A new bundle of software applications is being used to help utilities manage work orders, materials, geographic information systems (GIS) and customer service, making use of the Internet to help tie it all together.
With changing industry dynamics, such as privatization and the increased need to reduce costs while improving customer service, utilities need solutions that integrate systems across the organization, including fixed assets, stores, field operations and customer service.
AssetWorks Software is designed to link work order data (usually relational) and spatial data (such as that from ESRI).
Earlier systems more closely resemble databases. This software is intended to integrate all of the asset-related recordkeeping processes that different departments in a utility may have. Since it makes use of all of the available data in this way, a utility can use the software for business execution of day-to-day tasks, business optimization, and executive information systems (like data mining).
The Internet-enabled technology lets organizations broaden the deployment of infrastructure management solutions beyond traditional maintenance and facilities departments. Using familiar standards found in the Internet today, AssetWorks? solutions provide ease-of-use, ease-of-deployment and a platform for scalability. By combining knowledge gained from the existing FM Enterprise product and its large installed based, the software can provide improved efficiencies by integrating work order management, materials management, geographic information systems (GIS) and customer service.
Cincinnati Water Works installed the Assetworks system in early 1998. At the time its work management system was fragmented and management was worried about how much money was being spent. With no way of watching the big picture, overpurchasing of supplies and similar wasteful situations were a problem.
?After the project was complete, there was $2 million in savings the first year,? said Dave Gibson, Vice President of North American sales for AssetWorks. Cincinnati uses its system for cost management and tracking of materials.
?Our mission is to provide our customers with a plentiful supply of the highest quality water and outstanding services in a financially responsible manner,? said David Rager, Director of Water Works for Cincinnati Water Works.
?To accomplish this, we need to continue to make wise and timely investments in new technologies. Partnering with AssetWorks is allowing us to leverage and maximize the efficiencies that Internet-based technologies can bring to the management of our water system.?
The software, which Gibson calls ?custom-commercial off-the-shelf software,? includes advanced scheduling for workforce optimization and customer service improvements. Work order management can schedule the next available person with the right skill and do real-time appointment making.
There are 16 different modules that can be customized for the utility?s needs. Each addresses a functional area of infrastructure management.
