Gartner defines an advanced distribution management system (ADMS) as the real-time operations support system of an electricity distribution network. Utilities use ADMSs to monitor, control and operate physical field assets (owned by the utility) to provide reliable electric service to customers. The ADMS estimates the state of the distribution network to optimize asset utilization and minimize losses. An ADMS can manage and guide outage restoration activities by identifying the fault location, isolating and restoring affected equipment, and returning the system to its desired operating state.