Recently, Iowa City began a process to implement an enterprise asset management system to improve the oversight and maintenance of its utility infrastructure. Recognizing the complexity of this undertaking, city officials selected SAM as a trusted consultant due to our extensive experience working with over 500 municipalities across the Midwest and North America. SAM’s reputation for full-service asset management, GIS consulting, field data collection, and Geographic Information System (GIS) design and development positioned the company as the ideal partner for the city’s needs.
Iowa City recognized the importance of implementing a modern asset management system. Before investing in software, city officials understood the need to establish an accurate asset inventory dataset. Without a comprehensive dataset, the asset management platform would be ineffective. The challenge was twofold: ensuring data integrity and implementing a standardized system that could be effectively used across multiple city departments.
SAM’s role encompassed a multi-phase initiative to assess, document, and integrate Iowa City’s sanitary sewer, storm sewer, fiber, and water distribution systems into a centralized asset management platform. The goal was to establish a high-quality dataset to ensure accuracy, efficiency, and long-term sustainability in the city’s infrastructure management efforts. SAM’s approach involved conducting an extensive needs assessment across all municipal departments to evaluate the current state of utility data and determine the best path forward. The assessment confirmed that Iowa City required detailed field data collection to create a complete and accurate representation of its utility infrastructure.
SAM devised a structured three-phase plan to collect and integrate Iowa City’s utility data into its asset management system. The first phase focused on mapping the sanitary sewer system. SAM deployed specialized field crews to locate and inventory all sanitary sewer assets. Using survey-grade Trimble R12 GPS technology, crews conducted thorough inspections of every manhole, documenting key details such as pipe sizes, materials, and top-side inspections with photos. The collected data was processed and integrated into a GIS database, providing city officials with a comprehensive visual representation of the sanitary sewer network.
The second phase centered on the water distribution system and fiber network. SAM’s teams identified and recorded all water valves, hydrants, handholes, and distribution lines, documenting critical details such as manufacturer specifications, installation dates, and component conditions. High-resolution photographs were linked to each asset within the GIS system, allowing city officials to access visual confirmations of infrastructure conditions.
The final phase addressed the storm sewer network, which was more extensive than initially anticipated. SAM’s field teams worked to map the system accurately, identifying additional assets that had not been previously documented. This phase was executed under a change order, demonstrating the project’s evolving scope as more infrastructure elements were uncovered. Despite these challenges, SAM ensured that all stormwater assets were properly cataloged and integrated into the city’s GIS database.
Throughout each phase, SAM collaborated closely with Iowa City’s GIS staff to streamline data integration, ensuring that the information collected was compatible with the city’s enterprise Esri system. SAM also played a pivotal role in the selection process for the city’s asset management software, serving on the selection committee, facilitating vendor evaluations, and ensuring that the chosen system aligned with the city’s long-term infrastructure goals.
Several key factors drove Iowa City’s decision to partner with SAM. SAM brought exceptional expertise in municipal asset management and utility data collection. Unlike other consultants that focus solely on software implementation, SAM provides full-service support, including data collection, system integration, and ongoing consultation. SAM’s use of survey-grade GPS technology ensured the highest level of accuracy, surpassing industry standards for utility mapping and GIS integration. Throughout the project, SAM remained actively engaged with Iowa City, reinforcing the city’s confidence in the long-term success of the initiative.
While utility mapping may seem straightforward, SAM’s approach involves meticulous field verification processes to ensure the highest level of accuracy. Using Trimble R12 GPS technology, high-precision survey equipment provided location accuracy down to the centimeter level, complete with attribute data, condition information, and linked photos to support asset management. The GIS-integrated datasets were delivered directly into Iowa City’s enterprise Esri system, allowing seamless visualization and analysis. Secure cloud-based solutions through Azure technology facilitated real-time updates and accessibility across city departments. These technological advancements allowed Iowa City to transition from outdated, fragmented records to a centralized, digital asset management system that enhances efficiency and decision-making.
As the project nears completion, Iowa City now has a comprehensive, reliable utility dataset that serves as the backbone of its asset management system. The structured, multi-year approach ensured that all municipal utilities were accurately mapped and integrated, setting the stage for improved maintenance, budgeting, and long-term planning. By taking proactive steps to establish a strong data foundation, Iowa City is now positioned to manage its infrastructure more effectively, reducing costly surprises and improving service delivery for residents.
With Iowa City’s asset management system now firmly in place, city officials can focus on optimizing operations and planning for future infrastructure needs. Staff are able to leverage the same system to respond faster to network emergencies, simplify workflows, and enhance daily operations. SAM remains a valuable partner, ready to support future expansions and ensure that the city’s utility data remains accurate and up to date. This project serves as a testament to SAM’s ability to tackle complex municipal projects, providing lasting value through experience, technology, and a commitment to excellence.