Municipal utilities face increasing pressure to meet evolving demands, including compliance with new regulations such as Indiana House Bill 1459; Public Law 91, which requires reporting on a utility’s asset management program every four years. These are specifically addressed to Sanitary Sewer Collection Systems and Water Distribution Systems. (Notably, this law does not currently apply to Stormwater-Only systems.) Utilities must find ways to meet these compliance requirements typically with more limited resources, amid shrinking budgets, and aging infrastructure. This is all while ensuring rapid response to emergencies and maintaining public transparency. Unfortunately, many traditional work order systems—often reliant on spreadsheets or disconnected from spatial data—limit visibility, increase the risk of missed maintenance tasks, and lead to inefficiencies that can undermine the long-term health of critical infrastructure.
The GIS-Based Solution: Hebron, Indiana
To overcome these challenges, Hebron partnered with Abonmarche/Axia using ESRI GIS software to implement a GIS-integrated WOM solution. Some of the ESRI products utilized were: an ArcGIS Online Organizational Account, Field Maps, and ArcGIS Workforce.
This solution connects the office and the field through real-time, location-aware data, allowing teams to visualize, prioritize, and act more responsively to repair requests, asset collection/documentation, inspections, capital improvement planning, and maintenance needs.
Understanding the Workflow
Hebron’s system organizes work management into three distinct components:
- Requests – Submitted by staff or the public.
- Work Orders from Requests – Generated in response to citizen calls, complaints, or submitted issues.
- Work Orders from Proactive Maintenance – Initiated based on routine maintenance schedules or staff observations.
This approach ensures both reactive and proactive maintenance tasks are captured and tracked efficiently, supporting a shift toward predictive infrastructure management.
Key Benefits
- Rapid Emergency Response
GIS visibility allows for precise dispatching and shorter response times during storm events or sewer backups. - Informed Capital Planning
Historical maintenance data, condition ratings, and usage patterns justify funding requests and help prioritize capital improvement projects. - Regulatory Compliance
The system supports compliance with HB 1459 by generating reports and dashboards that demonstrate ongoing asset management efforts. - Improved Public Trust
Fewer disruptions, faster service, and visible investment in infrastructure build credibility with residents and stakeholders. - Staff Empowerment & Efficiency
Field staff can update records from the job site, reducing duplication, increasing accountability, and improving job satisfaction.
Implementation Insights: Lessons from Hebron
- Start Small; Scale Smart
Begin with one area (e.g., catch basins) and expand incrementally. Phased rollouts reduce overwhelming staff and ensure strong user adoption. - Engage Field Crews Early
Successful implementation depends on buy-in from the team doing the work. Involve them in design and testing. - Identify and Train Champions
Power users serve as internal support and trainers, creating momentum and reducing reliance on outside consultants. - Communicate Consistently
Clear definitions, process transparency, and regular updates ensure alignment across teams. - Technology Is a Tool, Not a Substitute
The system enhances collaboration—it doesn’t replace it. Human insight remains essential.
The Bigger Picture: GIS as a Catalyst for Infrastructure Innovation
Hebron’s story reflects a broader shift in municipal infrastructure management. GIS-based WOM systems are not just operational tools; they are strategic investments. They allow communities to:
- Proactively extend the life of assets
- Allocate resources more effectively
- Increase transparency for constituents
- Build the foundation for future smart city initiatives
As more municipalities embrace integrated, location-based asset management systems, the benefits will be felt not only underground but also across every department, every budget, and every resident served.
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