DETROIT, MI, Dec. 5, 2000—Mayor Dennis W. Archer of the City of Detroit, recently signed a $14.5M amendment with Westin to implement a web-based Utility Information Management System called a Visual Management System (VMS) for the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department�s (DWSD) Wastewater Operations Group.
VMS is a web-enabled, visually-presented solution that gives managers a real-time, birds-eye-view of their facility and highlights impending compliance issues. This system will assist DWSD�s Wastewater Operations Group in developing management tools necessary for long-term discharge permit compliance and for managing plant operations.
The mayor, acting as Special Administrator of the Wastewater Treatment Plant, selected Westin based on their experience in delivering quality, custom information technology (IT) solutions.
The Wastewater Operations Group will ultimately use VMS on a daily basis to access real-time information; manage the facility�s people, assets, and operations; integrate multiple information technology applications and SCADA (Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition) systems; and interact internally and externally in an e-business, desktop environment. Designed for current needs and future adaptability, VMS will allow seamless integration with other City and DWSD systems.
According to Tom DeLaura, Westin�s Vice President overseeing the project, "We�re moving into the most rewarding phase of the DWSD project, leveraging our efforts-to-date in building the infrastructure. We built a strong IT foundation and then extended and enhanced it, layering in specialized applications such as CMMS (Computerized Maintenance Management System), LIMS (Laboratory Information Management Systems), and SCADA. Now we�re in the third phase, bringing all the individually effective pieces and platforms together into a powerful online decision support tool. We�re taking the massive decision support system model from the theoretical to the attainable in a powerful, practical application.�
Gary Fujita, Assistant Director of Wastewater Operations for DWSD stated, �Westin has been dedicated to our successful implementation of improved information systems. They assisted in the effort of taking our department from an older computer environment with a few isolated PC applications to an integrated fiber-optic environment of over 500 PCs, 25 servers, and networked applications that has resulted in data sharing that wasn�t possible before. The local Westin staff have been and continue to be a valued resource to DWSD and have demonstrated their long-term commitment to the city and our utility.�
DWSD (www.dwsd.org) provides water and wastewater services to approximately 4 million residents. DWSD owns, operates, and maintains a single Wastewater Treatment Plant on a 24/7 basis and is capable of treating up to 1.5 billion gallons per day (1.5 BGD). DWSD employs over 1,000 plant operators, maintenance personnel, support staff, and managers at the Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Westin (www.westinsolutions.com) is a leader in control and IT systems for Utilities and Public Sector, providing technology solutions to complex operations and business issues. The company plans, designs and implements state-of-the-art solutions that encompass information technologies, control system engineering, maintenance management and business consulting. Our technologically dependable solutions are designed for future adaptability allowing our clients to keep ahead of changes in the industry environment and regulatory requirements.
