level and the percentages sum to 100% per level
Custom Date Range Filtering
Given the dashboard default date range is the last 24 hours When the user applies a custom start and end date Then all charts and metrics update to reflect data only within the selected date range
Real-Time Data Refresh
Given new outage reports are received by the system When the dashboard is open and the refresh interval elapses Then the dashboard automatically updates all visualizations within 30 seconds to include the latest data

Retry Scheduler

Implements intelligent retry logic with exponential backoff and random jitter for failed SMS beacons. Optimizes resend timing to avoid network congestion and maximizes the likelihood of successful report synchronization.

Requirements

Exponential Backoff Calculation
"As a system operator, I want retry intervals to increase exponentially after each failed SMS beacon so that retry attempts do not overwhelm the network and improve the chance of successful delivery."
Description

Implement an exponential backoff algorithm that calculates increasing retry intervals, starting from a base delay of a few seconds and doubling with each failure up to a configurable maximum threshold. This ensures retries are progressively spaced to reduce potential network congestion during high-volume outage periods.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Backoff Interval Calculation
Given a base delay of 2 seconds and retry attempt 1 When the system calculates the backoff interval Then the retry interval shall be 2 seconds
Exponential Interval Doubling
Given a base delay of 2 seconds and retry attempt N When the system calculates the backoff interval Then the interval shall equal base delay multiplied by 2 to the power of (N-1)
Maximum Backoff Threshold Enforcement
Given a maximum backoff threshold of 300 seconds and calculated interval of 512 seconds When the system enforces the maximum threshold Then the retry interval shall be capped at 300 seconds
Random Jitter Application
Given a calculated backoff interval of 100 seconds and jitter percentage of ±10% When the system applies random jitter Then the final retry interval shall fall between 90 and 110 seconds
Backoff Reset on Successful Delivery
Given a series of failed retries with increasing intervals When an SMS beacon is successfully delivered Then the backoff calculation shall reset to the base delay for the next retry sequence
Random Jitter Integration
"As a network engineer, I want to add random jitter to retry timings so that retries are distributed rather than occurring simultaneously, reducing traffic bottlenecks."
Description

Integrate random jitter into retry intervals by applying a randomized offset within a defined percentage of the calculated backoff delay. This prevents synchronized retry spikes across devices and further mitigates traffic surges during mass outage notifications.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Retry with Jitter Application
Given a failed SMS beacon delivery and an initial backoff delay of X seconds, When the system schedules the first retry, Then the retry delay includes a random offset within ±J% of X seconds.
Maximum Retry Interval with Jitter Validation
Given a sequence of exponential backoff delays reaching the maximum threshold of M seconds, When calculating the jitter, Then the system applies a random offset within ±J% without exceeding M seconds.
Concurrent Devices Retry Desynchronization
Given multiple devices reporting failures at the same time, When scheduling retries, Then the jitter algorithm ensures retry timestamps are distributed over a range to prevent simultaneous retries.
Jitter Percentage Boundaries Enforcement
Given configurable jitter percentage parameters J_min and J_max, When generating the random offset, Then the offset value is always between -J_max% and +J_max% of the base delay, and never outside these bounds.
Error Reporting on Jitter Calculation Failure
Given an unexpected error during jitter computation, When the system fails to apply jitter, Then the system logs a detailed error message and falls back to the base backoff delay without jitter.
Retry Attempt Limiting
"As a support agent, I want the system to stop retrying after a set number of failures so that I can investigate and address persistent delivery issues without redundant automated attempts."
Description

Enforce a configurable maximum number of retry attempts for each SMS beacon. Once the retry limit is reached without a successful delivery acknowledgment, the system should cease further retries and flag the failure for manual review.

Acceptance Criteria
Exhausting All Retry Attempts Without ACK
Given a failed SMS beacon and retry limit set to N When the system performs N consecutive retry attempts without receiving an acknowledgment Then the system ceases further retries And the beacon is flagged for manual review And a log entry indicating retry exhaustion is recorded
Acknowledged Delivery Before Max Retries
Given a failed SMS beacon and retry limit set to N When the system receives an acknowledgment on retry attempt M where M < N Then the system stops any further retries for that beacon And marks the beacon as successfully delivered And records the successful delivery timestamp
Immediate Flagging With Zero Retry Limit
Given the retry limit is configured to 0 When an SMS beacon fails its initial delivery attempt Then the system does not perform any retry attempts And immediately flags the beacon for manual review And logs the failure reason and retry limit configuration
Configurable Retry Limit Adjustment
Given the retry limit is updated by an admin to a new value M When the update is saved and confirmed Then subsequent failed SMS beacons use the new retry limit M for scheduling retries
Flagged SMS Beacon Review Process
Given one or more SMS beacons have been flagged for manual review due to retry exhaustion When a support agent views the manual review queue Then each flagged beacon entry displays the total retry attempts, last failure timestamp, and failure reason
No Additional Network Load Post Limit
Given an SMS beacon has reached its maximum retry limit When checking network logs after limit is reached Then there are no additional retry requests for that beacon beyond the configured limit
Retry Scheduling Persistence
"As an operations manager, I want retry schedules to be stored persistently so that system restarts do not reset retry logic and cause premature or delayed resend attempts."
Description

Persist the retry schedule state, including next retry timestamp and attempt count, in durable storage. Ensure that this state survives service restarts or crashes to maintain continuity in retry timing and avoid unexpected immediate or delayed resend attempts.

Acceptance Criteria
Service Restart Continuity
Given the Retry Scheduler service restarts unexpectedly, When the service initializes, Then it retrieves the persisted next retry timestamp and attempt count from durable storage and schedules the next retry according to the original backoff schedule without immediate or delayed deviation.
Crash Recovery Persistence
Given a crash occurs before a retry attempt, When the service recovers, Then it must not send any retry before the persisted next retry timestamp and must resume with the correct attempt count.
Backoff Interval Accuracy
Given a sequence of failed SMS beacon attempts, When computing the next retry schedule, Then the system must apply the exponential backoff formula using the base interval and attempt count, persist the calculated next retry timestamp, and ensure it matches the expected backoff interval.
Jitter Application Verification
Given a retry interval computation, When adding jitter, Then the persisted next retry timestamp must reflect the randomized jitter within the configured percentage range, and subsequent retries honor this jittered schedule.
Maximum Retry Limit Enforcement
Given the attempt count reaches the maximum retry limit, When persisting the schedule state, Then the system must mark the retry sequence as completed, cease scheduling further retries, and persist the final state to durable storage.
Retry Success and Failure Tracking
"As a product manager, I want detailed logs and metrics on retry attempts so that I can analyze performance, identify issues, and optimize the retry strategy."
Description

Log every retry attempt with detailed metadata such as timestamp, response code, error message, and final delivery status. Provide aggregated metrics and dashboards to monitor retry performance, success rates, and identify systemic issues over time.

Acceptance Criteria
Retry Attempt Logging
Given an SMS beacon retry attempt is executed When the attempt completes Then the system logs an entry containing the timestamp, response code, error message (if any), and final delivery status
Retry Metrics Dashboard Display
Given retry logs exist for the selected time range When a user navigates to the retry performance dashboard Then the dashboard displays total retry attempts, successful retries, failure rate percentage, average backoff interval, and time-to-success metrics
Systemic Failure Alert Generation
Given retry logs across all regions and carriers When the failure rate for any region or carrier exceeds 10% within a one-hour window Then the system generates an alert notification and highlights the affected region or carrier on the dashboard
Retry Analytics Report Export
Given retry performance data is available for the chosen date range When the user requests an export in CSV format Then the system generates a downloadable CSV file containing each retry’s timestamp, response code, error message, delivery status, and hourly aggregate summaries

CacheShield

Encrypts and securely stores outage reports locally on the device, maintaining a tamper-evident log until transmission. Protects sensitive data in the offline queue and ensures compliance with privacy standards.

Requirements

Local Encryption Engine
"As a field technician, I want my outage reports encrypted on-device so that sensitive customer data remains confidential even when offline."
Description

Implement a robust encryption engine on the device that encrypts outage report data at rest using AES-256 or equivalent. Ensures data confidentiality, mitigates risk of unauthorized access, and integrates seamlessly with the app's local storage APIs. Expected to securely process data offline, providing transparent encryption before persisting to storage.

Acceptance Criteria
Encryption Initialization During First App Launch
Given the app is launched for the first time with no existing encryption key, when the encryption engine initializes, then it generates a 256-bit AES key and stores it securely in the device keystore with no plaintext exposure.
Offline Report Encryption and Storage
Given an outage report is submitted while the device is offline, when the user presses submit, then the encryption engine encrypts the report payload with AES-256 and stores the ciphertext in local storage along with timestamp and device metadata.
Decryption and Transmission Upon Network Restoration
Given the device regains network connectivity, when the app reads encrypted reports from local storage, then the engine decrypts the data in-memory, verifies integrity, transmits the decrypted report to the server, and securely deletes the local ciphertext upon successful upload.
Tamper-Evidence Verification
Given a stored encrypted report entry, when the storage file is accessed or modified, then any unauthorized change triggers a failed integrity check, flags the record as tampered, and prevents decryption or transmission of that record.
Encryption Integration with Local Storage API
Given the app uses the local storage APIs, when persisting or retrieving outage reports, then all operations route through the encryption engine, ensuring no unencrypted data is ever written to or read from storage directly.
Tamper-Evident Log
"As a security auditor, I want tamper-evident logs of stored reports so that I can verify the integrity of offline data before transmission."
Description

Design and implement a tamper-evident auditing mechanism that records metadata for each stored report, including timestamps and cryptographic hashes. Enables detection of any unauthorized modifications by comparing the stored log hash chain. Integrates with the device's secure storage and audit modules to ensure integrity over the offline queue.

Acceptance Criteria
Offline Report Storage Integrity
Given a utility outage report is saved offline, when the log entry is created, then the stored entry must include a timestamp, report ID, and a valid cryptographic hash.
Audit Log Tampering Detection
Given existing offline log entries, when an entry is manually altered, then the system must detect the hash mismatch and flag the entry as tampered.
Secure Hash Chain Continuity
Given a sequence of stored offline reports, when the integrity check runs, then each entry’s previous hash value must match the computed hash of the prior entry.
Local Secure Storage Integration
Given the device’s secure storage module is available, when a report is logged, then the entry must be encrypted and saved within the secure storage API.
Hash Chain Verification on Transmission
Given pending offline logs exist, when the device reconnects to the network, then the system must verify the entire hash chain successfully before transmitting any reports.
Offline Queue Management
"As a utility support agent, I want queued reports retried automatically when connectivity returns so that no outage report is lost."
Description

Create a resilient offline queue system that securely buffers encrypted reports until network availability is restored. Provides automatic retry logic, prioritization of resend based on report age, and secure cleanup upon successful transmission. Integrates with the encryption engine and network monitor to manage the queuing lifecycle.

Acceptance Criteria
Buffering Reports During Network Outage
Given the user submits an outage report while offline When network connectivity is unavailable Then the report is encrypted and stored in the local offline queue And the queue length increases by one
Automatic Retry on Connectivity Restoration
Given the device regains network connectivity When there are pending encrypted reports in the queue Then the system automatically retries sending each report And logs each retry attempt with timestamp and outcome
Prioritizing Oldest Reports on Retry
Given multiple encrypted reports are queued with different timestamps When retry logic is initiated after connectivity restoration Then reports are sent in ascending order of their creation timestamps And no newer report is sent before an older pending report
Secure Cleanup After Successful Transmission
Given a report has been successfully transmitted and acknowledged by the server When transmission confirmation is received Then the corresponding encrypted report is securely deleted from local storage And all related data blocks are overwritten to prevent data recovery
Handling Maximum Queue Capacity
Given the offline queue has reached its maximum configured capacity When the user attempts to submit a new outage report offline Then the system rejects the new report with a 'Queue Full' error message And does not remove or alter any existing queued reports
Secure Key Management
"As a security engineer, I want device keys managed securely in hardware so that encryption keys cannot be extracted by malicious apps."
Description

Develop a secure key management solution on-device, ensuring encryption keys are generated, stored, and accessed in a hardware-backed keystore or secure enclave. Includes key rotation policies, backup and recovery mechanisms, and strict access controls. Ensures keys remain protected even if the device is compromised.

Acceptance Criteria
Key Generation in Secure Enclave
Given no existing encryption keys in the hardware-backed keystore When the user or system initiates key generation Then a new asymmetric key pair must be generated inside the secure enclave without exposing the private key to the OS
Key Storage and Access Control
Given an active secure key generated in the enclave When an application component requests key usage Then access must be granted only if the request originates from an authorized process with valid credentials
Automated Key Rotation Execution
Given an existing encryption key older than the rotation interval When the rotation schedule is triggered Then the system must generate a new key pair, replace the old key atomically, and retire the old key securely
Key Backup and Recovery Process
Given a device backup is initiated When the secure enclave contains active encryption keys Then the system must export encrypted key material to a secure backup location and allow successful recovery on authorized devices
Tamper Detection and Alerting
Given unauthorized attempts to access or modify key material in the keystore When a tampering event is detected Then the system must log the event, alert the user or administrator, and block further key access
Secure Transmission Protocol
"As a backend developer, I want secure transmission protocols with integrity checks so that received outage reports haven't been tampered with in transit."
Description

Implement end-to-end encryption and integrity checks for transmitting buffered outage reports to the server. Uses TLS 1.2+ with certificate pinning, HMAC validation, and replay attack prevention. Coordinates with the offline queue to ensure data is only removed after successful transmission and server acknowledgment.

Acceptance Criteria
End-to-End Encryption During Transmission
All buffered outage reports are transmitted over TLS 1.2 or higher with AES-256 encryption, and connections using lower protocols are rejected.
Certificate Pinning Validation
The client verifies the server's public certificate against a pinned certificate before establishing a connection, aborting if the certificate does not match.
HMAC Integrity Verification
Each transmitted outage report includes an HMAC-SHA256 signature computed with the device’s secret key, and the server validates the signature before processing the data.
Replay Attack Prevention Mechanism
Each report transmission includes a unique nonce or timestamp, and the server rejects any report with a reused or out-of-window timestamp.
Offline Queue Clearance After Acknowledgment
The client only removes a report from the offline queue after receiving a server acknowledgment with a valid signature, retrying transmission until acknowledgment is received.
Compliance Reporting Interface
"As a compliance officer, I want a reporting interface for audit logs so that I can demonstrate regulatory compliance."
Description

Provide an interface or module that enables export of audit logs, encryption key metadata, and transmission history for compliance and auditing purposes. Formats data according to privacy regulations (e.g., GDPR, HIPAA) and allows authorized admins to generate reports. Integrates with compliance APIs to automate periodic reviews.

Acceptance Criteria
Audit Log Export Functionality
Given an authorized admin selects a date range and clicks “Export Audit Logs,” then the system generates a downloadable CSV containing all audit entries for that period, complete with timestamps, user IDs, and action details.
Encryption Key Metadata Report
Given an admin user requests the encryption key metadata report, when they click “Generate Key Report,” then the system exports a JSON file listing each key’s ID, creation date, rotation history, and current status formatted according to GDPR metadata requirements.
Transmission History Data Export
Given an authorized admin initiates a transmission history export for a specified timeframe, when they select start/end dates and click “Export Transmission History,” then an XML file is provided containing all queued, sent, and failed transmissions with timestamps and recipient endpoints.
Compliance API Integration for Periodic Review
Given the system’s scheduled daily compliance job, when the job runs at the configured time, then it automatically calls the compliance API endpoint with aggregated audit log and key metadata payload and logs the API response status.
Admin Access Control for Report Generation
Given a non-admin user attempts to access the compliance reporting interface, when they navigate to the report generation page, then the system denies access and displays an authorization error.

Restoration Timer

Displays a live, per-outage countdown clock that shows the precise time remaining until the estimated power restoration. Keeps users informed at a glance, reducing uncertainty and support inquiries by setting clear expectations.

Requirements

Real-time Countdown Display
"As a resident, I want to see a live countdown timer for my area’s power restoration so that I know exactly when to expect service to return."
Description

Implement a live countdown clock for each reported outage that updates every minute to show the precise remaining time until the estimated power restoration. The countdown should be visible on both map pins and detailed outage panels, providing immediate clarity to users. This feature reduces uncertainty and lowers support inquiries by setting clear, constantly updated expectations.

Acceptance Criteria
Countdown Visibility on Map and Panel
Given a reported outage with an estimated restoration time, When the user views the live outage map, Then each map pin displays a countdown timer showing hours and minutes remaining, And when the user selects a pin, the detailed panel shows the identical countdown timer.
Real-time Countdown Synchronization
Given an outage is displayed with a countdown, When one minute passes, Then the countdown timer updates automatically without requiring a page refresh, And the update is synchronized between map pins and detailed outage panels.
Countdown Completion Handling
Given the current time equals or exceeds the estimated restoration time, When the countdown reaches zero, Then the map pin and detailed panel display the label "Restored", And the timer stops decrementing.
Dynamic Estimate Adjustment
Given the utility provider updates the estimated restoration time, When the updated estimate is received by the system, Then the countdown timer recalculates and displays the new remaining time within 30 seconds, And this update is reflected across all user interfaces.
Performance Under Load
Given 100 active outages displayed on the map, When the system updates all countdowns at the start of a new minute, Then the update completes within 2 seconds, And the user interface remains responsive during the update.
Automatic Timer Sync
"As a support agent, I want all countdown timers to update automatically when estimates change so that users always see the most accurate information."
Description

Ensure that the countdown timers automatically sync with backend restoration estimate updates. When utility providers adjust restoration times, all visible timers refresh in real time without requiring a page reload. This seamless synchronization maintains data accuracy and enhances user trust by reflecting the latest information immediately.

Acceptance Criteria
Visible Timer Update on Restoration Estimate Change
Given a user is viewing a countdown timer for an ongoing outage When the backend restoration estimate is updated Then the displayed timer updates within 5 seconds to reflect the new estimate without page reload
Multiple Timers Synchronization Across Map View
Given a user is viewing multiple outage timers on the interactive map When the backend sends updated estimates for multiple outages Then all timers update in real time and remain consistent across map elements within 5 seconds
Concurrent Client Sessions Update
Given the same outage is viewed on two devices or browser tabs When the utility provider adjusts the restoration time Then both sessions show the synchronized countdown timer change simultaneously without manual refresh
Handling Backend Connection Interruptions
Given the timer sync connection is temporarily lost When the connection is reestablished Then the timer fetches and displays the latest estimate and resumes live updates automatically
User Notification of Estimate Revision
Given a timer has been adjusted by more than 10 minutes in either direction When the backend update occurs Then the user sees a brief in-app notification summarizing the change and the timer adjusts accordingly
Outage Status Alerts
"As a resident, I want to receive alerts when the restoration time is about to expire or changes significantly so that I can plan accordingly."
Description

Introduce configurable in-app and push notifications that trigger when the restoration timer reaches key thresholds (e.g., one hour left) or when the estimated restoration time is revised. Alerts appear in-app and optionally via SMS or email, keeping users proactively informed of critical updates. This feature further reduces user anxiety and support volume by offering timely reminders.

Acceptance Criteria
Restoration Timer One-Hour Threshold Alert
Given a live outage with more than one hour remaining on the restoration timer When the timer counts down to exactly one hour remaining Then the system sends an in-app notification and optional push/SMS/email alert stating “1 hour until estimated restoration” within 30 seconds of threshold
Updated Restoration Time Notification
Given a previously estimated restoration time exists When the utility updates the estimated restoration time to an earlier or later timestamp Then the system sends an updated alert in-app and via selected channels within one minute of the change, including both old and new times
User-Configured Alert Channel Preference
Given a user has not yet configured notification settings When the user navigates to Alert Preferences Then the user can enable or disable in-app, push, SMS, and email notifications and save their selection, triggering a confirmation message
In-App Alert Visibility and Interaction
Given one or more active outage alerts When the user opens the OutagePop app Then all pending alerts are displayed in the notification center with timestamp, outage location, and a tappable link to view details
SMS and Email Notification Delivery
Given the user has opted in for SMS or email When an alert threshold or ETA revision occurs Then an SMS or email is delivered to the user’s verified contact within two minutes, matching the standard notification template and containing a valid link to the outage map
Customizable Timer Format
"As a user, I want to choose how the countdown timer is displayed so that it aligns with my personal preference and makes it easier for me to read."
Description

Allow users to switch between different countdown display formats, such as hours/minutes, minutes/seconds, or a progress bar visualization. Settings for format preferences are accessible through the user profile or outage detail screen. Offering customization caters to diverse user needs and improves accessibility for various audiences.

Acceptance Criteria
User Selects Hours/Minutes Format in Profile Settings
Given a logged-in user is on the profile settings screen, when the user selects the “HH:MM” countdown format and saves changes, then all restoration timers throughout the app must display only hours and minutes remaining until restoration.
User Switches to Minutes/Seconds Format on Outage Detail Screen
Given a user is viewing an outage detail screen, when the user toggles the display format to “MM:SS,” then the live countdown timer on that screen updates immediately to show only minutes and seconds with no hours field.
User Chooses Progress Bar Visualization
Given a user accesses the timer format settings, when the user selects the progress bar option and confirms the choice, then the timer visualization for all outages switches from a numeric countdown to a progress bar indicating percentage of time elapsed.
User's Preference Persists Across Sessions
Given a user has set a preferred countdown format, when the user logs out and then logs back in, then the previously selected format must be applied to all restoration timers without requiring re-selection.
Accessibility Mode Adjusts Timer Format for Screen Readers
Given a user has enabled accessibility mode, when using a screen reader to navigate an outage detail page, then the countdown timer must be read aloud in the user’s chosen format (e.g., hours and minutes or minutes and seconds).
Maintenance Mode Handling
"As a technician, I want the countdown timer to indicate when estimates are being updated so that users understand delays are due to data review."
Description

Design a special maintenance mode for the countdown timer when restoration estimates are under review or temporarily unavailable. In this state, display an appropriate status message and suspend countdown updates until new estimates are confirmed. This ensures clarity during utility data revisions and prevents displaying misleading information.

Acceptance Criteria
Entering Maintenance Mode on Estimate Suspension
Given the utility provider has suspended the restoration estimate, When the system detects no valid estimate within the update interval, Then the countdown timer switches to maintenance mode within 5 seconds.
Displaying Maintenance Message to Users
Given the countdown timer is in maintenance mode, When a user views the outage details, Then a clear maintenance status message 'Estimate under review – updates temporarily unavailable' is displayed in place of the timer.
Preventing Countdown Updates During Maintenance
Given the timer is in maintenance mode, When new restoration data is received, Then no countdown adjustment occurs until a confirmed estimate is set.
Resuming Countdown After Estimate Confirmation
Given the maintenance mode is active, When a new confirmed restoration estimate is received, Then the countdown timer resumes automatically and displays the updated time remaining.
Logging Maintenance Mode Activations
Given the system enters maintenance mode, When the mode changes state, Then an entry is logged with timestamp and outage ID in the maintenance mode audit trail.

SLA Guardian

Monitors each outage’s SLA in real time and sends proactive notifications if the predicted restoration time slips toward or beyond the commitment. Empowers users with early warnings so they can plan alternative power solutions without unpleasant surprises.

Requirements

Real-Time SLA Tracking Dashboard
"As a support agent, I want to view a real-time dashboard of SLA metrics for all active outages so that I can quickly identify and prioritize incidents nearing breach and take action to prevent SLA violations."
Description

A live dashboard integrated within SLA Guardian that displays each outage ticket’s current SLA metrics, including predicted restoration times, time remaining before SLA breach thresholds, and historical SLA compliance data. It offers visual indicators such as color codes and progress bars to alert users to at-risk tickets, enabling support agents and utility managers to quickly identify and prioritize outages approaching SLA breach, thereby enhancing proactive response and operational transparency.

Acceptance Criteria
SLA Metrics Display on Dashboard Load
Given a support agent navigates to the SLA Tracking Dashboard, when the page loads, then within 5 seconds each active outage ticket displays the predicted restoration time, time remaining before SLA breach, and current SLA status.
Visual Indicator for At-Risk Tickets
Given outage tickets where time remaining before the SLA breach is less than 15 minutes, when the dashboard renders, then these tickets are highlighted with a red color code and a blinking icon.
Progress Bars Reflecting SLA Countdown
Given any outage ticket, when its remaining SLA time is updated, then the associated progress bar accurately displays the percentage of time elapsed and updates in real time every minute.
Historical SLA Compliance Data Chart Viewing
Given a user selects the 'Compliance History' tab for an outage ticket, when the chart loads, then it displays the past 30 days of SLA compliance data with clear labels and tooltips for each data point.
Dashboard Real-Time Refresh Performance
Given live SLA data updates from the backend, when new data is available, then the dashboard automatically refreshes the affected tickets within 10 seconds without requiring a manual page reload.
SLA Breach Notification System
"As a resident user, I want to receive timely notifications when my area's outage restoration time is slipping toward or beyond the utility's SLA so that I can arrange backup power solutions in advance."
Description

A notification module that sends real-time alerts via multiple channels— in-app notifications, email, and SMS—when an outage’s predicted restoration time nears predefined SLA thresholds or exceeds the committed restoration window. Thresholds are configurable per outage type and user role, ensuring stakeholders receive timely warnings to mitigate impact and manage customer expectations effectively.

Acceptance Criteria
Approaching SLA Threshold Notification
Given an outage’s predicted restoration time falls within the user-configured SLA warning threshold, When the SLA Guardian runs its real-time assessment, Then the system sends in-app, email, and SMS alerts to the subscribed stakeholders.
SLA Breach Exceeds Notification
Given an outage’s predicted restoration time exceeds the committed SLA window, When the breach is detected, Then the system immediately dispatches high-priority notifications via in-app, email, and SMS to all relevant user roles.
Role-Based Threshold Alert
Given different user roles have configured distinct SLA warning thresholds, When the SLA Guardian processes an outage nearing each role’s threshold, Then only users in each role receive notifications when their specific threshold is crossed.
Outage Type-Specific Notification
Given SLA thresholds vary by outage type (e.g., local, regional), When an outage’s predicted restoration time approaches its type-based threshold, Then the system generates notifications tagged with the correct outage type to all affected parties.
Multi-Channel Delivery Verification
Given a notification is triggered for an SLA warning or breach, When the system attempts delivery, Then it logs successful deliveries and retries any failed attempts across in-app, email, and SMS channels until confirmation is received.
Custom SLA Threshold Configuration
"As a utility administrator, I want to configure SLA thresholds and notification triggers for different outage scenarios so that our alerts reflect contractual commitments and operational priorities."
Description

A settings interface allowing utility administrators to define and adjust SLA thresholds and notification trigger points based on outage severity, region, and customer segment. This configuration integrates seamlessly with SLA Guardian’s predictive engine and notification system, ensuring that alerts align with service agreements and regulatory requirements.

Acceptance Criteria
Default SLA Threshold Configuration
Given no custom thresholds exist, when the admin saves default SLA values for all regions and customer segments in valid numeric format, then the system persists these defaults and displays them on the settings interface.
Region-Specific SLA Adjustment
Given an existing default SLA, when the admin selects a specific region and inputs custom SLA thresholds, then those thresholds are saved, override defaults for that region, and are clearly labeled as custom in the UI.
Customer Segment SLA Configuration
Given multiple customer segments are defined, when the admin configures distinct SLA thresholds and notification trigger points for a segment, then those settings are stored separately and applied only to outages affecting that segment.
Outage Severity-Based Trigger Setup
Given defined outage severity levels, when the admin assigns SLA thresholds and notification triggers for each severity level, then the system stores these mappings and displays correct thresholds when editing each severity.
Configuration Validation and Error Handling
Given the admin enters invalid values (e.g., negative numbers or non-numeric strings), when attempting to save, then the system rejects the input, highlights the errors with descriptive messages, and prevents saving until corrected.
Notification Trigger Execution
Given configured SLA thresholds and active outages, when the predictive engine forecasts a restoration time that crosses a configured trigger point, then the notification system sends alerts to relevant users according to the configured channels and segments.
SLA Analytics and Reporting
"As a utility manager, I want to generate reports on SLA compliance and restoration performance so that I can analyze trends and drive process improvements."
Description

A reporting tool that aggregates SLA performance data over time and generates customizable reports and visualizations on SLA compliance rates, average restoration times, and breach statistics. Supports export to CSV and PDF for stakeholder review and regulatory reporting, helping teams identify trends, performance bottlenecks, and areas for process improvement.

Acceptance Criteria
Generate SLA Compliance Summary Report
1. System aggregates SLA performance data (compliance rates, average restoration times, breach counts) for the specified date range. 2. Calculated metrics match raw data values within a 0.5% tolerance. 3. Summary report displays metrics in a table with clear headers and accurate values. 4. Report generation completes in under 5 seconds for up to one year of data.
Export SLA Reports to CSV
1. User initiates CSV export from the report interface. 2. System generates a CSV file with headers matching report columns and data rows corresponding to on-screen values. 3. Filename includes report name and selected date range (e.g., "SLA_Report_2025-01-01_to_2025-06-30.csv"). 4. CSV file opens correctly in spreadsheet applications without format errors.
Export SLA Reports to PDF
1. User initiates PDF export from the report interface. 2. System generates a PDF that mirrors on-screen report layout, including tables and charts. 3. Generated PDF file size remains under 2 MB for reports up to 10 pages. 4. PDF opens without rendering issues in standard PDF readers.
Visualize SLA Trends Over Time
1. Report includes a line chart plotting average restoration time across the selected period. 2. Data points on the chart show exact values on hover. 3. Chart updates dynamically when the user adjusts the date filter. 4. Chart renders fully within 3 seconds after filter application.
Filter Reports by Date Range and Service Area
1. User applies date range and selects one or more service areas. 2. Report refreshes instantly (without full page reload) to reflect only the filtered data. 3. All displayed metrics and visualizations match the applied filters. 4. System prevents selection of date ranges exceeding two years.
SLA Predictive Accuracy Tuning
"As a data analyst, I want the system to learn from past outage outcomes and adjust its SLA predictions so that future forecasts become more accurate and trustworthy."
Description

A machine-learning driven feature that continuously monitors actual restoration times against predicted values and adjusts predictive models to improve accuracy over time. It provides confidence scores and model performance metrics, allowing data scientists and operations teams to fine-tune algorithms and ensure reliable SLA predictions.

Acceptance Criteria
Baseline Model Performance Establishment
Given historical outage data and initial prediction model are available, When the system runs the baseline evaluation job, Then it calculates accuracy metrics (MAE, RMSE) and stores them with a timestamp.
Real-time Prediction vs Actual Comparison
Given a new outage event with a predicted restoration time, When actual restoration time is recorded, Then the system logs the prediction error and updates the rolling accuracy metrics within 5 minutes.
Automated Model Retraining Trigger
Given rolling accuracy metrics fall below 90% for three consecutive days, When the retraining criterion is met, Then the system automatically initiates model retraining using the latest dataset and logs the retraining event.
Confidence Score Display and Threshold Alerting
Given each prediction includes a confidence score, When the confidence score drops below 75%, Then the system sends an alert to the operations team and flags the prediction for review.
Model Performance Dashboard Accessibility
Given data scientists access permissions, When they navigate to the Performance Dashboard, Then they can view current and historical model metrics, confidence distributions, and retraining logs in an interactive chart within 3 seconds.

Promise Insights

Provides a dynamic performance dashboard with historical and real-time SLA adherence metrics. Users can track how often commitments are met, compare service levels across regions, and gain confidence in utility reliability through transparent data visualization.

Requirements

SLA Data Aggregation
"As an operations analyst, I want a unified data feed of SLA metrics so that I can rely on accurate and consistent information for reporting and decision-making."
Description

Implement a backend service that collects, normalizes, and stores historical and real-time SLA adherence data from multiple utility sources. This service ensures data integrity, handles different input formats, and updates the central database in near real-time to power the Promise Insights dashboard.

Acceptance Criteria
Real-Time SLA Data Ingestion
Given a real-time SLA update is pushed from a utility source in its native JSON format, when the backend service receives the payload, then the record is ingested, normalized, validated, and stored in the central database within 2 minutes with no data loss.
Historical SLA Data Normalization
Given a batch of historical SLA records in CSV and XML formats, when the normalization job runs, then all records must be converted to the unified schema, with 100% of fields mapped correctly and no format errors logged.
Multi-Source Data Integrity Check
Given SLA data from three different utility providers with overlapping timestamps, when the aggregation process merges these sources, then duplicate records are detected and deduplicated, with integrity checks passed and audit logs generated for any discrepancies.
Near Real-Time Dashboard Update
Given normalized SLA data stored in the database, when new records arrive, then the Promise Insights dashboard reflects these updates within 30 seconds, showing accurate SLA adherence metrics without manual refresh.
Data Format Conversion Handling
Given an SLA adherence payload in an unsupported CSV variant with extra columns, when the ingestion pipeline processes it, then unsupported columns are ignored, supported fields are correctly mapped, and a warning is logged, without failing the entire ingestion job.
Real-Time Metric Updates
"As a support agent, I want to see SLA adherence metrics update in real time so that I can respond instantly to emerging service issues."
Description

Enable the dashboard to fetch and display live SLA adherence metrics with automatic refresh intervals. This requirement includes designing efficient API endpoints, implementing WebSocket or long-polling updates, and optimizing frontend rendering to maintain performance under high data volume.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Dashboard Load
Given a user navigates to the Promise Insights dashboard, when the page loads, then the latest SLA adherence metrics are fetched via the designated API endpoint and displayed within 2 seconds.
Automatic Refresh Interval
Given the dashboard has been idle for 60 seconds, when the automatic refresh interval elapses, then the client requests updated SLA metrics without a full page reload and updates the UI within 1.5 seconds.
WebSocket Data Streaming
Given a persistent WebSocket connection is established, when new real-time SLA metric updates are pushed by the server, then the dashboard updates the displayed metrics within 1 second of receipt.
High Data Volume Performance
Given a simulated stream of 100 metric updates per second, when the dashboard processes incoming data, then the UI maintains at least 30 frames per second and user interactions remain responsive.
API Failure Fallback
Given the primary API or WebSocket connection fails, when a connection error occurs, then the client retries up to three times with exponential backoff and displays a non-blocking user notification if all retries fail.
Historical Trend Visualization
"As a utility manager, I want to review historical SLA trends so that I can identify patterns and plan maintenance more effectively."
Description

Develop interactive charts and graphs showing SLA performance over selectable time ranges (daily, weekly, monthly). Users should be able to drill down into specific periods, export data, and overlay external events. This feature should enhance visibility into long-term reliability trends.

Acceptance Criteria
Select Time Range
Given the Historical Trend Visualization view is open When the user selects a daily, weekly, or monthly time range Then the interactive chart updates to display SLA performance data for the selected range within 2 seconds
Drill-Down into Specific Period
Given a time range is selected When the user clicks on a specific data point or period Then the dashboard displays a detailed breakdown of SLA metrics (uptime, downtime incidents) for that period
Export SLA Data
Given the user has filtered a time range and metrics When the user clicks the 'Export' button Then the system generates and downloads a CSV file containing the filtered SLA performance data including timestamps and metric values
Overlay External Events
Given the user has uploaded an external event log When the user overlays events onto the performance chart Then the chart displays event markers aligned with corresponding dates and allows toggling event visibility
Performance Chart Responsiveness
Given the Historical Trend Visualization dashboard is being used on desktop and mobile devices When the user interacts with charts (zoom, pan, filter) Then all interactions complete within 1 second and maintain visual clarity without layout issues
Regional Comparison Dashboard
"As a regional director, I want to compare SLA performance across service zones so that I can allocate resources to areas with lower reliability."
Description

Create a multi-region comparison view that displays SLA adherence side by side for different service areas. This includes map overlays, sortable tables, and filter controls to highlight top- and bottom-performing regions, facilitating benchmarking and targeted improvements.

Acceptance Criteria
View SLA Adherence Side-by-Side on Map
Given the user selects multiple service areas on the dashboard When the map view loads Then each region is displayed with a color-coded overlay corresponding to its SLA adherence (green ≥95%, yellow 90–95%, red <90%) And hovering over a region displays a tooltip with the region name and exact SLA percentage And overlays update within 2 seconds of any selection change
Sort Regions by SLA Performance in Table
Given the user views the regional comparison table When the user clicks the SLA Adherence column header Then the table sorts regions in descending order of SLA adherence And when clicked again, toggles to ascending order And the sort operation completes within 1 second
Filter Regions by Performance Thresholds
Given the filter panel is visible When the user sets a minimum SLA threshold (e.g., ≥90%) and applies the filter Then both the map and table only display regions meeting or exceeding the threshold And regions below the threshold are hidden from both views And a clear filter button resets all filters
Highlight Top and Bottom Performing Regions
Given the dashboard displays SLA data for the selected period When the data loads Then the top 3 regions by SLA adherence are highlighted with a gold badge And the bottom 3 regions by SLA adherence are highlighted with a red badge And the highlighted regions are clearly indicated in both map overlays and the comparison table
Real-time SLA Data Refresh
Given the dashboard remains open for live monitoring When new SLA adherence data is pushed every minute Then the map overlays and table values update automatically without a full page reload And the update completes within 5 seconds of data arrival And a timestamp of the last update is displayed prominently
SLA Breach Alert Notifications
"As a supervisor, I want to receive alerts when SLA commitments are at risk so that I can take immediate action to mitigate service disruptions."
Description

Implement a notification system that triggers alerts (email, SMS, in-app) when SLA metrics fall below predefined thresholds. Administrators should configure thresholds per region or service type and manage notification preferences to ensure timely awareness of potential breaches.

Acceptance Criteria
Threshold Breach Email Notification
Given an SLA metric for a region falls below the configured threshold When the breach is detected by the monitoring engine Then an email alert is sent to all administrators subscribed for that region within 5 minutes
Threshold Breach SMS Notification
Given an SLA metric for a service type drops below its set threshold When the system processes the breach event Then an SMS notification is dispatched to administrators who have enabled SMS alerts within 3 minutes
In-App Breach Alert Display
Given a user is logged into the Promise Insights dashboard When an SLA breach occurs in their managed region Then a visible in-app banner alert appears at the top of the dashboard with breach details and timestamp
Configurable Regional Thresholds
Given an administrator accesses the SLA settings page When they define or update breach thresholds for any region or service type Then the system saves the new values and applies them immediately to incoming SLA data
Notification Preference Management
Given an administrator visits their user preferences When they enable or disable email, SMS, or in-app alerts for specific regions or service types Then the system persists their choices and only sends notifications according to the updated preferences

Progress Timeline

Offers an interactive visual timeline for each outage, marking key milestones—from initial report and technician dispatch to mid-repair updates and final restoration. Enhances transparency by letting users see exactly where their outage stands in the resolution process.

Requirements

Timeline Visualization Canvas
"As a resident reporting an outage, I want to see a clear, visual timeline of every resolution step so that I understand exactly where my outage stands and what’s coming next."
Description

Implement an interactive visual timeline component within the outage detail view that displays each key milestone—initial report, technician dispatch, mid-repair updates, and final restoration—in chronological order. The timeline should support hover and click actions to reveal detailed information for each event, adapt to different screen sizes, and integrate seamlessly with the existing outage map interface.

Acceptance Criteria
Timeline Displays All Milestones Chronologically
Given an outage with recorded events, when the timeline is loaded, then all milestones appear in ascending chronological order with correct timestamps and distinct markers for each event type.
Hovering Over Milestone Shows Detail Tooltip
Given the timeline is visible, when the user hovers over a milestone, then a tooltip appears within 200ms displaying event type, timestamp, and short description without overlapping adjacent elements or going off-screen, and disappears when the pointer leaves.
Clicking Milestone Opens Detailed Sidebar Pane
Given the timeline is visible, when the user clicks on a milestone, then a sidebar pane slides in showing full event details (event ID, description, technician name, notes/images) fetched from the server, and closes when the user clicks 'X' or outside the pane.
Timeline Responsive on Mobile and Desktop
Given the application is viewed on various screen sizes, when the timeline renders, then on desktop/tablet it displays horizontally with scroll support, and on mobile it displays vertically with collapsible sections, ensuring all interactive features (hover/click/tap) remain accessible.
Timeline Integrates Seamlessly with Outage Map View
Given the outage detail view includes a map, when interacting with the timeline, then the map remains fully interactive without UI overlap, clicking a location-based milestone recenters the map, and both timeline and map respond within 300ms.
Milestone Data Aggregation
"As a support agent, I want consolidated event data so that the timeline reflects every significant outage resolution step without manual intervention."
Description

Collect and aggregate key event data from multiple sources—including user reports, utility dispatch systems, and technician logs—into a unified feed. Ensure data is normalized, timestamped, and categorized so that each milestone can be accurately represented on the timeline with consistent labeling and metadata.

Acceptance Criteria
User Report Aggregation
Given multiple user-submitted outage reports from the mobile app, When the data aggregation service fetches new reports, Then all reports must be ingested, normalized to the standard format, timestamped in UTC, and appear in the unified feed within 2 seconds of submission.
Utility Dispatch Integration
Given dispatch events generated by the utility’s system, When these events are received via the integration API, Then the service must map event types to milestone categories, assign accurate UTC timestamps, and include source metadata before adding to the feed.
Technician Log Consolidation
Given technician status updates from field logging devices, When multiple logs refer to the same outage ID, Then the system must merge logs into a single chronological event stream, avoid duplicates, and tag each log with the correct category and timestamp.
Timestamp Normalization Verification
Given events with local timestamps across different time zones, When the aggregation process ingests these events, Then all timestamps must be converted to a consistent UTC format, retaining original timezone metadata in the event payload.
Milestone Categorization Consistency
Given mixed-source events with various status labels, When events are processed, Then the system must apply the standardized milestone taxonomy (e.g., Reported, Dispatched, En Route, Repairing, Restored) ensuring correct labeling and ordering on the timeline.
Real-Time Sync Engine
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want the timeline to update instantly when a technician logs a new repair milestone so that I receive the latest information without refreshing the page."
Description

Build a back-end synchronization service that subscribes to live updates from crowdsourced reports, utility alerts, and technician inputs. This service must push event changes in real time to clients displaying the timeline, using efficient protocols (e.g., WebSocket or Server-Sent Events) to minimize latency and ensure all users see up-to-the-second information.

Acceptance Criteria
Initial Report Propagation Scenario
Given a new outage report is submitted by a user When the sync engine receives the report Then the system broadcasts the event to all connected clients within 500ms And each client updates the timeline to display the “Report Received” milestone with the correct timestamp
Technician Dispatch Update Scenario
Given a technician’s dispatch update is sent to the sync engine When the update is processed Then all clients receive and display the “Technician Dispatched” milestone within 500ms And the timeline orders the milestone correctly based on event time
Mid-Repair Status Update Scenario
Given a technician submits a mid-repair status update When the sync engine processes the update Then all clients receive and display the “Repair In Progress” milestone within 500ms And the update appears in the correct sequence on the timeline
Final Restoration Propagation Scenario
Given the utility system signals outage resolution When the sync engine receives the resolution event Then the timeline displays the “Restoration Completed” milestone for all users And the displayed timestamp matches the event generation time within one second
Network Interruption Recovery Scenario
Given a client loses network connectivity When connectivity is restored Then the client automatically re-subscribes to the event stream And receives any missed timeline events in the correct order without duplicates
High-Throughput Concurrency Scenario
Given multiple simultaneous updates from crowdsourced reports, utility alerts, and technician inputs When the system experiences an event burst Then the sync engine processes and broadcasts events without exceeding 5% message loss And maintains correct event ordering under a load of 10,000 concurrent clients
Technician Event Logging Interface
"As a field technician, I want an easy way to record each repair step in real time so that the timeline stays accurate and up to date."
Description

Provide an intuitive, mobile-friendly interface for field technicians to log key events—such as arrival on site, parts replacement, repair completion—directly from their devices. Each log entry should include timestamp, optional notes, and relevant attachments (e.g., photos), and be validated before submission to ensure data integrity.

Acceptance Criteria
Arrival Logged Successfully
Given a technician has location permission enabled and is on site When the technician taps the 'Log Arrival' button Then the system automatically records the current timestamp and location, displays a confirmation message, and adds the event to the outage's timeline.
Parts Replacement Entry
Given a technician needs to log parts replacement When the technician selects 'Parts Replacement' event, enters part ID, quantity, and adds optional notes Then the system validates all required fields, saves the entry with timestamp, and updates the timeline accordingly.
Repair Completion Recorded
Given a technician has completed the repair When the technician selects 'Repair Completion' and attaches required photo Then the system requires at least one attachment, validates file type and size, saves the entry, and marks the outage status as 'Repair Completed' on the timeline.
Mandatory Field Validation
Given a technician attempts to submit an event log with missing required fields When the technician taps 'Submit' Then the system prevents submission, highlights each missing field with an inline error message, and displays a summary error notification.
Photo Attachment Upload
Given a technician needs to attach a photo to an event log When the technician uploads a photo Then the system accepts only JPEG or PNG files under 5MB, displays a thumbnail preview, and allows the technician to remove or replace the photo before submission.
Timeline Notification Alerts
"As a user following my outage, I want to receive alerts when significant milestones occur so that I stay informed without continuously checking the map."
Description

Integrate push and in-app notifications tied to specific milestones on the timeline. Users should be able to opt into alerts—such as technician dispatch or repair completion—and choose their preferred channels (email, SMS, push). Notification content must include event name, timestamp, and a link back to the timeline view.

Acceptance Criteria
Opt-in to Technician Dispatch Alerts via SMS
Given a user has enabled SMS notifications for technician dispatch events, when a technician is dispatched to the outage, then the system shall send an SMS to the user's phone number within 60 seconds containing: the event name 'Technician Dispatched', the timestamp of dispatch, and a link that opens the specific outage's timeline view in the mobile app or web portal.
Push Notification for Repair Completion
Given a user has enabled push notifications for repair completion, when the outage status updates to 'Repaired', then the system shall send a push notification within 30 seconds containing: the event name 'Repair Completed', the time of completion, and a deep link that navigates directly to the outage's interactive timeline.
Multi-channel Notification Channel Configuration
Given a user configures multiple notification channels (email, SMS, push), when any selected milestone event occurs, then the system shall send the notification via all enabled channels, each containing consistent event name, timestamp, and appropriate link to the timeline view, with no duplicate or missing messages.
Notification Content Validation Includes Timeline Link
When any timeline milestone notification is generated, then the content of the notification shall include an active link or button labeled 'View Timeline' that, when clicked, opens the outage's timeline at the point of that event.
Opt-out Specific Milestone Alert
Given a user has opted out of mid-repair update alerts, when the outage reaches the 'Mid-Repair Update' milestone, then the system shall not send any SMS, push, or email notification for that event, while other enabled milestone notifications remain unaffected.

Status Snapshot

Generates a shareable, live link or embed that displays the current SLA countdown and status for a specific outage. Enables community organizers or support agents to broadcast restoration ETA information quickly across social channels, websites, or customer portals.

Requirements

Live Link Generation
"As a community organizer, I want to generate a live, shareable link for an outage’s current status so that I can broadcast accurate restoration ETAs to residents instantly."
Description

Enable the generation of a unique, shareable URL that always displays the current SLA countdown and outage status for a specified incident. The system must dynamically update the link’s content in real time, ensuring that recipients see up-to-the-minute information without needing to refresh or reissue the link. The feature should support automatic link expiration after a configurable period and include safeguards against unauthorized modifications.

Acceptance Criteria
First-time Link Generation by Support Agent
Given a support agent selects an outage incident and initiates link generation When the request completes successfully Then a unique URL is created containing the correct incident identifier and secure token And the URL returns HTTP 200 when accessed And the link reflects the current SLA countdown and outage status And the link is set to expire after the default configured period.
Real-time Link Content Update for End Users
Given an end user opens the shared live link in a browser When the incident’s SLA countdown or status changes Then the displayed countdown and status update within 5 seconds without manual page refresh And the map view remains centered on the incident location And no data caching prevents real-time display.
Custom Expiration Configuration by Admin
Given an admin configures a custom expiration duration of N hours When a live link is generated for an incident Then the link is set to expire exactly N hours after creation And accessing the link after expiration shows an expiration message and HTTP 410 status And expired links no longer serve updated status or countdown.
Unauthorized Modification Prevention
Given a user attempts to modify the live link URL parameters manually When the system receives the tampered URL Then the system validates the token and rejects illegal modifications And returns HTTP 403 for unauthorized access And logs the tampering attempt with timestamp and IP address.
Embed Code Integration on External Site
Given a community organizer copies the provided embed code from the incident page When the embed code is inserted into an external webpage Then the embedded frame renders the live SLA countdown and outage status correctly And updates in real time without manual reload And adapts to the container’s width and height dynamically.
Embed Code Provisioning
"As a support agent, I want to embed the SLA countdown widget on our status page so that customers can view outage ETAs without leaving our site."
Description

Provide easily copy-and-pasteable HTML embed code that organizations can place on websites, customer portals, or social media pages. The embed snippet should be responsive, load asynchronously to avoid blocking page rendering, and include parameters for layout customization (e.g., width, height, theme). Documentation must guide users through integration steps and best practices.

Acceptance Criteria
Embed Code Copy Functionality
- Embed snippet displayed in a selectable code block with a clearly labeled 'Copy' button; - When user clicks 'Copy', the full embed code is copied to clipboard; - A confirmation message appears within 2 seconds after copying
Asynchronous Loading Behavior
- Embed script loads outage status data asynchronously without blocking page rendering; - Initial page load overhead added by embed is under 100ms on a standard test page; - No synchronous external script calls are present
Responsive Embed Layout
- Embed respects width and height parameters and scales responsively within the parent container; - On viewports ranging from 320px to 1920px wide, embed dimensions adjust within 5% of container width; - When no dimensions provided, embed defaults to 100% width and auto height
Theme Customization Parameters
- Embed accepts 'light' and 'dark' themes via a 'theme' parameter; - Embed styles switch to the specified theme within 100ms of render; - Invalid theme values revert silently to default without errors
Documentation Integration Guidance
- Embed code snippet includes a link to integration documentation; - Documentation covers installation, parameter usage, customization options, and best practices; - At least 90% of a test group can integrate the embed correctly within 5 minutes using the documentation
SLA Countdown Display
"As a utility technician, I want to see an SLA countdown on the status snapshot so that I can prioritize resources and track our compliance in real time."
Description

Display a clear, visually prominent countdown timer indicating the remaining time until the service level agreement (SLA) restoration target. The timer should automatically adjust based on the incident’s SLA parameters, visually change state (e.g., color shift to red) as deadlines approach, and show a ‘breached’ indicator if the SLA is missed. The component must be accessible and compliant with WCAG standards.

Acceptance Criteria
SLA Timer Initialization
Given an incident with a defined SLA target of 02:00:00, when the Status Snapshot page loads for that incident, then the countdown timer displays "02:00:00" and begins decrementing in one-second intervals.
Dynamic Timer Adjustment
Given the SLA parameters are updated from 02:00:00 to 03:00:00 while the page is open, when the update is received by the component, then the timer adjusts to "03:00:00" within two seconds without requiring a page reload.
Visual State Transition at Thresholds
Given the countdown timer is running, when the remaining time reaches 00:30:00 then the timer background transitions from green to yellow within one second, and when it reaches 00:10:00 then it transitions from yellow to red within one second.
SLA Breach Indicator Display
Given the countdown timer reaches 00:00:00, when the timer hits zero, then it stops decrementing and displays a "Breached" label in red text with high contrast.
WCAG Accessibility Compliance
Given any user with assistive technology accesses the countdown timer, when the timer updates, then it provides appropriate ARIA labels for remaining time and state changes, meets WCAG 2.1 AA color-contrast minimum of 4.5:1, and is navigable via keyboard.
Embed Component Live Update
Given the Status Snapshot is embedded on an external website, when the component is loaded, then the countdown timer automatically refreshes every second within the embed frame without requiring a full frame reload and remains synchronized within one second of the source time.
Real-time Data Sync
"As a tech-savvy resident, I want the shared status snapshot to update automatically when the outage details change so that I’m always viewing the latest information without manual refresh."
Description

Implement a backend service that continuously fetches outage updates from the central database or utility APIs at sub-minute intervals. Ensure low-latency propagation of changes (status, ETAs, comments) to all active snapshot links and embeds. Include retry logic and error handling to maintain data consistency even during partial network failures.

Acceptance Criteria
Live Link Data Update
Given an active status snapshot link, when the central database receives a new outage update, then the link displays the updated status within 30 seconds without requiring a manual refresh.
Embed Refresh under High Load
Given 1,000 concurrent embed views, when an outage status update occurs, then all embeds receive the updated data within 60 seconds with an error rate below 1%.
ETA Change Propagation
Given an updated restoration ETA from the utility API, when the ETA changes by more than 5 minutes, then the snapshot displays the new ETA within 1 minute.
Network Failure Retry
Given a transient network failure during data fetch, when retry logic triggers, then the service retries up to 3 times with exponential backoff and logs errors, and resumes normal synchronization when the network recovers.
Data Consistency Verification
Given simultaneous updates to outage status and comments, when fetching new data, then the snapshot shows both fields consistently with no missing or stale information.
Customizable Branding
"As a community liaison, I want to brand the status snapshot with our neighborhood association’s logo and colors so that residents immediately recognize the update source."
Description

Allow organizations to apply custom branding to the snapshot link or embed widget—including logo, color palette, and typography settings—so it aligns with their visual identity. Provide a settings interface for administrators to upload assets, choose themes, and preview changes in real time. Persist their branding choices per organization or outage campaign.

Acceptance Criteria
Brand Asset Upload
Given an administrator is on the branding settings page, When they upload a valid logo (PNG or SVG) under 5MB, Then the logo is accepted and displayed in the preview pane. Given an administrator uploads a color palette, When the colors meet WCAG contrast requirements, Then they are applied to the preview and saved. Given an administrator selects typography settings, When they choose from the provided fonts, Then the selection is reflected in the preview.
Real-Time Preview Update
Given branding assets are uploaded, When the administrator makes any change, Then the preview updates instantly without page reload.
Branding Persistence per Organization
Given branding settings are saved for an organization, When the administrator revisits the settings page or accesses a new outage campaign, Then the previously saved branding is loaded and applied.
Snapshot Embed Reflects Custom Branding
Given an administrator generates a shareable snapshot link or embed code, When the widget is rendered in any supported environment, Then it displays the organization's custom logo, colors, and typography.
Asset Validation and Error Handling
Given an administrator uploads an unsupported file type or an asset exceeding size limits, When the upload is attempted, Then an inline error message is displayed specifying valid formats and size restrictions.
Access Control & Permissions
"As a support manager, I want to restrict snapshot creation to authorized agents so that only vetted personnel can broadcast outage updates."
Description

Implement role-based access controls to manage who can create, edit, or delete status snapshots. Define roles such as Administrator, Agent, and Viewer with distinct permissions. Ensure secure authentication checks before allowing snapshot operations and log all changes for audit purposes. Provide an interface to assign and revoke permissions within an organization’s account.

Acceptance Criteria
Role Assignment Interface
Given an Administrator is on the Permissions Management page When the Administrator selects a user and assigns or revokes create/edit/delete rights for status snapshots Then the updated permissions are saved and reflected immediately in the organization’s account settings
Snapshot Creation Permission Enforcement
Given a user without 'create' permission attempts to access the 'New Status Snapshot' action When the user clicks the 'Create Snapshot' button Then the system displays an 'Access Denied' message and prevents snapshot creation
Snapshot Editing Permission Enforcement
Given an Agent with 'edit' permission and another user without 'edit' permission When both users attempt to modify an existing status snapshot Then the Agent is allowed to edit and save changes, while the other user is blocked with an 'Insufficient Permissions' error
Snapshot Deletion Authorization
Given a user with 'delete' permission and a user without 'delete' permission When both users attempt to delete a status snapshot Then only the user with 'delete' permission successfully removes the snapshot and the other user receives an 'Access Denied' notification
Audit Logging Verification
Given any user creates, edits, or deletes a status snapshot When the operation completes Then an audit record is generated capturing the timestamp, user ID, action type, and snapshot details and is available for review in the Audit Log

Product Ideas

Innovative concepts that could enhance this product's value proposition.

FlickerGuard Flash Alerts

Instantly sends push alerts on voltage flickers, so users switch to backup power within seconds of disruption.

Idea

RouteRush Repair Planner

Optimizes technician routes in real time using live outage data and traffic flow, cutting travel time by up to 20% per shift.

Idea

MapPulse Heatmap

Visualizes outage density with a live heatmap overlay, guiding resource deployment and highlighting critical hotspots at a glance.

Idea

SipSync Offline Beacon

Uses low-bandwidth SMS beacons to sync outage reports in connectivity blackspots, ensuring rural updates sync once signal returns.

Idea

PowerPromise SLA Tracker

Displays personalized restoration SLAs and countdowns per outage, boosting transparency and reducing support inquiries by 30%.

Idea

Press Coverage

Imagined press coverage for this groundbreaking product concept.

P

OutagePop Unveils Predictive Flicker Analytics to Proactively Shield Homes and Businesses

Imagined Press Article

OutagePop today introduced Predictive Flicker Analytics, a groundbreaking enhancement to its grid-monitoring platform that uses advanced machine learning to forecast potential voltage fluctuations before they occur. This new feature empowers utilities, field technicians, and critical-need customers to prepare in advance, minimizing disruptions to sensitive equipment, safeguarding medical devices, and improving outage management across communities. As electricity grids become more complex and consumption patterns evolve, utilities face challenges detecting subtle voltage anomalies that can precede full outages. Predictive Flicker Analytics leverages historical voltage data, real-time sensor inputs, and proprietary anomaly-detection algorithms to identify trends that indicate an elevated risk of flicker events. By providing customers and technicians with early warnings—ranging from minutes to hours in advance—OutagePop transforms reactive outage response into proactive power management. “Our mission at OutagePop is to turn every flicker and outage into an opportunity for collaboration and prevention,” said Jenna Marshall, CEO and Co-Founder of OutagePop. “With Predictive Flicker Analytics, we’re equipping utilities and residents with the foresight they need to engage backup systems, reroute power, or reschedule critical tasks before a disruption impacts daily life or impairs essential equipment.” Field technicians participating in the beta program report they have achieved a 25% reduction in emergency dispatches by acting on analytics alerts. Technicians receive push notifications indicating the probability, location, and severity of impending flicker events. This allows them to deploy already-scheduled maintenance crews to vulnerable grid segments or inform support agents to proactively communicate with affected customers. “Predictive warnings have been a game-changer for our team,” said Luis Ortega, Senior Grid Operations Manager at MidState Utilities. “We used to scramble after the phone lines lit up with outage reports. Now, our dispatchers get alerts hours in advance, so we can investigate potential faults, perform preventive line checks, and avoid many customer service calls altogether.” OutagePop’s analytics engine trains on petabytes of sub-second voltage measurements aggregated from SmartGrid sensors, crowdsourced user reports, and utility SCADA systems. The result is a continuously evolving model that adapts to local grid behavior, weather patterns, and seasonal load shifts. Alerts are delivered via OutagePop’s mobile app, SMS, email, or integrated SCADA dashboards, ensuring no stakeholder misses critical information. Med-Dependence Molly, an OutagePop user who relies on a home ventilator and oxygen concentrator, describes the feature as a lifeline. “I used to set manual timers on my backup batteries and hoped for the best,” she explained. “Now I get a heads-up alert telling me exactly when to switch to generator power, which feels like having a personal power-grid assistant looking out for me around the clock.” Beyond individual use cases, Predictive Flicker Analytics supports utility managers and emergency coordinators in their broader risk-mitigation strategies. Aggregated forecasts can be overlaid on heatmaps to reveal emerging hotspots, guiding resource allocation and community outreach. Data analysts can export forecast datasets to refine infrastructure investment plans and prioritize grid upgrades where flicker risk is highest. Predictive Flicker Analytics is available today as part of OutagePop’s Enterprise and Pro tiers. Existing customers can enable the feature with a simple update, while new subscribers benefit from a 30-day free trial. Detailed implementation guides, API documentation, and integration toolkits are available on the OutagePop Developer Portal. About OutagePop OutagePop is a leading outage-management platform that unifies crowdsourced reports, real-time grid monitoring, and utility system alerts into a live, interactive map. Designed for field technicians, support agents, emergency coordinators, and data analysts, OutagePop accelerates power restoration, improves transparency, and fosters community collaboration during outages. Media Contact: Sarah Fields Director of Communications, OutagePop Phone: 555-123-6789 Email: media@outagepop.com Website: www.outagepop.com

P

OutagePop Partners with National Grid USA to Revolutionize Outage Response Across the Northeast

Imagined Press Article

OutagePop today announced a strategic partnership with National Grid USA to integrate OutagePop’s live interactive outage mapping and crowdsourced reporting platform into National Grid’s incident response systems. This collaboration will strengthen outage detection, streamline technician dispatch, and enhance communication with millions of residential and commercial customers throughout the Northeastern United States. Under the partnership, National Grid will use OutagePop’s Dynamic Reroute, Priority Dispatch, and Community Flicker Feed features to optimize field crew deployment and accelerate restoration times. Crowdsourced outage reports submitted by customers via the OutagePop mobile app will feed directly into National Grid’s Operations Control Center, enabling a more comprehensive and real-time view of grid health. “Delivering safe, reliable power to our customers is our top priority,” said Marc Griffith, Vice President of Electric Operations at National Grid USA. “By integrating OutagePop’s innovative mapping and reporting capabilities, we expect to reduce our average restoration time by up to 15%, improve situational awareness during storms, and provide clearer communication to customers impacted by outages.” National Grid will also deploy OutagePop’s SLA Guardian to monitor service-level agreements in real time. The system issues proactive notifications if restoration estimates slip beyond committed timeframes, allowing support teams to set accurate expectations and advise customers on backup power options. “Working with a major utility like National Grid validates our vision of a collaborative, transparent outage response ecosystem,” said Jenna Marshall, CEO and Co-Founder of OutagePop. “By combining our live map and crowdsourcing expertise with National Grid’s operational excellence, we’re raising the bar for outage management in one of the nation’s largest service territories.” As part of the rollout, National Grid will train its field technicians and support agents on OutagePop’s Multi-Stop Sync, Offline Navigator, and Live ETA tools. Technicians will benefit from automated route recalculations that account for new outage reports, traffic conditions, and road closures, minimizing response delays. Support agents in National Grid’s Customer Care Centers will gain access to OutagePop’s Progress Timeline and Status Snapshot, enabling them to share real-time restoration updates and countdown clocks with callers. This transparency is projected to reduce inbound inquiries by nearly 20% and improve overall customer satisfaction scores. The integration also extends to Emergency Coordinators in the region, who will leverage OutagePop’s MapPulse Heatmap and PulseAlerts to identify emerging outage clusters and mobilize mutual aid resources more efficiently during severe weather events. John Matthews, Director of Emergency Management for the City of Boston, commented, “During last winter’s storms, timely, accurate outage data was critical to coordinating road clearance, shelter operations, and emergency medical services. We look forward to tapping into the richer dataset that the National Grid–OutagePop integration will provide.” The partnership launch will begin with an initial pilot in upstate New York in September 2025, followed by a phased rollout across Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire by early 2026. National Grid customers can download the OutagePop app or visit National Grid’s website to view live outage maps and sign up for alerts. About OutagePop OutagePop is a leading outage-management platform that unifies crowdsourced reports, real-time grid monitoring, and utility system alerts into a live map. Designed to accelerate power restoration and enhance transparency, OutagePop empowers utilities, technicians, and communities to work together during outages. About National Grid USA National Grid USA is one of the largest investor-owned energy companies in the United States, delivering electricity and natural gas to millions of customers in New York, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, and New Hampshire. Media Contact: Laura Simmons Head of Public Relations, OutagePop Phone: 555-987-4321 Email: press@outagepop.com Website: www.outagepop.com

P

OutagePop Introduces SipSync Offline Beacon to Empower Rural Communities During Outages

Imagined Press Article

OutagePop today launched SipSync Offline Beacon, a new low-bandwidth SMS synchronization feature designed to ensure timely outage reporting in areas with limited or no cellular data. This innovation addresses a critical gap for rural residents and field personnel who operate beyond reliable network coverage, enabling them to queue and transmit outage updates seamlessly when connectivity is restored. Rural-Route Rita, a ranch owner in remote Montana, frequently experiences power disruptions compounded by spotty cell service. With SipSync Offline Beacon, Rita can log outage details—location, severity, and estimated customers impacted—directly on the OutagePop app while offline. When her device reenters a coverage zone, the system automatically compresses all queued reports into optimized SMS packets and sends them to the OutagePop servers for real-time map updates. “Connectivity has always been our biggest obstacle on the ranch,” said Rita Lawson, Owner of Lawson Ranch and early SipSync beta user. “SipSync gives me peace of mind that my reports will get through without multiple retries or data charges. I know our community will see where help is needed, even if I’m offline for hours.” Key capabilities of SipSync Offline Beacon include: • Beacon Burst Compression: Aggregates multiple outage entries into a single, low-bandwidth SMS packet to minimize transmission costs and network load. • GeoFence Sync: Detects when a device enters predefined coverage zones and triggers an automatic dispatch of all buffered beacons, ensuring timely updates without manual intervention. • Priority Pulse Routing: Tags reports with priority levels—such as critical infrastructure or medical dependencies—so urgent updates are sent first upon reconnection. • SignalSaver Power Mode: Adjusts beacon transmission frequency based on signal strength and battery level, conserving device power in remote environments. Emergency Coordinator review is also improved. When municipal officials integrate OutagePop data into their systems, they will now receive a richer, more comprehensive picture of rural outages. This supports better resource allocation, shelter activation planning, and community outreach in hard-to-reach areas. “Thanks to SipSync, we no longer rely on sporadic phone calls or fax reports during widespread outages,” said Thomas Reed, Emergency Management Officer for Lincoln County, Maine. “Having consistent, geolocated outage data—even when crews are off-grid—allows us to coordinate mutual aid and prioritize critical locations effectively.” OutagePop’s Product Team collaborated closely with rural users, public safety agencies, and network engineers to ensure SipSync integrates seamlessly with existing workflow. The feature is backward-compatible with all current OutagePop mobile apps and requires no additional hardware. “SipSync demonstrates our commitment to universal outage visibility, regardless of geography,” said David Chen, Chief Technology Officer at OutagePop. “By leveraging low-bandwidth SMS technology, we’re bridging the digital divide and making sure every user has a voice in the outage response network.” SipSync Offline Beacon is available immediately to all OutagePop Enterprise customers at no extra cost. Community organizations, rural cooperatives, and small utilities can request a free 60-day trial by contacting the OutagePop Sales Team. About OutagePop OutagePop is a next-generation outage-management platform that combines crowdsourced reporting, real-time grid monitoring, and utility alerts into a single interactive map. Trusted by utilities, emergency managers, and residents, OutagePop accelerates restoration efforts, enhances communication, and fosters collaborative response. Media Contact: Erin Patel Communications Manager, OutagePop Phone: 555-246-8102 Email: erin.patel@outagepop.com Website: www.outagepop.com

Want More Amazing Product Ideas?

Subscribe to receive a fresh, AI-generated product idea in your inbox every day. It's completely free, and you might just discover your next big thing!

Product team collaborating

Transform ideas into products

Full.CX effortlessly brings product visions to life.

This product was entirely generated using our AI and advanced algorithms. When you upgrade, you'll gain access to detailed product requirements, user personas, and feature specifications just like what you see below.