May 28, 2016

SPICAP Setup

For your convenience here is a list of questions to consider when setting up and implementing SPICAP. Any questions? Reach out directly through our Contact Us page.

[su_spoiler title=”1. Will the system “as-is” work for you or does it need customized? “]We’ve learned that almost every agency has unique “overall pipe” fields for asset and inspection information, although we have a good suggestion and love use of ESRI’s GIS LGIM model.

In addition, almost all agencies can eliminate some “standard” codes and may need to add codes unique for their system. Take what’s important for you to track and report on, and make sure it’s part of your coding system. If you’re unsure what’s important, we can provide consulting services to help assess this. Keep in mind that Federal and State regulatory agencies prefer you have a standardize defect and observation system. When implemented, SPICAP meets these requirements. [/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”2. Who should confirm the customization of the inspection system? “]Choose as few people as possible, but ideally a stakeholder from each group/department that will be affected and use this inspection system. Inspectors will want easy-to-use, engineers will want thorough querying/filtering, etc.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”3. Will existing inspection information need consolidated and converted to this custom system? “]Ideally all inspections that exist should be consolidated into a single database. The database can then easily be converted into your SPICAP format. If your existing inspection software vendor can’t do this for you, we have experts who can review your data and provide pricing to convert this for you.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”4. Will your software vendor be able to add SPICAP into your software? “]The majority of CCTV inspection software, asset management software, work order software, financial software and other vendors will be able to configure their system to meet your documented inspection system.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”5. What agency/departments and/or staff will be able to utilize SPICAP?”]This could include field inspectors, field supervisors, zone supervisors, review QA/QC staff, engineering staff, design staff, construction staff, I.T. Department, GIS staff, and others. Our system is designed around industry standards for condition assessment and asset management.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”6. What training will be needed? “]Any person that works with your data should receive training on the SPICAP system so everyone is clear on the usage and related documentation.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”7. Do you want an in-house trainer for SPICAP? “]With this inspection system and related documentation, it may be simplest for you to setup an in-house trainer or use a local engineering/consulting firm to do the training. We do have experts that can provide training in the North Texas area Fort Worth or we can come to your location for training. We also love to setup in-house trainers so you can be assured this system works for your agency.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”8. Will external groups be affected by SPICAP and if so, how? “]This could include contractors submitting work to your agency, engineers doing planning/rehab for your agency, federal EPA and/or state regulatory agencies receiving compliance reporting from your agency.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”9. What QA/QC will be performed on inspections to ensure the inspection system is adhered to and meets the documented standard? “]We have experts that can provide QA/QC and can setup a portal for inspections to be submitted to our expert staff. If you submit your customized inspection system with the inspections, we can provide expert review and feedback on mis-coding, missed codes, incorrect data entry and other discrepancies. Depending on the level of QA/QC needed, we can assist as much or as little as desired.[/su_spoiler]

[su_spoiler title=”10. Does this system meet the industry standard? “]Yes, at this time no federal or state regulatory agency provides a standard pipeline inspection coding system. However, agencies and entities such as the EPA, AWWA, QualServe, etc. recommend you have a documented inspection system and program in place. The SPICAP system meets that requirement.[/su_spoiler]