3.1.2.3 Supporting Roles

Supporting Roles

The following additional roles are important to support TAM in an agency:

• Asset Data Stewards: ensure all data related to a specific asset class is accurate and aligned with other pieces of data; this is not the same as asset steward/owner.
• Asset Management Software System Owners: manage/own specific software systems, bridge/ pavement management system; the owner is the software owner.
• Asset Management Software System Architects: look at the connectivity of information across systems and across outputs.
• Analysts (data, economics, financial): take data, then apply statistical, economic or financial analysis to provide guidance using that information.
• Maintenance and Operations Managers: are out in a district or field office managing the day-to-day asset activities.
• IT and Data Specialists: usually reside in the Data/IT unit; ensure that overall information and tools support for asset management work.

The following disciplines are key components of a TAM program:

• Engineers: apply understanding of specific asset types, how the condition and role of assets influence treatment choices, and model how investments influence future performance.
• Planners: in the planning or other units; consider long-term planning/policy-making for assets as it relates to programming and the connectivity of information throughout the cycle of activities.
• Economists: look at economic tradeoffs of various scenarios on actions taken for a specific asset.

Table 3.2 - Agency roles list and location