Client: Harris County
Location: Harris County, Texas
Harris County had purchased seven instances of Cartegraph (opens in a new tab) to track all the work performed on their assets. The instances provide unique Cartegraph sites for each of its four precincts, the Engineering Department, Toll Roadways Department, and Flood Control Department. EA supports the Engineering Department in the implementation of their Cartegraph instance for tracking the creation of new assets and distributing them through GIS to the precincts. The Engineering Department is responsible for the planning, design, and construction of infrastructure maintained by the four Precincts. Infrastructure managed by the Engineering Department includes roads, bridges, sidewalks, signs, traffic signals, streetlights, parks, trails, flood control measures, stormwater conveyance, and stormwater management.
Workflow Development and Configurations
For the Engineering Department, EA led several meetings with the Stormwater Group, Road Log Group, and Acceptance Group to review and understand existing workflows. Our business analysts then developed proposed workflows within Cartegraph and configured the site accordingly including custom fields, maintenance of libraries, and creation of request/work layouts. From these methods, trainings were held and recorded for use of these workflows in Cartegraph.
Efficiency Amongst the Precincts
Because the data for each of the County’s seven instances of Cartegraph are not shared, EA’s configuration included procedures to ensure data can be easily and effectively shared across the sites. For example, for the Engineering Department to accurately predict long-term pavement conditions, the work tracked on the pavement from the Precinct instances must be brought into the Engineering instances. This requires that data be consistent between the Precincts. In support of this, EA reviewed the Harris County Pavement Construction Specifications and developed a technical memorandum with recommendations on the work from the Precincts that should be tracked for the Engineering Department.
Custom Stormwater Assets
In collaboration with the Stormwater Group, EA developed custom Stormwater Assets and condition inspections. Recognizing the unique requirements associated with stormwater management, business analysts facilitated discussions and workshops to identify specific data points crucial for accurate tracking and monitoring of stormwater-related activities. Leveraging Cartegraph’s robust configuration capabilities, EA implemented tailored solutions by creating custom data fields, modifying existing attributes, and introducing entirely new asset types dedicated to stormwater infrastructure. This involved a thorough process of aligning the system with the Stormwater Group’s workflow and operational needs. The introduction of custom Stormwater Assets not only reflects EA’s commitment to addressing specific departmental requirements but also contributes to the overall efficiency and effectiveness of stormwater management within Harris County.
Stormwater Inspections
EA seamlessly incorporated the existing inspection process of the Stormwater Group into Cartegraph, fostering a more streamlined and efficient workflow for Harris County’s Stormwater group. EA engaged with the Stormwater Group to understand their current inspection procedures encompassing the assessment of stormwater infrastructure. Leveraging Cartegraph’s versatile platform, these processes were translated into a digital framework by configuring the system to accommodate the specific data points and criteria essential for stormwater inspections. This involved the creation of customized inspection templates, integration of relevant data fields, and the development of user-friendly interfaces tailored to the unique needs of the Stormwater Group. The implementation not only preserves the integrity of the Stormwater Group’s established inspection practices but also enhances the overall accuracy and accessibility of stormwater-related information for effective decision-making within Harris County.
