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Asset Management Workgroup Desktop Products

InfoAsset Manager was first released in 2002 under the brand name “InfoNet” and is therefore a mature out of the box water distribution, wastewater, stormwater and drainage network infrastructure asset management solution that can be extended to more water and non-water related asset types and classes, including non-infrastructure assets like treatment plants as well as equipment and other mechanical devices.

InfoAsset Manager is the most comprehensive asset management system for managing above and below ground water, sewers, and storm water networks, providing a single point of access to your water, sewer, stormwater asset register. This system manages and maintains all types of surveys, inspections, work orders, repairs, interventions, failures, incidents, and customer complaints that are common to both infrastructure and non-infrastructure assets.

InfoAsset Manager is used by utilities of all sizes, engineering service providers, engineering

contractors, local governments and authorities, and drainage boards. The built-in tools support a

wide variety of workflows and business applications like asset information management, condition

management, condition monitoring, condition assessment, asset health management,

computerized maintenance management, failure analysis and incident management, risk

modelling, capital investment and rehabilitation planning, hydraulic model build and verification,

and financial reporting,

In addition to supporting these workflows, users are able to configure InfoAsset Manager to

support specific jobs to be done and workflows making it popular with many personas including

record managers, GIS professionals, sewer collection and water distribution network system

managers, capital improvement managers, customer services, district meter analysts, data and

information services managers, hydraulic modellers, field services manager, field services

technicians, operations and maintenance engineers, field inspectors and operators, customer

services, asset delivery managers and compliance officers.

With the desktop asset management solution, a wide variety of asset management related

personas can defend and justify that they are: doing the right thing, to the right asset, for the right

reason, at the right time, at minimal cost, and minimal risk, while at the same time achieving an

agreed level of service to all stakeholders. The purpose of Autodesk’s water and wastewater asset

management and information management solution is to provide the necessary information, data

and tools to enable a utility to effectively and efficiently operate their water and sewer network

and for Engineering Service Providers and Contractors to deliver services to achieve this.

Key Terms

Workgroup Server and Clients

The legacy Wallingford Software/Innovyze desktop products were formerly released as Autodesk products in April 2025. They are collectively known as the InfoAsset Workgroup Clients. These include InfoAsset Manager (IAM), InfoAsset Mobile (IAMOB), InfoAsset Online (IAO). Also included alongside InfoAsset as Workgroup Clients are InfoWorks ICM (ICM), InfoWorks WS Pro (WSPro), InfoWorks ICM Live (ICMLive) and InfoWorks WS Pro Live (IWLive). All Workgroup Clients utilize a database.

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InfoAsset Manager provides the option to utilize a “Standalone” or “Workgroup” database. Unfortunately, the Cloud workgroup database is currently not available for InfoAsset Manager users. If a user chooses the Workgroup Database option, then the Workgroup Data Server will need to be installed. The Workgroup Data Server is therefore a required component for all Workgroup database configurations. The Workgroup Data Server runs as a Windows service and manages access for all data in the database.

Therefore, a pre-requisite for InfoAsset Mobile and InfoAsset Online is the use of a Workgroup database and therefore the configuration of the Workgroup Data Server.

There is no charge for Workgroup Data Server, but it has a separate installer to the Workgroup Client installer.

As described above, the Workgroup products are composed of several inter-related parts. These parts may be used independently or together. Deciding which of the particular IT architecture and configuration that is used by the customer will depend on the needs of the organization and its users. This document describes some of the common configurations which could be considered.

Note that while the diagrams in this document shows the separate components of the Workgroup products, this does not imply that each component is required to be run on a separate computer. The decision on how to distribute the components across machines will depend on the requirements of the system.

For more detail, please refer to the “Workgroup Products Product Architecture” document, which is provided to clients to assist in the installation and configuration of the Workgroup Server and Clients.

Note that InfoAsset Manager is a pre-requisite for InfoAsset Mobile and InfoAsset Online. The Autodesk subscription includes InfoAsset Mobile and InfoAsset Online as a bundled solution.

Databases

The Database is the name given within the Workgroup Client application to the primary database in use at any given time. It is possible to access other “Guest” databases in order to enable data transfer between the databases but editing of the contents of database objects is restricted to objects within the Database. Note that InfoWorks WS Pro and IWLive Pro use a different database schema from InfoWorks ICM/InfoAsset. Although the Workgroup Data Server can be used to manage databases for all Workgroup Products, workgroup clients will only be able to access those databases with a compatible schema.

There are four types of Databases supported within the workgroup architecture:

• Standalone Database This database is intended for use by individual users. Data transfer between the Workgroup Client application and the database utilizes the Windows File Sharing protocol, with none of the performance benefits available when using the other database types. The use of the Windows File Sharing protocol makes this database type appropriate for use only on a stand-alone machine, or over a very reliable and low latency Local Area Network (LAN).

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• Workgroup Database There are three types of Workgroup Databases:

o Standard Database Intended for use with multiple users. This database configuration requires the use of the Workgroup Data Server software, running as a service on the machine hosting the database. All communication between the client and the Workgroup Data Server uses the TCP/IP protocol, providing a robust communication mechanism appropriate for use over Local Area Networks, or via Wide Area Networks. In addition, data is transferred in a compressed format, enhancing the performance for communications with the database.

o Oracle Database If desired, it is possible to host Database information within an Oracle database. This configuration also requires the use of the Workgroup Data Server running as a service on a machine local to the Oracle database. Once the Workgroup Data Server is configured, the use of the software and the benefits of the configuration for the end user are the same as for the Standard database. The ability to make use of Oracle’s administration and backup tools can provide additional administrative advantages for an organization. Note that the Oracle client software will need to be installed on the machine running the Workgroup Data Server for access to the Oracle database.

o SQL Server Database It is also possible to host Database information within a SQL Server database. This configuration also requires the use of the Workgroup Data Server running as a service on a machine local to the SQL Server database. Once the Workgroup Data Server is configured, the use of the software and the benefits of the configuration for the end user are the same as for the Standard database. The ability to make use of SQL Server’s administration and backup tools can provide additional administrative advantages for an organization.

o Cloud Datastore Currently InfoAsset Manager asset and associated data is not available in the Cloud datastore.

Of the three Workgroup Databases we recommend the Standard Workgroup option. This is used by the majority of InfoAsset/InfoWorks users as the Oracle or SQL Server options require the necessary licensing from the third-party vendors, they require additional configuration such as running of scripts and will by necessity require the involvement of a Database Administrator. All of this adds cost. From a user’s point of view, the Standard Workgroup Database is optimized for multi-user, concurrent editing, scalability and performance, is simple to install and maintain.

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Figure 1 - Relationship between the key elements of a standalone database configuration using a

Local Area Network. Optional elements are shown with a dashed border.

Figure 2 - Relationship between the key elements of a standard InfoAsset Manager setup using a Local Area Network. Optional elements are shown with a dashed border.

Figure 3 - relationship between the key elements of a standard InfoAsset Manager setup using a Local Area Network. Optional elements are shown with a dashed border.

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Workgroup Data Server

InfoAsset Manager provides the option to utilize a “Standalone” or “Workgroup” database. If the user chooses a Workgroup Database, the Workgroup Data Server will need to be installed. A pre- requisite for InfoAsset Mobile and InfoAsset Online is the use of a Workgroup database and therefore the configuration of the Workgroup Data Server.

The Workgroup Data Server is a required component for all Workgroup database configurations. The Workgroup Data Server runs as a Windows service and manages access for all data in the database. A separate installer is provided for the Workgroup Data Server.

Currently InfoAsset Manager asset data is not supported in the Cloud datastore.

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Workgroup Clients

InfoAsset Manager

Helping utilities to get the job done providing network asset centric information and data management, change management with auditing and version control, inspection management, incident management, works management, inventory control for materials and equipment, financial and budget planning, risk management and deterioration modelling.

• InfoAsset Manager Desktop – includes: o Multi-purpose system comprising asset information management, work management,

inspection management, incident management, risk modelling, capital planning, deterioration modelling, cost allocation

o Biographical and health and performance history at the individual asset, catchment/DMA and network level.

o Advanced user configurable analysis and reporting tools (SQL, Dashboards, workspaces, 80+ standard reports, custom reports via Excel, iExchange).

o The most comprehensive manual and automated data exchange workflows for the water sector supporting GIS data formats (e.g., esri geodatabases), relational databases (e.g., Oracle, SQL Server), CCTV inspection standards (e.g., PACP7), hydraulic models (e.g., ICM, WSPro, SWMM, EPANet) and CAD (e.g., dwg).

o Advanced network management tools comprising linear infrastructure network connectivity, vertical plant hierarchical components, asset associations (e.g., one-to- many inspections, surveys, incidents, work orders.

o Multi-user concurrent editing with auditing based on flags and change management (versioning) principles at both the network and individual object level

o Heads up automated digitizing supported by user configurable validation rules. o User defined assets, inspections, interventions, incidents for water and non-water

network and plant assets (e.g. public works, parks, treatment plant). o InfoAsset Exchange - programmer’s toolkit to automate the exchange of data and

information between InfoAsset and third-party system. o InfoAsset Time Series Database (TSDB) - analyse asset data in conjunction with both

historical and real-time time-based network performance data. i.e. SCADA feeds, etc. o Integration with ICM for hydraulic model build, verification and calibration purposes.

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InfoAsset Mobile

Asset management, work order and computerized maintenance management for field workers. Although can be sold without InfoAsset Manager it is currently sold as a solution with InfoAsset Manager to support office to field to office workflows. Supports both online and offline field computerized work order management for both planned and reactive work.

InfoAsset Mobile comprises three components:

• InfoAsset Mobile System Server o Supports inbound communications of field users to the office.

• InfoAsset Mobile Office o Configuration management, map and report designer, crew management, scheduling and

despatch

• InfoAsset Mobile Field o Supporting field data workflows for capturing and completing work orders and inspections

on Windows 10 and Android devices.

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They combine to provide an office to field computerized work order management system that comprises and enables:

o An advanced field form designer tool to support all types of work orders, incident reporting and data capture in the field.

o User configurable map to geo-locate assets and work tasks displaying the status of tasks. o Multiple connection modes are supported for communication between the office and field. o Enables the uploading of media (photos, videos) recorded in the field. o Vehicle and crew tracking and performance monitoring. o Notification service to field workers, and approval workflow service from the field. o Calendar timeline view displaying status of assigned work tasks, personal time and crew

availability (e.g., vacations). o Create reactive work orders in the field, and the re-assignment and dispatching of both

planned and unplanned work orders between crews. o Configure field forms to support enhanced and embedded workflows (e.g. combine CCTV

inspection with pipe clean) with the enforcement of mandatory/required fields. o Reduce data entry errors by setting validation rules on acceptable data ranges and the

use of InfoAsset Manager choice lists. o Monitor and track work through traffic light warning system to display completed work,

planned and overdue tasks. o Built in reporting tools to show performance and efficiency key performance indicators. o Track the cost of resources and materials and status of materials and equipment in the

warehouse. o Calculate and compare the estimated and actual cost of equipment, resources and

materials. o Integration with MiniCam and iPEK CCTV inspection pipeline equipment manufacturers

for recoding CCTV inspections in the field. o Integration with GPS survey equipment. o Supports InfoAsset Manager configured user defined objects.

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InfoAsset Online

An on-premises (i.e., not managed SaaS service) web application supporting read only visualization and reporting tool for non-InfoAsset Manager and Mobile power users, who want access to data and information stored and maintained in workgroup database and managed using InfoAsset Manager and Mobile.

Requires Workgroup Database and InfoAsset Manager Desktop is a pre-requisite. Comprises the following components:

• InfoAsset Online Server o Web services that instantaneously publishes data and information from an InfoAsset

Manager workgroup database to the InfoAsset Online Client.

• InfoAsset Online Client o Web application for end users to locate, visualize, query and report on InfoAsset data and

information.

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InfoAsset Online does not require experience in the use of InfoAsset Manager or InfoAsset Mobile. It is

simply a web browser tool for enterprise-wide access to the data and information that is stored and

managed in a workgroup database and maintained by InfoAsset power users using InfoAsset Manager and

Mobile. InfoAsset Online democratizes structured and unstructured data and information held in an

InfoAsset Manager workgroup database so that other non-InfoAsset Manager users that are interested in

this data can view, select, query, and report on the maintenance and operational status of their water and

wastewater networks.

Workspaces in InfoAsset Online are configured to grant access and display data according to project, role,

persona, organization, department or even personal preferences. Restricting access to the data and

information can be controlled through user rights and privileges set by the InfoAsset Manager power user

administrator in the InfoAsset Manager system.

With InfoAsset Online, barriers to sharing and disseminating data across a utility enterprise will be broken

down, offering unprecedented access to otherwise locked away data.