1. A method for performing a real-time, in-the-field switching-sequence simulation for a power system that includes a plurality of switching devices, comprising: receiving, at a handheld device, topology information associated with the power system; receiving a set of user-definable rules; receiving a request to perform an operation on a switching device in the power system; in response to the request, identifying the switching device from the plurality of switching devices; obtaining instant status information associated with the plurality of switching devices; and running a simulation, at the hand-held device, based on the topology information, the user-definable rules, the status information, and the identified switch device; and determining whether the operation is allowed based on an outcome of the simulation.