By Todd Henderson, Utilities Management Assistant

In May 2009, the town of Marana implemented Cartegraph software, an asset management system that gives staff the ability to track the condition and value of assets and create a proactive work management and inventory control system. This system gives the town the ability to create an enterprise-wide asset management tool that increases efficiency and transparency.

The Utilities Department began implementing Cartegraph by creating a work management system while Public Works simultaneously started collecting and rating town assets. One year later, the roles were switched; Utilities collected all of its assets and Public Works created a work order system. Both departments kept track of every asset’s maintenance history by attaching work orders to the relevant assets in the system.

Four years later, the town is realizing significant savings by virtue of proactive maintenance schedules versus reactive response. An example includes the Pavement Preservation Program adopted by the Town Council that was created from the numbers generated by Cartegraph’s pavement rating system. This program assists the town in identifying and scheduling treatments that preserve roads years past their normal lifespan and saving the town millions of dollars.

A fully implemented asset management system that tracks labor, equipment and materials saves municipalities money and provides efficiency, transparency and accountability to residents. This type of progress and innovation is reflected in the town’s strategic plan and is one of the driving forces behind Marana’s success.