News 9 Steps for Creating an Asset Management Plan

There are nine steps to creating an asset management plan:

1. Determine the status of all sources of system data
2. Design or update a GIS database to capture system data
3. Perform field data collection
4. Create GIS connectivity
5. Perform a condition assessment
6. Complete a risk matrix
7. Complete a decision matrix
8. Determine financial viability and plan
9. Write the asset management plan

Determine the status of all sources of system data

Data may take the form of maps, lists, tables, work order tickets or histories, photos, or narratives. Data may be stored in hard copy, digital format, or both. Data may also exist anecdotally in the memory of long-serving employees. This is also called the gathering of institutional knowledge.

Design or update a GIS database to capture system data

A thorough design process enables all relevant system data to be captured from historical records and/or in the field on the first pass. It also ensures deliverables such as maps or models can be created from the data. WithersRavenel uses industry-standard ESRI Modes as the foundation of its GIS geodatabases.

Perform field data collection

Survey crews use GPS devices to verify or obtain the precise location of assets, such as the following:

• Water/Wastewater: hydrants, valves, blow-offs, storage tanks, wet wells, access covers
• Stormwater: culverts, pipes, outfalls, trash racks
• Pavement: asphalt roads, curb-and-gutter, sidewalks, ramps
• Parks: parks, playgrounds, spraygrounds, trails/greenways, boat access/ramps
• Facilities: office, garages, storage units, parking lots

Create GIS connectivity

Hard copy records such as maps and as-built drawings are scanned and the resulting images are linked to the corresponding entry in the GIS database in a process called georeferencing. In the case of water systems, the locations of utility meters are similarly linked with the help of the utility owner’s billing address list. WithersRavenel integrates the latest cloud software platforms for clients’ ease of access.

Perform a condition assessment

A condition assessment involves determining the physical condition of an asset. A condition assessment may include any combination of the following activities:

• A desktop review to confirm the age and expected service life of the asset
• A walk-through, ride-along, or CCTV inspection to collect visual evidence of asset wear or defects
• Field testing to discover and monitor system conditions, such as using flow monitoring, smoke testing, or drawdown testing to assess a water or wastewater system

Asset condition is categorized based on industry standards for that particular asset:

• Water: age and pattern of line breaks
• Wastewater: NASSCO-based CTV rankings
• Stormwater: physical inspection of outfalls
• Pavement: PCI ratings

Complete a risk matrix

Determine the criticality of each asset by assigning a consequence of failure (COF) and likelihood of failure (LOF).

Complete a decision matrix

List asset improvement projects based on their priority rating.

Determine financial viability and plan

Evaluate the list of projects and work to determine a funding strategy that attains the level of service.

Write the asset management plan

Compile the information collected from the asset inventory, condition assessment, risk matrix, and decision matrix. Add cost estimates and schedules for completing asset improvement projects.