Teamwork Makes the Dream Work: A Framework for Executing Data Collection Efforts at Large Utilities

Execution of a data collection effort at a large, long-established, public utility can pose a challenge as key components of the effort may be scattered across physically isolated and oftentimes culturally disassociated groups, making communication and collaboration difficult. Successfully navigating the utility and its idiosyncrasies to obtain the information needed allows for increased efficiency, productivity, and morale. However, a more deliberate, methodical approach is required to foster the level of collaboration necessary to successfully collect data when the resources to do so are sequestered. This presentation will introduce a framework used within the Philadelphia Water Department (PWD) for the successful execution of collaborative data collection efforts at large, long-established, public utilities, like PWD. After a broad discussion of the framework, case studies from PWD's Planning & Research unit will be featured to demonstrate use of the framework in the execution of data collection efforts from desktop analyses to sampling events.