AWWA IMTECH51443

The City of Austin Water & Wastewater Utility of Austin, Texas, has recently completed an Information Technology (IT) Master Plan -- a look ahead for the next five years for their information systems. The Master Plan was created using a Program Management methodology that encompasses the basic elements of a masterplan: overall management; data integration; hardware and software acquisition; and training and maintenance. This holistic approach to managing a program keeps the projects synchronized and aligned with overall business objectives. It also enables early identification of unaddressed requirements and provides management focus and engagement. This paper discusses the program management approach taken by Austin Water & Wastewater Utility to manage the projects defined in its Master Plan. The paper also identifies the benefits of such an approach. Includes figures.