Revolutionising asset management practices for small to medium councils

Abstract

Accelerated rates of development by both private developers and local government have resulted in public utility plant (PUP) being installed at a large scale across all asset classes including Roads, Drainage, Water, Wastewater, Communications, Electrical and Gas. To allow for the continual development and sustainability, a live and working asset register is required to be developed for all existing and future infrastructure with an emphasis of having only one source of information for the developer. This will allow for an accurate representation of all owned assets to allow for accurately locating all owned assets, easier maintenance, accurate valuations and assist with all other future Asset Management activities required to be undertaken to effectively manage public infrastructure. Proterra Group partnered with A local business to revolutionise their asset management practices by developing a comprehensive Asset Management Data Management System of their assets in alignment with the International Infrastructure Management Manual (IIMM) and ISO55000 guidelines. The project encompassed the following key activities: 1. Asset Data Schema Development: Proterra Group designed a robust Asset Register structure and asset class hierarchy to ensure efficient data management and categorisation. 2. Asset Digitisation with ESRI ArcGIS: Leveraging provided as-constructed plans, Proterra Group digitally transformed assets into ESRI ArcGIS, ensuring accurate and geospatially referenced asset information. 3. Asset Segmentation and Componentisation: Proterra Group implemented the developed schema and hierarchy to segment and componentise assets, enabling comprehensive understanding of the asset and also allow for easier incorporation of future assets into the registers. 4. Technical Data Attribute Assignment: By assigning appropriate technical data attributes to the Asset Register, Proterra Group enabled precise asset monitoring, evaluation, and decision-making. 5. Specification Document Development: Proterra Group crafted a comprehensive Specification Document to guide ongoing asset management activities, ensuring standardised processes and compliance with industry standards. 6. Ensuring Ongoing Functionality: Proterra Group ensured the seamless functionality of the spatial system, enabling continuous access to accurate asset data.

The projects outcomes include: 1. Enhanced Data Management: The developed Asset Management Data Management System provided a structured framework for efficient data organization, improving accessibility and usability. 2. Geospatial Asset Intelligence: By digitising assets into ESRI ArcGIS, Proterra Group empowered the business with accurate and geospatially referenced asset information, enabling informed decision-making and streamlined maintenance efforts. 3. Comprehensive Asset Understanding: The implementation of asset segmentation and componentisation enabled the business to gain a holistic understanding of their assets, supporting targeted maintenance planning and resource allocation. 4. Informed Decision-Making: The assignment of technical data attributes to the Asset Register facilitated detailed asset monitoring, evaluation, and proactive decision-making to optimise performance and mitigate risks. 5. Standardised Processes: The Specification Document developed by Proterra Group provided clear guidelines and protocols for ongoing asset management activities, ensuring consistency and adherence to industry standards.

By developing a robust Asset Management Data Management System and overcoming initial challenges through effective communication and workshops, objectives have been successfully aligned with industry standards. This case study demonstrates the power of collaboration in driving efficiency, data accuracy, and informed decision-making within asset management processes.