Asset Management Framework: Case Studies

The US needs to evaluate the impact of our failing infrastructure and the gap between our utilities asset management practices and best practice specifications given in the PAS 55:2008 and the upcoming ISO 55000 standards. By understanding the challenges and lessons learned from Southern Water Services (SWS), a leading UK water utility, US utilities can avoid pitfalls in their own Portfolio Asset Management Program implementation. SWS implemented a real-time GIS system that links to all existing assets, pulling information from multiple systems to create a unified view of system performance, criticality and trends. The process for implementing this program was completed in phases and provided solid benefits to proactively managing assets. Key takeaways for this presentation include how to use business drivers to create a prioritized program, reducing inefficiencies in processes, picking the right IT systems or tools (or using the ones you already have) and focusing on a holistic, ‘live’ plan that shows clear ownership.