AWWA CSC92035

Many organizations develop a multiplicity of information systems to meet the needs of functional areas. Water companies are no different. Independent information systems may be developed for engineering, customer billing and administrative services, water distribution, and waste water treatment. Each is developed to meet specific management and regulatory needs. These information islands are often separated by large distances; distances that are measured in geographical and logical terms. The systems usually incorporate hardware and software from different vendors who have developed proprietary file formats and reporting methods. As each information island grows to meet increasing regulatory and functional needs, the islands also move farther apart. Unless system integration is a requirement from the start, unifying the system becomes more difficult as time passes. Building bridges between the islands therefore becomes increasingly difficult. This paper discusses how Columbus Water Works successfully bridged the islands with minimal cost and organizational disruption.