Real-time or near-real-time measurements are used with a model of the system to determine the control signals that need to be sent to users and generators.
Other equipment can also be included in an ANM system that balances phases, pushes or pulls reactive power or switches circuits to achieve the desired results.
[citation needed] Predictive and forecasting methods may be used to prepare the network for anticipated conditions.
[citation needed] Some systems may include an element of human intervention.
This is particularly important for large and complex systems where an accurate, predictive model is impossible to produce.