Predictika · Distribution grid equipment orders

An AI sales agent's D-VAR VVO order, checked before it goes out

An AI sales agent prepares an order for D-VAR VVO 15 kV dynamic volt/VAR compensators for a utility: three-phase or single-phase units, the connection voltage, the control mode, the load-side sensor, SCADA with its connector kit, the control power transformer, the site altitude and temperature, a discount and the total. Before the order goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of what the units allow and returns a verdict, every reason and the totals it computed.

Scope: AMSC D-VAR VVO 15 kV compensators: configurations, reactive power, connection voltage, control modes, sensor, SCADA, control power transformer, site limits, services, discount and the stated total. See everything this validator covers

This validator models D-VAR VVO 15 kV orders, not just the scenarios shown below.

  • Units and reactive power — three-phase units (floating or grounded wye) and single-phase units give different amounts of reactive power, and the units ordered must cover what the site needs.
  • Connection — direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; a higher feeder voltage needs a step-down transformer on the order.
  • Control and communications — Feeder VAR and Feeder power factor control need the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA needs the control connector kit, and the control power transformer must be 3 to 10 kVA.
  • Site limits — altitude, the highest and lowest ambient temperature, and the derating that applies above 1,000 m; a pad-mount module is quoted by the factory.
  • Discount, volume and totals — a discount above 8 percent needs a sales manager and one above 15 percent is blocked, an order of 10 or more units is reviewed, and the total the order states is compared with the total computed from the units, options, services and discount.

Any D-VAR VVO order that touches these rules is in scope — not only the scenarios pictured here. Not covered: the larger custom D-VAR STATCOM systems. The product name, ratings, configurations, control modes and site limits follow the public AMSC D-VAR VVO data sheet. All prices, the connector-kit and transformer rules, and the discount and volume thresholds are modeled from comparable products and are illustrative, not published by AMSC.

The AI sales agentBuilds the order from the conversation with the utility and says it is ready.
Predictika validatorChecks every rule at once and returns the verdict, each finding, and the computed figures.

6 scenarios in 2 groups · each group runs from the agent’s first attempt to the outcome · click one to switch

What the agent proposes

The AI sales agent says

Illustrative agent statement. The validator receives the structured request below.

Proposing agent: AI sales agent (scripted)

Before sending, the agent must call Recorded run

Predictika validator


      

        
        
        
      

      
Waiting for the call.

      
    

  

  
  

    
Where rules-based CPQ gets it wrong
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Our assessment of what a typical rules-based CPQ (product rules, price rules and validation rules, as in Salesforce CPQ) does with the same cases. It is a judgment about effort and reliability, not a claim that nothing can be built.

    
What the validator caughtTypical rules-based CPQPredictika
Reactive power covered by the units orderedOnly with workarounds
The reactive power depends on the unit type and the quantity, so the check needs a calculation, not just a field comparison, and it differs between three-phase and single-phase units.		The total reactive power is computed inside the model and compared with what the site needs on every call.
Options that depend on othersOnly with care
The sensor for Feeder VAR and power factor control, the connector kit for SCADA, and the step-down transformer above 13.8 kV are each a rule that must be kept in step with the catalog.		Every dependency is checked in the same pass as all the others.
Site altitude and temperature togetherOnly with workarounds
Altitude and ambient temperature limit each other (derating above 1,000 m), so the rule depends on two fields and a band in between needs an approval rather than an error.		Both limits and the band between them are checked together, and each finding says whether it blocks or needs a person.
A stated total reconciled with the computed oneOnly with workarounds
The total is built from the units, options, services and discount, and a separate calculation is needed to compare it with the figure the order states.		The total is computed inside the model and compared with the stated one on every call.
Discount and volume thresholdsOnly with care
A discount has a sign-off level and a blocking level, and volume is an approval rather than an error, so the rules must be ordered and kept apart.		Every threshold is checked in the same pass, and each finding says whether it blocks or needs a person.
Every problem returned in one answerOnly with workarounds
Rules tend to fire as the order is saved or a step is completed, so a person often fixes one error and meets the next.		All findings come back together, whatever order the choices arrived in.

  

  

    
What this validator catches: findings from its test cases
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Every rule is checked on every call, in any order the choices arrive; one problem never hides another. Blocking findings stop the order; approval findings need a person to sign off; everything else is computed.

    
1The site needs 1,000 kVAR and the quoted units give 999 kVAR.
2Direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; this feeder needs a step-down transformer and none is on the order.
3Feeder VAR and Feeder power factor control need the AMSC load-side sensor; it is not on the order.
4The DNP3 SCADA connection needs the control connector kit, which is sold separately and is not on the order.
5A control power transformer of 2 kVA is outside the 3 to 10 kVA range.
6The site is at 1,500 m; the unit is derated there and engineering should confirm the rating.
7Above 1,000 m the unit is derated to a +45 C ambient; the site reaches 46 C.
8The site is at 2,001 m; the unit is specified up to 2,000 m.
9The site reaches 51 C; the outdoor range tops out at +50 C.
10The site drops to -41 C; the outdoor range starts at -40 C.
11Pad-mount modules are quoted by the factory; pricing and details need factory confirmation.
12A discount of 9 percent is above the 8 percent a sales rep can give.
13A discount of 16 percent is above the 15 percent limit.
14An order of 10 units is a volume deal that sales management reviews.
15The order has 0 units; at least 1 is needed.
16The order states a total of $1; the modeled prices give $528,200.

  

  

    
Scenarios and results
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The recorded result of the validator for each scenario on this page: the request the AI agent sent, the verdict, and every finding, in the order they appear above.

    
1. Feeder power factor order on a 23 kV line: Feeder power factor order for a 23 kV line, with a long list of gaps

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units for a 23 kV feeder, with Feeder power factor control. The utility needs 2,500 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes DNP3 SCADA and startup and commissioning. The site is at 300 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 C, and the order has a 2 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 12 percent and the order states a total of 472,560 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Not enough reactive power. The site needs 2,500 kVAR and the quoted units give 2,000 kVAR.
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  • Above 13.8 kV needs a transformer. Direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; this feeder needs a step-down transformer and none is on the order.
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  • VAR and power factor modes need the load-side sensor. Feeder VAR and Feeder power factor control need the AMSC load-side sensor; it is not on the order.
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  • SCADA needs the control connector kit. The DNP3 SCADA connection needs the control connector kit, which is sold separately and is not on the order.
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  • Control power transformer size. A control power transformer of 2 kVA is outside the 3 to 10 kVA range.
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  • Discount above 8 percent. A discount of 12 percent is above the 8 percent a sales rep can give.
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2. Feeder power factor order on a 23 kV line: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units for a 23 kV feeder, with Feeder power factor control. The utility needs 2,500 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA with the control connector kit and startup and commissioning. The site is at 300 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 C, and the order has a 5 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 12 percent and the order states a total of 489,280 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Not enough reactive power. The site needs 2,500 kVAR and the quoted units give 2,000 kVAR.
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  • Above 13.8 kV needs a transformer. Direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; this feeder needs a step-down transformer and none is on the order.
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  • Discount above 8 percent. A discount of 12 percent is above the 8 percent a sales rep can give.
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3. Feeder power factor order on a 23 kV line: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 3 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units for a 23 kV feeder, with Feeder power factor control. The utility needs 2,500 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA with the control connector kit, a step-down transformer and startup and commissioning. The site is at 300 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 40 C, and the order has a 5 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 8 percent and the order states a total of 994,980 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 3 unit(s) giving 3,000 kVAR; list subtotal $1,081,500; order total after discount $994,980 (modeled, illustrative prices).
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4. Mountain substation order: Mountain substation order with a large discount

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units in a pad-mount module for a 12.47 kV feeder, with Volt/VAR control. The utility needs 1,800 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA with the control connector kit and startup and commissioning. The site is at 2,200 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 46 C, and the order has a 5 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 18 percent and the order states a total of 505,120 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Blocked.

    
    
      
  • Altitude above 2000 m. The site is at 2,200 m; the unit is specified up to 2,000 m.
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  • Altitude above 1000 m with high ambient. Above 1,000 m the unit is derated to a +45 C ambient; the site reaches 46 C.
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  • Discount above 15 percent. A discount of 18 percent is above the 15 percent limit.
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  • Pad-mount module. Pad-mount modules are quoted by the factory; pricing and details need factory confirmation.
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5. Mountain substation order: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units in a pad-mount module for a 12.47 kV feeder, with Volt/VAR control. The utility needs 1,800 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA with the control connector kit and startup and commissioning. The site is at 1,800 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 44 C, and the order has a 5 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 9 percent and the order states a total of 560,560 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Needs approval.

    
    
      
  • Pad-mount module. Pad-mount modules are quoted by the factory; pricing and details need factory confirmation.
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  • Altitude between 1000 and 2000 m. The site is at 1,800 m; the unit is derated there and engineering should confirm the rating.
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  • Discount above 8 percent. A discount of 9 percent is above the 8 percent a sales rep can give.
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  • Order summary. 2 unit(s) giving 2,000 kVAR; list subtotal $616,000; order total after discount $560,560 (modeled, illustrative prices).
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6. Mountain substation order: The agent resubmits after fixing the errors

    
The agent's request. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units for a 12.47 kV feeder, with Volt/VAR control. The utility needs 1,800 kVAR of reactive power. The order includes the load-side sensor, DNP3 SCADA with the control connector kit and startup and commissioning. The site is at 1,000 m, with ambient temperatures from -10 to 44 C, and the order has a 5 kVA control power transformer. The sales rep offers a discount of 6 percent and the order states a total of 522,640 dollars. It is ready to send.

    
Verdict: Allowed.

    
    
      
  • Order summary. 2 unit(s) giving 2,000 kVAR; list subtotal $556,000; order total after discount $522,640 (modeled, illustrative prices).
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Narration transcript
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The text of the narrated walkthrough, step by step.

    
    
      
  1. Welcome to a demo of Predictika's Validator. An AI sales agent prepares an order for D-VAR VVO 15 kV dynamic volt/VAR compensators for a utility: three-phase or single-phase units, the connection voltage, the control mode, and more. Before the order goes out, the agent sends it to Predictika, which checks it against a declarative model of what the units allow and returns a verdict, every reason and the totals it computed.
    2. 
      
  2. I will start with the first request by the agent.
    3. 
      
  3. The agent says. Please quote 2 D-VAR VVO 15 kV three-phase floating wye units for a 23 kV feeder, with Feeder power factor control. The utility needs 2,500 kVAR of reactive power. The rest of the request is on screen. The sales rep offers a discount of 12 percent and the order states a total of 472,560 dollars.
    4. 
      
  4. Before it goes out, the agent calls the validator.
    5. 
      
  5. Blocked, with five findings and one approval, all in one answer. The site needs 2,500 kVAR and the quoted units give 2,000 kVAR. Direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; this feeder needs a step-down transformer and none is on the order. Feeder VAR and feeder power factor control need the AMSC load-side sensor; it is not on the order. The other two are on screen.
    6. 
      
  6. The validator returned five blocking findings and one approval in one answer. A check that reads one field at a time would pass most of this; it shows only when the choices in the order are checked against each other.
    7. 
      
  7. What this shows: for reactive power covered by the units ordered, a rules-based CPQ can do this only with workarounds.
    8. 
      
  8. Now the agent resubmits.
    9. 
      
  9. The corrected request. It changes the load-side sensor to yes, the control connector kit to yes, the control power transformer to 5 kVA and the total stated on the order to 489,280.
    10. 
      
  10. It calls the validator again.
    11. 
      
  11. Still blocked, with two findings and one approval, all in one answer. The site needs 2,500 kVAR and the quoted units give 2,000 kVAR. Direct connection is up to 13.8 kV; this feeder needs a step-down transformer and none is on the order.
    12. 
      
  12. Three findings cleared. Still blocking: not enough reactive power and above 13.8 kV needs a transformer. One approval also remains for a person: discount above 8 percent.
    13. 
      
  13. The agent resubmits once more.
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  14. The revised request. It changes the quantity to 3, the step-down transformer to yes, the discount to 8 percent and the total stated on the order to 994,980.
    15. 
      
  15. It calls the validator once more.
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  16. This time the validator clears it.
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  17. All three earlier findings are cleared.
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  18. Six problems caught in one call, fixed in two passes, and a clean order. That is the value of Predictika's validator: catching mistakes before they reach the customer. Now you can try the other scenarios yourself.
    19.