2.3.2.2
Defining Appropriate Management Approaches for Different Asset Categories
An appropriate approach to manage and monitor each asset governed by the TAM framework needs to be established. Depending on the nature of the asset and the level of risk involved, different approaches can be selected by an agency.
Structuring asset management also involves evaluating different management approach- es and defining the appropriate level of maturity. There are several approaches to managing highway assets, each with different data needs, and several ways to structure and implement asset management processes. These include:
- Reactive-Based. Treatment is performed to fix a problem after it has occurred.
- Interval-Based. The asset is treated based on a time or usage basis whether it needs it or not.
- Condition-Based (Life Cycle Approach). Select intervention based on a forecasted condition exceedance interval.
Chapter 4 provides more details on these different approaches to managing assets.
Processes and approaches can range in their level of detail and complexity. This is what forms the foundation of some asset management maturity levels. Much like deciding on the scope of assets to manage, the level of advancement of the asset management processes an agency adopts should depend on the context and readiness of the agency, as well as the problem being addressed. Consideration should be given to the data, processes and tools available to support the asset management approaches and processes, as well as resource availability and capability. It is common for an agency to begin at a simple level and mature over time towards more complex asset management that integrates processes and decision-making.