Sweetwater Authority: Integrating GIS and Asset Management

George Silva, Sweetwater Authority

In 2008, Sweetwater Authority implemented a field based GIS application designed to allow the fire hydrant and valve maintenance crews to enter their daily maintenance data in the field using a digital tablet, using the InfraMap software by iWater. The users synced in the morning to receive any updates to the GIS data, and synced in the evening to upload their work for the day. The data is stored in personal geodatabases that are part of an enterprise distributed GIS network. However, there was still a disconnect with our work order/asset management system. The work orders issued to complete the maintenance work would still need to be completed and closed out separate from the InfraMap application, which required the printing of the work orders and data entry from the clerical staff.

In 2009, in order to complete the paperless loop, we integrated InfraMap with our Maximo enterprise asset management system, allowing for the automated syncing of work and material data for all maintenance activities and the Maximo work orders. This was accomplished by using data tables stored locally on the field laptops that stored the data required by the Maximo asset management system to complete the work order process. When the daily syncing occurs, a Maximo application called the Maximo Enterprise Adapter (MEA) completes a synchronization of the data. The MEA either closes out the work order with the labor and material information, or creates a follow up work order if required. The InfraMap application displays the open and closed work orders, and updates as the work is completed. The MEA will also download to the laptops any new open work orders. This presentation will discuss what was necessary to complete this integration, and demonstrate the application.