"Environmentally Speaking" - A Gannett Fleming E-newsletter

 

Inside this article:
» understanding » definition 
» options » driving forces » future trends

 

 
 

Community Asset Management
Information Management Systems

Today’s utility manager needs to process large amounts of information in order to efficiently operate a water, wastewater or storm water system.  Volumes of data, obtained from multiple sources, must be organized, integrated and analyzed to optimize system performance.

 

<  A treatment system should have a secure, interconnected IMS.

An electronic Information Management System (IMS) can synthesize data to meet requirements, while saving time and money in the process. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

IMS implementation strategy:

  • Visioning workshop 
    (all involved parties brainstorm ideas on IMS implementation).

  • Needs assessment 
    (evaluate and project costs of providing a flexible IMS).

  • Strategic planning 
    (allocating staff and funding).

  • Implementation: (design, development and training).

  • Monitoring 
    (testing effectiveness and client/consumer satisfaction).

  • Re-assessment 
    (are IMS efficiency goals being met)?

  • IMS expansion and modification 
    (develop into other functions).

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Understanding

There is not one particular IMS solution appropriate for all utilities.  The IMS must “fit” both the physical characteristics of the utility and the needs of managers and operators.  Molding an IMS to match water or wastewater utility needs, using the best mix of available tools and technologies, is the foundation to implementing effective IMS solutions.

Definition

The typical utility IMS integrates software packages with various elements of system management and operations.  The IMS includes database and spatial information on system assets and engineering, maintenance or operations activities.  

Range of Options

There are numerous software tools available on the market which provide electronic information management.  Options range from basic database and water/wastewater SCADA applications, to Geographic Information System (GIS) and integrated programs which serve as stand-alone systems.  There are also web-based IMS solutions which compile, integrate and analyze system infrastructure data.

Many IMS applications are GIS-based and can link to other off-the-shelf or utility-specific computer systems or software.  These systems allow for display of particular water, wastewater or storm water system photographs, in addition to standard database and spatial information.

Driving Forces

IMS "drivers" include:

  • Costs 
    (particularly on operation and maintenance expenditures).

  • Competitiveness (e.g., privatization pressures).

  • Management urgency.

  • Teamwork expectations (public, regulators, consultants and manufacturers).

  • Changes in financial accountability (the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, or GASB, 34 regulations).

  • Increased expectations.

  • Need for quick access to infrastructure information.

New IMS technologies are evolving quickly as hardware and software packages are available.    

Accounting for IMS drivers > also requires water utilities to have a focused, phased 
< IMS strategy.

Future Trends

Information management systems are being developed nation-wide for municipal and utility management.   

These systems, vital to future successful operations, represent one of the principal methods for utilities to become more efficient and remain competitive in the face of rising needs and costs.

Whichever IMS application you choose to best meet your system's needs, it should represent one component of your overall IMS approach.

Check back next issue for an illustrative example of a municipal IMS.