Infrastructure Management: Data-driven Decision Making
How to Create an Effective Municipal Culture Based on Hard Facts
Anyone who has worked in or around government at the local municipal level can attest that the current system is bogged down by inefficiency and poor communication. Correspondence within offices and between departments is hindered by trapped data that can not be easily accessed by those who need it, and outdated protocols that do not prioritize transparency and the systematized sharing of information.
A Broken System
For example, imagine that a backhoe is needed by a local Highway Department for an excavation, yet it is in use on a repair work order. Rather than wasting time trying to commandeer a piece of machinery that is already in use, Public Works Software system with data-driven decision-making capabilities would help any team member working on the problem to automatically know that they need to find a solution. Instead, however, the current system has personnel wasting time, man hours and resources by running around looking for equipment that is not available.
The Time for Change is Here
The post-recession climate has left many public works departments depleted of personnel after layoffs and restructuring, As the economy strengthens and cities begin to hire again, a great way to leverage new hires is to teach them from the get-go how to find digital solutions to common issues based on current data. It is now possible for cities to use relevant data to make more effective, efficient decisions.
The best way to do this is to aggregate all municipal data into one cloud-based Public Works Software system that allows personnel in every department to access crucial information that will save time, money and manpower. This exact sort of software has been developed, tested and is being implemented with success by several North American municipalities and cities.
A Road Agent in Whitefield, NH recently reported: “I have been using [public works software] for two years. It has improved maintenance tracking. Things are coming into place. For example, when a rig broke down and knew you’d worked on it before. It was pretty handy. It is a good setup.”
A Revolutionary Idea
WebDPW has created a groundbreaking Public Works Software product that allows the effectiveness of digital technology to revolutionize the efficiency of public works departments. This system allows for important data to be shared by every department within a city including Police, Fire, Transportation, Parking Management, Traffic, Public Works, Water and Sewer, Gas and Electric, Highway and more.
In this way, when information such as how many potholes are out there and where they are located is gathered by cameras on fire trucks, the department of public works can access the data and make fast decisions on how to budget and staff the seasonal repair effort.
The WebDPW software is built on a streamlined network that interfaces assets, work orders, repairs, inspections, job locations, site history and much more into one open system designed to promote a culture of sharing data on efficient protocols and potential hazards concerning any physical component of the municipal system.
Time to Go Digital
Conservation and global consciousness are prevalent themes today, yet municipal offices are still using entirely too much paper. Data that is placed into file cabinets can instead be uploaded into the WebDPW software, analyzed and interpreted. Then, it can be turned into visually understandable reports that turn abstract numbers into valuable assets for personnel who need to make data-based decisions.
This user-friendly software provides a host of features such as asset management, comprehensive reporting, GPS mapping, intuitive work order management, cost management and analysis, all accessible from the cloud with a tablet, iPad or computer.
