Vancouver, B.C., Consolidates Infrastructure Asset Data Into One Database

Extending Existing Technology and Processes

To overcome its challenges, Vancouver focused on finding a way to link existing technology and processes more effectively. The city wanted to bridge gaps between its GIS, customer service and accounting systems. Recognizing that integrated data must also be timely, Vancouver made eliminating its backlog of as-built design information a priority.

After exploring a number of asset management technologies, Vancouver chose Infor Hansen Asset Management software to manage its infrastructure, including water, sewer and transportation assets. The solution included service request management and integrated with the city’s customer relationship management and accounting systems.

End-to-End Visibility

Following the workflow on a typical sewer replacement project highlights the advantages of Vancouver’s more integrated process. Predictive analysis helps engineering decision-makers spot sewer assets requiring rehabilitation. Engineering technicians then turn to their CAD-based software to design system enhancements. Designs enter the GIS directly as a pending project. Then engineers can review the designs, propose changes and develop multiple alternatives.

Integration with asset management and financial systems give people outside the engineering department insight into planned projects. Even customer service agents can access project information, enabling them to better address questions from people who live on the streets likely to be impacted by the project. The tight connection between the design process and asset management system helps ensure that work orders contain the latest design information. It also facilitates the coordination of construction schedules and helps the city identify opportunities to conduct any needed work on nonsewer assets likely to be exposed during the project.

At each stage of the process, sewer valuation information is available to Vancouver’s accounting personnel. Through their SAP financial software, they have visibility into the number and value of current assets and planned project costs. Complying with new Public Sector Accounting Board accounting standards is easy. Just as significantly, the city has wider access to more accurate asset cost information.

“When projects are complete, we add any as-built changes to the design and mark the data as active,” Tilt said. “Design drawings instantly become current network information. The system also saves the history of the project, making it easier to leverage insights gained from past projects in planning. Start to finish, we’re able to work smarter and more collaboratively.”

Proactive Asset Management

Since launching its integrated approach to asset management, Vancouver has seen impressive productivity gains organizationwide. For example, people in the design department no longer waste time on duplicate data entry, and customer service agents can answer questions faster — and more accurately — than before. But the city is perhaps most excited about the prospect of using better information to drive cost savings through more proactive asset management over the long term.

“Now more than ever, serving the public means doing more with fewer resources,” said Birch. “That requires insights into what really needs to done — when it needs to be done. Using a more comprehensive infrastructure model, we can make better planning decisions. We’ll be able to do things like review maintenance histories, costs and failures by asset types. Real insights will help us to optimize maintenance schedules and cut costs while reducing failure risks. We’ve never been better prepared to proactively manage Vancouver’s $8 billion infrastructure asset inventory.”