2.5.5.1

Integrating ancillary asset data into an agency’s overall data management system ensures that decision-making associated with management, maintenance and capital investment is based on the best available information across the organization. An agency will, at the same time, improve transparency and public trust. The following guiding principles distinguish good data management practices from less comprehensive approaches to data management:

• Strategic Plan—Interdepartmental coordination.
• Authoritative Hub—Integrated database and web services.
• Common Data Dictionary—Agency agreement on assets and attributes.
• Business Improvements—Query, analyze, display, and report data.

Data management concepts are discussed in more detail in Chapter 7.