The Power of Data in Modern Infrastructure Asset Management in Local Government 📊🏗️💲

As asset managers, we are always trying to find ways to help us manage and maintain our infrastructure assets more efficiently, and data analytics has emerged as a key element to help us achieve this.

Infrastructure asset management is a critical function for any council responsible for ensuring the long life, efficiency, and sustainability of infrastructure assets such like roads, footpaths, kerbs, bridges, buildings, stormwater and water systems, and open space assets such as playground assets, etc.

In recent years, the advent of data analysis tools and technology associated with data has revolutionised this field, offering councils unprecedented capabilities to manage and optimise their infrastructure assets.

Welcome to the Iamdata Solutions Asset Management Newsletter - May 2025

Jill Singleton

Director - Asset Management Specialist & Data Analyst

Today, I’d like to explore the transformative role of data and data analytics in infrastructure asset management at the council.

The Role of Data in Infrastructure Asset Management

As you know, infrastructure asset management involves the systematic process of operating, maintaining, upgrading, and disposing of assets in a cost-effectively way. The goal is to meet performance goals and service levels while minimising risks and costs over the asset's lifecycle.

Traditional asset management relied heavily on periodic inspections and manual record-keeping, which could be time-consuming, costly, and prone to errors.

Embracing a Data-Driven Approach

At its core, infrastructure asset management is about maintaining and renewing public assets in a way that balances cost, risk, and performance over time. This has historically involved time-intensive inspections, subjective decision-making, and siloed data storage.

The integration of data analytics brings a more systematic and proactive approach. By leveraging technologies such as sensors, machine learning, and cloud-based data platforms, councils can move toward predictive maintenance, optimised scheduling, and evidence-based planning.

The Role of Data Analytics

Data analytics is more than just charts and graphs. It is about uncovering patterns, predicting outcomes, and guiding decisions. In the council environment, analytics helps identify which assets are under strain, where budget should be prioritised, and how future needs can be anticipated. This involves several key steps:

• collecting reliable data

• integrating it across systems

• analysing it for insights

• visualising the findings in ways that support action

When done well, it enables teams to work with a full, accurate picture of their infrastructure assets and their condition.

Challenges of Fragmented Data

One of the most significant hurdles councils face is data fragmentation. Infrastructure-related data is often spread across asset management systems, financial software, GIS platforms, and (sometimes, unfortunately, dozens of copies of) spreadsheets, each set of data with different formats and update cycles.

As a former Asset Manager at the council, I have knowledge of and understand how this fragmentation causes discrepancies, outdated records, and inefficiencies. Overcoming this requires a strong focus on data quality and ensuring the information is current, complete, and consistent across all platforms.

Integrating Sensor Technology

We're heading towards a data and technology revolution! Today’s infrastructure assets are increasingly being embedded with sensors that offer real-time insights into performance. For example, water systems can be equipped with flow meters to detect leaks, smart meters to monitor consumption, and water quality sensors to track chemical balances.

Roads and bridges might include weight-in-motion sensors to assess traffic load, strain gauges to detect structural stress, and temperature sensors to anticipate weather-related deterioration.

Even public buildings benefit from HVAC sensors that monitor energy use and indoor air quality. Collecting and integrating this data allows councils to respond faster, plan maintenance more effectively, and extend asset life.

Turning Data Into Insight with Power BI

One of my favourite and, in my opionion, the most powerful tool in the data analytics toolkit is Power BI, which can integrate data from diverse sources, including SQL databases, Excel spreadsheets, SCADA systems, and cloud applications, into a unified reporting platform.

This allows councils to analyse historical trends, track financials, monitor asset condition, and visualise spatial data all in one place.

With interactive dashboards, decision-makers can quickly see which areas need attention, compare asset performance across locations, and forecast future needs with greater confidence.

Check out some Power BI examples here: https://www.iamdata.solutions/interactive-power-bi-reports-for-you-to-explore

Enabling Predictive Maintenance

Perhaps one of the most transformative benefits of analytics is predictive maintenance. If we can analyse past trends and performance data, councils can anticipate when assets are likely to require repairs or replacements. This means less reactive maintenance, fewer unexpected failures, and better use of limited resources. Instead of responding to issues after they arise, councils can intervene earlier, reducing long-term costs and improving reliability of services.

Managing Capital Works More Effectively

Capital works projects are complex undertakings that involve coordinating timelines, budgets, and contractors. When supported by data analytics, councils can better monitor progress, manage risks, and track financial performance in real time. Integrated reporting ensures that project teams, finance staff, and senior leaders all have access to consistent, up-to-date information leading to better collaboration and more timely decision-making.

Advanced Modelling for Long-Term Planning

Beyond operational reporting, many councils are now exploring more sophisticated analytical methods. Machine learning models can predict asset failures, while deterioration modelling techniques like Markov chains estimate how infrastructure will age under different conditions. These tools help councils plan for the long term, ensuring that investment decisions are based on robust projections and risk assessments, rather than guesswork or political pressure.

Emerging Technology - AI and IoT in Action

The use of Internet of Things (IoT) devices and artificial intelligence (AI) is pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in asset management. Smart sensors embedded in infrastructure can transmit live data about usage, wear, and environmental conditions. AI systems can analyse these massive data streams to detect patterns or anomalies that human analysts might miss. This level of automation enables councils to shift from reactive operations to proactive planning, all while reducing costs and improving service levels.

Real-World Case Studies

1. Campbelltown City Council (NSW) Enhancing Playground Asset Management

Campbelltown City Council collaborated with Iamdata Solutions to develop a suite of Power BI reports aimed at optimising the management of the council’s playground assets. By integrating data from the council’s Conquest Asset Management system, these reports provided in-depth visualisations and insights into asset conditions, valuations, and renewal strategies. This initiative streamlined asset management processes, enabling more informed decision-making and efficient resource allocation. ​Camptelltown City Council - Streamlining Playground Asset Management (NSW)

2. City of Tea Tree Gully (SA): Transforming Asset Management Practices

The City of Tea Tree Gully in South Australia implemented a new, award-winning asset management strategy that significantly improved service delivery, risk management, and investment decisions. By adopting software that forecasts infrastructure deterioration and conducting data analysis to review processes, the council enhanced its ability to manage assets proactively, leading to increased efficiencies across various teams. ​Government News

3. Transport for NSW: Utilizing AI for Road Defect Detection

Transport for NSW introduced Asset AI®, an AI technology that allows councils to conduct frequent and cost-effective road audits. This system enables timely and early intervention to address defects, thereby extending the lifespan of roads. By leveraging AI, councils can move from traditional, infrequent road audits to a more proactive approach, ensuring better maintenance and safety of road infrastructure. ​Transport for NSW

These case studies demonstrate the tangible benefits of integrating data analytics into infrastructure asset management. By leveraging advanced technologies and data-driven strategies, councils can enhance service delivery, optimize resource allocation, and proactively maintain critical infrastructure assets.

Strategic and Policy Implications

The implications of these technologies go far beyond asset teams. Insights from analytics can support broader council strategy informing budget allocations, sustainability goals, and long-term infrastructure planning.

Councils can use data to assess environmental impacts, model growth-driven demand, or justify investment in resilience initiatives. Clear, accessible reporting also fosters greater accountability and transparency, helping councils build public trust and demonstrate value to their communities.

A Data-Driven Future

I believe that data analytics is no longer a luxury for councils but a necessity. By investing in data collection, integration, and analysis, councils can gain a deeper understanding of their infrastructure assets, respond to issues faster, and make smarter investment decisions.

As emerging technologies continue to evolve, the potential to optimise infrastructure management will only grow. For councils committed to delivering sustainable, community-focused services, the future is undoubtedly data-driven.

I have worked on many different projects with my Local Government clients, from designing and developing Power BI Reports, to building SQL Server databases for spatial data, to managing and maintaining GIS and the Asset Management systems. If you'd like to discuss how we might work together, then please email Jill at ➡️ jill.singleton@iamdata.solutions

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