Asset Management Strategies of David and Goliath

 

 

Keywords: Asset Management, Computer Maintenance Management System (CMMS), Integration, Mobile

 

Asset management is interpreted very differently depending on utilities. Asset management is NOT one size fits all. Similarly, there are multiple strategies to implement an asset management program. Although there are multiple definitions of asset management, most asset management programs have a common objective to ''A means of managing infrastructure to minimize the cost of owning and operating it, while delivering the service levels the customer desire.''

Most utilities have been practicing elements of asset management. It may not be formally referred to as asset management but those practices are leading toward the development of a formal asset management program. This paper will present two completely different strategies of developing asset management programs. Both the case studies of two different strategies were equally effective in meeting their objectives and transforming the utilities to be asset management centric. We will present the case study of Sacramento Regional County Sanitation District, very large utility's approach in developing an asset management program through a Strategic Asset Management Plan that took over 18 months and involved over 50 key stakeholders including board members, leadership team and senior staff. We will also share the case study of Central Marin Sanitation Agency, a small/mid size utility's approach in initiating an asset management program through a minimal planning process and focused more on implementation. This effort took over 5 months and was on a shoe string budget.

Which approach is better? Which approach is right for your utility? This paper introduces the two different approaches and discusses the benefits from each approach and lesson learned from the case studies.

 

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