Sustaining an Asset Management (AM) Program Through Continuous Improvement Teams

Developing an Asset Management Program is a long term process that requires the involvement of a large number of utility personnel instead of a small staff function. Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department found that a mix of consultants and in-house personnel can work together as multi-functional teams to improve the department. The “GAP Analysis” is a key step in the process as it identifies the current status of the utility and the opportunity gaps that need to be filled to implement the Asset Management program. Our teams started by focusing on Strategy, Assets, People, Technology and Work Processes. Once an AM program is started, it is important to make it sustainable by renewing the cross-functional teams periodically.