Development of infrastructure asset management software solutions for municipalities in South Africa

Abstract

This Record of Study presents the development of infrastructure asset management software solutions for municipalities in South Africa. The study was performed within a multidisciplinary engineering consulting company in South Africa with an interest in expanding its infrastructure asset management consultancy services in the local government market. South Africa faces a large backlog in the delivery of basic services to communities; existing infrastructure is showing signs of advanced aging; and municipalities are inadequately staffed to effectively provide services with limited funding. The company identified the opportunity to support South African municipalities with the delivery of sustainable infrastructure services through the implementation of infrastructure asset management best practice. The provision of these services required the development of infrastructure asset management software that satisfies the needs of municipalities. Infrastructure asset management practice around the world and in the context of municipalities in South Africa was reviewed to gain an understanding of the specific requirements of the asset management software solution. The software functionality was conceptualized and the technical requirements were identified to aid development. Finally, a business plan was prepared to assess the commercial viability of the software and to guide its introduction into the market.