Analysis of Asset Management in Water Supply Networks: DEWA Case Study

This report delves into the critical aspects of asset management within water supply networks, emphasizing the importance of effective decision-making processes. It explores the structural formulation, asset inventory, and cost strategies involved in managing such systems, using the Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) as a case study. The report examines key elements like asset design, reliability in operations, assessment, maintenance, and replacement, alongside strategic drivers and the application of standards such as PAS 55 and ISO 55000. It analyzes both internal and external factors influencing asset management, including cost considerations and competitive advantages. Furthermore, it discusses frameworks for asset management, key asset-related activities, and the development of an asset management strategy, with recommendations for improvement. The report highlights the benefits of an integrated approach, including improved asset life, consumer satisfaction, and efficient operational activities.

Asset Management 1
Asset Management
The Integrated DEWA Water Supply System

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 2
Contents
1.0 Introduction....................................................................................................................4
1.1 Case Analysis.............................................................................................................5
2.0 structure of engineering asset management...................................................................7
2.1 Asset design (acquisition)..........................................................................................9
2.2 Reliability in operations...........................................................................................10
2.3 Assessment...............................................................................................................11
2.4 Maintenance.............................................................................................................12
2.5 Replacement............................................................................................................12
2.6 Strategy Drivers.......................................................................................................13
3.1 The Five Core Management Questions...................................................................14
4.0 Internal and External Factors.......................................................................................15
4.1 Deliverables.............................................................................................................16
4.2 Cost Factors.............................................................................................................17
4.3 Asset Acquisition and design...................................................................................18
4.4 Suitability.................................................................................................................19
4.5 Gaining a competitive advantage.............................................................................21
5.1 The management systems view...............................................................................23
6. Frameworks for asset management...............................................................................23
6.1 Key asset related activities.......................................................................................24

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 3
6.2 Quality Elements Framework..................................................................................25
6.3 Developing an Asset Management Strategy................................................................26
6.4 The EUT Model.......................................................................................................27
7.0 Recommendations........................................................................................................28
8.0 Conclusion...................................................................................................................29
Bibliography......................................................................................................................31

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 4
1.0 Introduction
Asset management in engineering is a best practice that explores critical aspects of an
infrastructure (Jardine & Tsang, 2013). The management of water supply systems is a continuous
process that requires concrete decision-making processes. Understanding the structural
formulation and interactions in an engineering process calls for an analysis of its cyclic
processes, asset inventory and condition as well as cost strategies. Effective asset management is
efficient if it addresses the key elements of a process. The water supply system in an urban
setting comprises of water pipeline networks or capital assets.
When making plans for repairs or replacement, engineers evaluate the conditions of an asset and
its performance in order to establish the extent of damages and resources required. The system
theorists define a system as an integrated, interactive and interdependent functioning that has a
centralized focus (Gond, et al., 2012). The configuration of a water system looks at the structural
elements, aims and objectives of an organization and the systems integration. In the
contemporary systems, consideration for the environmental factors is also important. The critical
assets in a water network includes the pumps, motors, pipes and water collection facilities. When
doing this system analysis, important factors to consider are, age, condition and severity. The
physical barriers, water collection process and its storage factors are also part of the organized
system. Engineering project managers use the PAS 55 AND ISO 5500 as standard quality
procedures for the optimization of the physical assets.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 5
Figure 1: The ‘V’ diagram of systems engineering showing an integrated system (Ruma &
Czerniak, 2017)
1.1 Case Analysis
The Dubai Electricity and Water Authority (DEWA) is an example of water supply network with
an asset management strategy (Dewa, 2017). The Dubai based organization has corporate
strategies with key performance indicators. The system incorporates environmental, social and
financial aspects in its performance. Its corporate strategies trickle down to the engineering
processes including asset management. Motivated by stakeholder business approaches, this
model covers excellence in operations. Currently DEWA supplies water to more than 500,000
consumers. The system also supplies electricity and part of its strategies include sustainability
approaches like the use of solar energy and hydroelectricity (Epstein & Buhovac, 2014). It shares
its strategy with its stakeholder network including suppliers, contractors and consultants. Its asset
management strategy comprises of tangible and intangible assets.
a) Asset points

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 6
Critical assets required for sustainability of this plan starts with the identification of causes of
failure in a system. Important determinants of successful implementation includes human factors,
mechanical, computer system failure, electrical and hydraulic. The DEWA water supply system
has a water purification unit, dam water collection point, water storage reservoirs, towers,
pressure vessels, pumping stations, and pipe network. This is a public utility with an
infrastructural management system that that regulates and controls the distribution points (Szabo,
2011). Funded by the government the DEWA asset management plan expects minimal costs of
the plan for the best funding option.
Figure 2 : Asset points in a water supply system (Bhatt & Paneria, 2017)
b) Future plans
Its 2021 strategy indicates DEWAs plan to feature as part of the 4th Industrial Revolution
(Government of Dubai, 2017). Constant review of its strategy has seen the improvement of its
management approaches for a competitive strategy. This plan trickles down to its substations and
operation networks. As part of asset management, the project has undergone renovations in order
to increase water flows. Contemporary city infrastructure involves complex projects

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 7
developments to meet the growing demands in the market. The management of a water system
calls for an analysis of the of its asset elements in support of the structural lifecycle and the cost
analysis. Some of the expected benefits of this process include:
 Improved asset life through effective long term solutions in repairs, rehabilitation and
replacements
 Consumer satisfaction through reliable, safe and quality water systems
 Sound operational activities with efficient costs and benefit ratios
 Standardized service expectations
 Effective risk management
2.0 structure of engineering asset management
Asset management has benefits to the organization. It reduces on maintenance and
implementation costs. This control system targets the lifecycle activities in an operation. Through
a feedback mechanism, the operation manager is able to deduce findings on what hinders the
optimization of a process. Asset related activities include maintenance, asset acquisition,
assessment, replacement and human operation (Brunetto, 2014). These are important because
they influence the engineering activities in a lifecycle. The role of strategic management is to
manage the subcategories of the systems engineering and its asset management procedures.
Although research findings largely lean towards asset lifecycles, organizations also important in
the process because of the structural plans that they put in place in order to achieve a competitive
edge (El-Akruti, et al., 2013). The figure below shows climate conditions and population trends
for policy changes by the government and industry players in the water industry.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 8
Figure 3 Worrying climate trends in UAE (UAE Water, 2015)
Figure 4: UAE population trends (UAE, 2015)

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 9
2.1 Asset design (acquisition)
Asset design considers the asset need or usage, support systems, operation of an asset and its
removal. Water systems use an integrated system for required interactions and effective
relationships between the elements.
a) Types of assets
Figure 2 below identifies some of DEWAs procurement including energy efficient
appliances. This is a demonstration of its eco-friendly strategy within its asset management
units of operations. It defines asset management with reference to the activities,
organizational strategies and customer satisfaction for a competitive edge. In this description,
the end justifies the means because the underlying factor motivating the organization is the
impact of the operation management. The design process combines the coordination
mechanisms and the functions for the best performance.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 10
Figure 5: Items used in DEWA asset management (Anderson, 2016)
2.2 Reliability in operations
Problems in the design capabilities of an asset often interfere with the asset capabilities. The
design affects the life cycle of an asset because of fluctuations in its operations. The figure 1
below shows how to optimize the operation efficiency of a pump in a water system. In order to
reach the best efficiency point (BEP) it is important to consider whether the pump may be
operating outside the stated design. It is also possible that the pump is operating at various
modes of operation. These factors describe the reliability factor of an asset hence the use of a
Reliability Centered Maintenance model by DEWA (Fischer & Bertling, 2012). This is a balance

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 11
of the human, technical and resource factors. When there is poor performance, a project engineer
needs to check for asset failure in order to prevent further risks.
Figure 6: Water pump management (Life Cycle Engineering, 2015)
2.3 Assessment
The level of activities within an operation include the execution of critical parameters, a
monitoring system conditions the assets for safety, functionality and effective operations. The
managerial significance includes the connection of interfaces, supervising and assessing
measures and standards to use. This auditing process inspects the system structure for reliable
recommendations. These must be strategic and strategic for the organizations benefits. Internal
factors influencing asset management include the technological, legal and environmental
standards. The process identifies the need for change before making suggestions for renewal,
refurbishment or renewal. Some of the challenges encountered in the asset management process

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 12
include, increased demand for water services, asset life and minimum cycle. Since DEWA
applies the ISO 5500 standardization, it will check for effective implication of these standards
(Harvey, 2015)
2.4 Maintenance
Geraerds (1972) coined the maintenance theory which supports reliability in engineering works.
Managers and system designers today uphold high standards when innovating engineering
systems. DEWA has a plan to incrporate solar equipment in its plants. An analysis of its
preliminary installations should give an indication of the perfomance measures for the asset
systems. An integrated syste seeks to maximize on the asset utility of different segments os
DEWA structure. Strategic decisions in the maintenance and repair units prioritice on utility
while minimizing n the risks. Scarf, et al (2007) discuses a two cycle replacement procedure for
industry specific operations. In the article, modified models of replacement can achieve
effectiveness if they address issues of delays and failure in a system. Changing the control of a
function must be within the confines of an organization.
2.5 Replacement
An effective asset management system needs to have reliability and efficiency. Failed systems
are those, which fail to deliver the expected performance. These could be outdated assets in an
old system. The ISO 55000 standards indicate the value of an asset in relation to the
organizations delivery expectations (BSS ISO 55000 Series, 2017). For example, one of DEWAs
goals is to incorporate energy efficient asset for sustainability measures. This is also in
agreement with its national, global and regional stakeholders. With the customer at the center of

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 13
its strategy, proper utilization and care of the asset system removes the non-performing or
damaged parts for quality high optimization ones.
2.6 Strategy Drivers
The applicability of a standard, framework or a model and utilizing or tailoring it to the need
within the asset management system for improving the management of a particular asset or set of
assets in any organization or industry. It also explores the role of this engineering asset
management system in the organisation management system and organizational strategy. PAS 55
describes the British Standardization of optimum asset management. It highlights the
management of specific assets in a systematic and coordinated manner. This process of managing
assets over a lifecycle depends on the organizational strategies applied in the activities, and
practices (Campos & Marquez, 2011). This standard definition is important because it enables
engineering organizations to achieve efficiency by optimizing all its assets for the best outcome.
If DEWA wants to realize its value, it needs to balance its costs against risks and benefits within
a set time span.
On the other hand, the global ISO 55000 recommends optimization when making decisions
about risk management or cycle processes. Through a systematic, proven approach, the standards
recommend:
 Alignment of resources and functions ( tasks with competencies, long term plans in an
integrated system)
 Transparent audits of the processes
 Reliable data based decisions ( informed decisions)
 Improved costs effective planning

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 14
 Coordination of initiatives (Engaging employees, multidisciplinary teamwork).
As the ISO5000 identifies asset management, its segments the ISO5501 provides specific details
of effective asset management for an integrated system. This is an effective enterprise asset
model for serious organizations lie DEWA. The ISO55002 offers guidelines for implementation.
3.0 Engineering asset management and other activities
The system functional model reveals a flow of activities in a system (Jardine & Albert, 2013).
This features the organizational and systems engineering processes. Multilevel and multifaceted
teams give a reflection of the general process with a feedback mechanism of activities. This
includes the system asset design, development, tools development, training, managing,
supporting and controls.
3.1 The Five Core Management Questions
Before developing an ideal asset management plan, it is crucial to ask questions about the current
state of assets and the associated technique. These are the core factors of analysis (Kapferer,
2012). For example when the manager inquires about what to do in case of a pump failure, it is
critical to consider the cycle condition first. The condition in it determines the type of data
standardization, system diagrams and condition analysis used. The questions represent different
levels of an asset management.
Asking about the demand for the water services in Dubai brings up answers about regulators that
DEWA needs and the performance required. The customer demand analysis is a critical tool for
this question. In order to check for sustainability at the product supply level DEWA supervisors
consider the failure rate of some assets and the cost of repairs. Environmental consequences
encourage the brand to adopt alternative sources of power. Since the cost factor is one of the

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 15
most intriguing in asset management, the organization may design a project plan by asking about
the alternative options available. The feasibility of the plan determines the lifecycle costing,
renewal decisions and failure response mechanisms. Finally, the preparation of a long term
approach calls for an inquiry into financial resources and the best Total Asset Management Plan
(Hill & Hill, 2012). The figure below highlights an interface management process with a
coordinated process as well as functions. The five core management questions address issues at
the subsystems concerns.
Figure 7 interface management process of coordinated efforts (Peter, 1979)
4.0 Internal and External Factors
The asset management system features all possible business conditions. Besides the
design, it includes asset acquisition, cost factors, suitability and utilization. The enterprise system

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 16
functions covers the value chain activities featuring the inputs, inbound activities (assets, primary
and supporting activities) and their outputs. Within these are policies, action plans and
monitoring systems. The external environment is as important as the internal markets. Among
this is the market competition, political, economic, social, technology and others. The diagram
below summarizes this interaction.
Figure 8: Enterprise system function model adopted from El-Alkruti & Dwight (2013)
4.1 Deliverables
Asset reliability is one of the critical factors used to predict the asset failure rates. Output
activities such as these also comprise of repair schedules, improvement plans and asset
redeployment. DEWAs planned improvements will determine whether the water improvement
includes a dam, reservoir and in which location is appropriate. Reviewing decisions about the
assets, remaining life starts with a study to establish the asset replacement. The maintenance

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 17
concepts have a resource plan with budget forecasts. Decisions include using the right
technology, competitive products in the process and consistency. In a risk management plan, the
life decision incorporates actions required to mitigate or eradicate the problem. Maintenance
actions include asset activities and a summary of network issues. The lifecycle analysis of a
water system also has a renewal plan with criteria while the New Works plans evaluates any new
implementation plans.
4.2 Cost Factors
A financial analysis complements any asset plan because the organization has to limit
itself to its resource base. DEWA is a national corporation with a multimillion-dollar budget. In
2016, it had a Request for Proposal plan worth AED 100 billion for the Dubai Green Fund in
support of clean heathy energy (DEWA, 2016). Operation managers in the water supply and
management sectors need a clear breakdown of the budget. A replacement cycle budget could
incorporate the affected functions ad reasonable timeline for the project. Substations have
smaller projects besides the main project. When making plans, the quantitative analysis may
have a time series analysis to help the planning team to make prediction based on the asset trends
over time. A budget theme could feature an annual or 0-20 years depending on the magnitude of
the asset replacement projections. The figure below identifies the hierarchical breakdown of the
asset management plan for a large project. It shows a rationalized plan with categories of asset
management.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 18
Figure 9: Asset management plan of deliverables adopted from simple (Simple, 2017)
4.3 Asset Acquisition and design
An article by Metering (2016) indicates that in 2015 DEWA made an agreement with a global
technology firm Huawei for improved smart meters and data abaysis. This is a plan to match the

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 19
growing market demands of technolgy devices and applications. Making such changes has
positive and negative results. The implimentation of pilots highlighted cybersecurity concerns,
and smart services for customers satisfaction. The CEO Mr. Al Tayer Mohammed reafirmed
Dewa’s commitment to international standards. The implementation of a plan does not stop there.
Quality control measures incorporate a continuous process of improvement. A comprehensive
plan captures the user’s feedback in order to attain a customer satisfaction approach (El-Akruti,
et al., 2013). The customer as the user has a say in quality issues, safety, and environmental
matters. Dewa has an internal structure that identifies the asset management process done and its
business model. Customer experiences determines the success of a brand in the global market.
Contemporary consumers want convenience and timely services.
4.4 Suitability
Analysis, evaluation and decision making go hand in hand. Asset related performance identifies
and seals the gaps in a system. It paves the way for decisions based on the lifecycle of a water
supply asset management plan. This is instrumental in identifying the strategy, solution and
developing the plan. Improvement involves compliance with a strategy through an
implementation plan or establishment of a new system. The ISO 5000 and the PA 55 for
verifying quality, efficiency and safety elements. Best practice dictates that organizations have to
design their success pathways. Competence forces from the market environment determine the
success of an organization (Scholes, et al., 2013). The water supply industry continues to face
challenges due to environmental factors. This threats the success of a nature resource industry.
DEWAs Key Performance Indicators include:
 Compliance with the ISO 5000

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 20
 Feedback process
 Operational assets
 Checklist of the delivery system
 Financial resources
 Equipment risk
 Reliability
 Usage
 costs
DEWA has the opportunity to invest in modern ERP for better output. Technology tools and
equipment enhance the optimization while minimizing the costs. Dewa needs and advanced
monitoring system with techniques that monitor and provide diagnostics on a large system.
Figure 10 Risk assessment in a water pipe (Hansen, et al., 2002)

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 21
4.5 Gaining a competitive advantage
In order to DEWA to gain a competitive advantage, it needs a maximization process of
utilization. Processes and functions need to be in line with the lifecycle costs. A safe environment
must also cater for risks arising from legal and compliance issues. The Dubai government has
safety regulations involving:
 operational planning and design
 special consideration for planning and design
 risk management
The Dubai Society of Engineer has more than 40,000 accredited members (Society of Engineers,
2017). The skilled professionals also have protection under the labor and social affairs law.
Having the right skills means having the engineering certification, from an accredited and
internationally recognized institution. Winning plans also demonstrate high maximization of
asset utilization while reducing the cycle expenses. A high reliability within the system with
innovativeness also creates an edge.
Operational managers, the managerial team and strategists cooperate under the same umbrella
for a common goal. In this case example, the management team at DEWA works in teams of
operational activities. These are maintenance teams, customer feedback, technical crew, project
managers, engineering designers, IT teams, data managers, customer support and others. These
will monitor and maintain processes in line with the asset designs. Quality assurance is by
verification of the standard functionality and operability. Managerial activities such as planning,
supervising, implementation, auditing, inspection, safety control, procurement and deployment
also matter. Coordinating such a large unit requires a multilevel and multidisciplinary structural
framework (Bhatt & Paneria, 2017).

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 22
5. 0 System Thinking Approach
The engineering asset management has a system framework made up of people, products and
processes. A complete system approach is appropriate when designing a solution for DEWA.
This system is made of an innovative process with technology, hardware, and skilled personnel
(Willems & Polderman, 2013).
The systems thinking is strategic because it identifies the need for change, external influencers,
and the decision criteria for the asset cycle. Monitoring allows the management team to set the
standards for policies in procurement. It is ideal if DEWAs sustainability plan reflects on the type
of products used such as LED lighting systems. Verification for compliance with legal systems
and global standards at the acquisition levels makes the process much easier. The organizational
structure at DEWA has a flexible structure that captures technological and environmental
strategies. Interwoven together, these strategies enhance the control of the asset management
plan to allow implementation of strategies within the subsystems. Personnel managers at DEWA
employ different strategies in the implementation of within the functional systems. These are
employees in these are employees within the technical, management and other areas. DEWA
system represents a clear model of managing smaller systems and functional definition of the
components. There have an external relationship in which the systems interact in its long term
and short term objectives.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 23
Figure 11: Hierarchical factors in a systems and objectives (Peter, 1979)
5.1 The management systems view
The management systems view of asset management looks at the business approach. It is
about creating a sustainable performance management plan with a low cost. In this context, asset
management is about the transformation of a failure mode using the most affordable plan
(Leonard, 2011). Systems may fail as a whole or in parts. Different professionals have
responsibilities in the management cycle. An engineer trains in Asset Management in order to
manage the processes effectively. Human error accounts for a number of mistakes and DEWAs
commitment to professionalism and quality becomes evident. In order to handle defects within
the pipe networks or water pumps, DEWA needs an advanced conditioning approach with a
framework for sustainable performance, DEWA’s Enterprise Asset Management System.
6. Frameworks for asset management
The DEWA Framework for engineering asset management entails a strategic management and

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 24
engineering asset management. This captures the best tools for application and adaptation. This
is a complex process showing an integration of the interfaces with other functions. The figure
below is a demonstration of an asset management model for a multidepartment approach. In this
model, data standards, feature in the value chain (Bhatt & Paneria, 2017). The assessment
process checks the effectiveness of implementation at the hierarchical and system layout to
release data on the expected life cycle. A valuation determines the asset replacement date while
the balanced score card checks the performance metrics. In a reliable system, the regular ratings,
maintenance, and strategic validation dictates the validation process for the desired strategy.
Figure 12: The core process and practices context (Simple, 2017)
6.1 Key asset related activities
Asset management activities support the development of a technical system. The multiple
engineering frameworks captures quality elements (El-Alkruti & Dwight, 2013). There are seven

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 25
elements in an asset management plan, which could work for DAWE. The best value service
delivery captures:
 Organizational issues
 People factors
 Commercial tactics
 Lifestyle process & practices
 Information systems
 Data knowledge
6.2 Quality Elements Framework
This is the quality element related to DAWE’s objectives of offering reliable services. Like other
asset management cycles, DAWE has a demand cycle, knowledge of assets, costing and strategic
planning among others. The audit process should reveal a continuous improvement process.
Quality processes compliment the practices. For example, in 2015 DAWE made an analysis of its
sustainability approach and came up with a business risk assessment leading to the
implementation of its solar and hydropower solutions (Dewa, 2017). The design of an asset
process incorporates the ISO standards, which support the following asset contexts:
 Leadership which calls for the involvement of organizational leaders in strategy
formulation, management functions and business strategies
 Planning caters for the strategic asset management using effective policies, efficiency and
quality factors. The use of innovative approaches includes contemporary energy
efficiency concerns.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 26
 Operations feature the planning, implementation, control and adaptation to change.
Operation managers with the engineering departments have a responsibility to identify
pending risks within the organizations management objectives
 Support from resource units and asset management systems ensure that Dawe remains
focused on its objectives
 Evaluation of the asset engineering for best practices and systems identifies critical
assets, which require monitoring. Regular reviews encourage effectiveness of the assets
 Improvement corrects the asset functions of the water systems through a continuous
improvement process that capture the external and internal contexts.
6.3 Developing an Asset Management Strategy
The role of asset management system is to fulfil the organization’s strategy through an effective
process. Strategy development and implementation depends on the management cycle. Asset
management in an engineering process starts with a system process and lifecycle costing. Risk
management is also an integral part that water supply systems cannot ignore. Research reports
indicate that the United Arab Emirates is one of the richest nations but the population increase is
a challenge (Szabo, 2011). With a population of more than1.9 million, the region has limited
resources. Although there is a global water crisis, the UAE has harsh climatic conditions and
poor conservation trends. The high consumption rates threaten the survival of the natural
resource.
DEWA has a strategy to develop its water system by 60%. This is a high magnitude project for
water connectivity at a national level. The plan is to kick off in 2030 and affects the whole
infrastructure. Pipeline repairs, schedule upgrades and substation repairs are some of the

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 27
activities in question. Whatever direction it takes, the plan must have a strategic plan with a
focus on DEWAs main agenda, which is sustainability. Asset management engineering in this
case study will reduce environmental issues such as flooding, pollution and conservation. It will
also address optimization factors in its repairs, replacements and preventive measures.
6.4 The EUT Model
The EUT model developed by the University of Eindhoven is a good example of a maintenance
model (Geraerds, 1990). It covers the strategic management and engineering asset management
aspects with relevance to the organizations technical systems, assets and workloads. This means
that the planned increase of DEWAs water supply to 10,000MW by 2018 complies with the solar
power plants and its company portfolio. This model also captures the human resource aspects to
ensure that the project hires specialists and certified Assets and Maintenance technologists with
an ability to strategize, plan and implement a maintenance project. The infrastructure of a
national asset plan is complex and involves a multi sectorial approach.
DEWA is a government owned company with global partners like UNDP, Al Lama an Trading,
British Safety Council and Beta Tech among others. The management of these strategic partners
is part of the strategy (Brunetto, 2014). The management of a maintenance process will depend
on the demand. The figure below shows a configuration of an integrated system with logistic
support, a concrete maintenance plan and corporate business plan. This is Total System Support
(ToSS) for railway engineering developed in 1991. Dewa’s use of this use of technology systems
needs to adopt its enterprise concepts for an improved asset lifecycle maintenance.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 28
Figure 13: The Total Support system for an integrated configuration, Adopted from (AM
Council, 2017)
The EUT model serves numerous situations and is applicable in cases where process cost
management is necessary. It monitors areas where there are technical faults for corrective
measures in the function. The EUT works effectively in a process with multiple assets such as
the substations in DEWAs treatment processes. It favors increased benefits at the starting point
and technical personnel management and it gives a feedback process for the management team to
design a management concept that gives it a business advantage (Porter, 1985).
7.0 Recommendations
The asset management process for a national level water supply system is complex. It involves
engineering designs, consultations, checklists and funds. Established companies like DAWE

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 29
undertake projects systematically. Having tested the waters with its initial hydropower and solar
energy replacement project, the government funded corporate feels ready for a wide scale plan.
In order to succeed, its plan must have:
 A customized optimization plan for underground assets and open ones
 Efficient applications based on the lean approach of cost efficiency
 Reduced wastage through knowledge sharing
 Quality and innovation through proper address of the systems software
Similar to other operations in engineering the use of six sigma and lean methods compliment the
sustainability agenda for high optimization. A combination of strategy may work in a
multidimensional project but to gain a competitive edge, the corporate organization also needs to
synchronize its functions with operations.
8.0 Conclusion
Asset management engineering in a complex system like the DAWE is multidisciplinary. It
involves different stakeholders from the government to private, and NGOs. In order to define an
asset management strategy, it is important to understand its complete network system. The
system theory provides a reliable method of breaking down the asset management practices and
functions. Strategy is important in asset management because it incorporates the organizations
objectives and strategy drivers. This contributes to the development of a competent system for
managing an engineering process. In the example of DEWA framework, there are quality
standards, which add value to the organizational process. The ISO 5000 and its series ISO 5001
and 5002 support optimization and efficiency. Monitoring the effectiveness of an implementation
plan takes time. Smart planning involves a breakdown of the people, process and function

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 30
elements. This is further broken down into system lifecycles, which may also have many stages
depending on the type of project. DEWA invests resources in its budget for new installation,
maintenance, replacements and removal of assets. Despite the incorporation of strategies from
other disciplines like the business approaches, all these refer to asset management in engineering.
Bibliography

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 31
AM Council, 2017. Asset Capacity Delivery Model: A history. [Online]
Available at:
http://www.amcouncil.com.au/Asset_Capability_Delivery_Model_A_History/
[Accessed 5 Decemeber 2017].
Anderson, E., 2016. Exploring business opportunities with Dubai Electricity & Water Authority.
[Online]
Available at: http://slideplayer.com/slide/10719981/
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Bhatt, V. & Paneria, D. B., 2017. Modernization in water distribution system. s.l., New Horizon
in Civil Engineering.
Brunetto, Y., 2014. Importance of workplace relationships and attitudes towards organizational
change in engineering asset management organizations. Journal of Management in
Engineering, 31(5).
BSS ISO 55000 Series, 2017. ISO 55000 Standards for asset management. [Online]
Available at: https://www.assetmanagementstandards.com/
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Campos, M. A. & Marquez, A. C., 2011. Modelling a maintenance management framework
based on PAS 55 standard. Quality and Reliability Engineering International , 27(6), pp.
805-820.
DEWA, 2016. Dewa releases RFP to develop strategy, governance structure and framework of
AED 100 billion Dubai Green Fund. [Online]
Available at: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-dewa/news-and-media/press-and-news/

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 32
latest-news/2016/01/dewa-releases-rfp
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Dewa, 2017. Strategy Management System. [Online]
Available at: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-dewa/about-us/about-us/strategy-
management-system
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
El-Akruti, K., Dwight, R. & Zhang, T., 2013. The strategic role of engineering asset
management. International Journal of Production Economics, 146(1), pp. 227-239.
El-Alkruti, K. & Dwight, R., 2013. A framework for the engineering asset management system.
Journal of Quality Maintenance Engineering, 19(4), pp. 398-412.
Epstein, M. J. & Buhovac, A. R., 2014. Making sustainability work: Best practices in
mananaging and measuring corporate social, environmental and economic impacts.
s.l.:Berrett-Koehler.
Fischer, K. B. F. & Bertling, L., 2012. Reliability centered maintenance for wind turbines based
on statistical analysis and practical experince. IEEE, Volume 1, pp. 184-195.
Geraerds, W. M. J., 1972. Towards a Theory of Maintenance. In: The Organisation of logistic
support systes London. s.l.:The English UNiverity Press Ltd, pp. 299-304.
Geraerds, W. M. J., 1990. The EUT Maintenance Model , s.l.: IFRIM Report 90/7.
Gond, J. P., Grunbnic, S., Hertzig, C. & Moon, J., 2012. Configuring management control
systems: Theorizing the integration of strategy and sustainability. Management
Accounting Research, 23(3), pp. 205-223.
Government of Dubai, 2017. DEWA 2021 strategy updated for government of the future and 4th
Industrial revolution. [Online]

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 33
Available at: https://www.dewa.gov.ae/en/about-dewa/news-and-media/press-and-news/
latest-news/2017/02/dewa-2021-strategy-updated-for-government-of-the-future-and-4th-
industrial-revolution
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Hansen, F. P., Keijzer, M., Drecourt, J. P. & Bobovic, V., 2002. A data mining approach to
modelling of water supply assets. Urban Water, 4(4), pp. 401-414.
Harvey, R., 2015. An introduction to asset management tools; municipal water, water water and
storm water systmes, s.l.: Canadia Water Networks.
Hill, A. & Hill, T., 2012. Operations Management. s.l.:Palgrave Macmillan.
Jardine, A. K. S. & Albert, H. C., 2013. Maintenance, replacement, and reliability: Theory and
applications. s.l.:CRC Press.
Jardine, A. K. & Tsang, A. H., 2013. Maintenannce, replacement and reliability: theory and
applications. s.l.:CRC Press.
Kapferer, J. N., 2012. The ew strategic brand management Ad. s.l.:Kogan Page Publishers.
Leonard, D. A., 2011. Core capabilities and core rigidities: A paradox in managing new product
development. Strategic Management Journal , Volume 13, pp. 111-125.
Life Cycle Enginering, 2015. The five biggest risks to effective asset management. [Online]
Available at: https://www.lce.com/The-Five-Biggest-Risks-to-Effective-Asset-
Management-1224.html
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Metering, 2016. Dewa Signs MoU with Huawei on Smart city tech development. Metering &
Smart Energy International, 21 October.

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 34
Peter, W. G. M., 1979. Interface management-an organization theory approach to project
management. Project Management Institute, June, 10(2), pp. 27-37.
Porter, M. E., 1985. Competitive advantage-creating and sustaining superior perfomance.
s.l.:Free Press .
Ruma, J. & Czerniak, S., 2017. What is systems engineering. [Online]
Available at: https://macouinc.org/2017/01/10/systems-engineering/
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Scarf, P., Dwight, R., McCuster, A. & Chan, A., 2007. Asset replacement for an urban railway
usin a modified two cycle replacement model. Journal of Operational Research Society,
58(9), pp. 1123-1137.
Scholes, K. et al., 2013. Analysisng resources and strategic capability provide a more detailed
treatment of these ideas. s.l.:Prince Hall.
Simple, 2017. What is asset management. [Online]
Available at: http://simple.werf.org/Books/Contents/Getting-Started-(2)/What-is-Asset-
Management-
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Society of Engineers, 2017. Society of Enginers UAE. [Online]
Available at: http://www.soeuae.ae/en/default.aspx
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Szabo, S., 2011. The water challenge in the UAE; Water is lifes matter and matrix, mother and
medium. There is no life without water. [Online]
Available at:
https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Sylvia_Szabo/publication/251493515_The_water_c

WATER SUPPLY NETWORKS AND ITS ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS 35
hallenge_in_the_UAE/links/00b4951f01ca76954a000000/The-water-challenge-in-the-
UAE.pdf
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
UAE Water, 2015. Water shrtage in the UAE: There are solutions. [Online]
Available at: http://uaewater.com/water-shortages-in-the-uae/
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
UAE, 2015. Population and Settlement. [Online]
Available at: http://lamarottuae.weebly.com/population-and-settlement.html
[Accessed 6 December 2017].
Willems, J. C. & Polderman, J. W., 2013. Introduction to Mathematical systems theory: A
behavioral approach. s.l.:Springer Science & Business Media.