Sewer systems are an integral piece of our infrastructure. If you work in the field of sewer line management or inspections, you understand the importance of having current data to stay on top of potential disaster within this infrastructure. Often this data exists in pieces with no real organization or structure. In most cases, this data nightmare doesn’t become a priority until an issue occurs.

Being proactive about data management isn’t as daunting a task as it may have been just ten years ago. Technology has come far in many industries – especially wastewater management. Easier access to data benefits municipalities, engineers and contractors, by allowing the team to work together to pinpoint issues and correct them in a timely manner. For each of these entities, having good access to data also allows for better planning so that issues can be addressed more easily as they arise.

“It’s like a twist on the old adage ‘what you don’t know can harm you,’” says Michael Thompson, Executive Vice President at t4 Spatial, a software company dedicated to managing CCTV sewer inspection data with their t4 Vault solution. “Our goal is to step in with a solution that not only brings legacy data to the cloud with ease but begins a communication process to how data is handled – between municipalities managing that data, the engineers reviewing the data, and contractors out in the field collecting it for them. This puts everyone on the same page with an accurate baseline to work from.”

t4 Vault partners with municipalities, contractors and engineers across the country to make data collaboration easier through a robust cloud solution that automatically organized, stores and presents any sewer inspection data in a shareable format. Users simply drag and drop video files from the job site or office into the t4 app and t4 Vault makes the data instantly accessible in the form of an organized and detailed report. The platform also interfaces easily with any existing mapping tools.

So, how exactly does good, more easily accessed data impact these three critical entities in the big picture?

Municipalities
For many municipalities – paper, marked up maps, desktop computers, thumb drives, boxes of drives and video tapes often with no organized filing system are common ways inspection data is stored. Without a good inspection data system in place, the only solution is to spend more money to conduct another inspection when an issue arises. On the other side, t4 Vault, organized, cloud-based system the details of the area of concern could be pinpointed and repairs ordered immediately, saving both time and money.

“Municipalities are often overwhelmed by the thought of getting all of their legacy data uploaded,” says Thompson. “It’s remarkable how truly simple it is. It’s a major step for many municipalities – driving them light-years ahead.”

Engineers
Working with cloud-based data allows greater precision for engineers as they work and plan with municipalities. Putting everyone on the same page not only saves time and money, but also increases the accuracy and integrity of the data. The ability of t4 Vault to synch with any existing mapping programs used in the field also allows engineers to step into any environment and have a clear picture of what the environment holds.

Contractors – Mike to add in a bit more meat
Cloud-based data works both ways. When a contract service of examining or repairing a line is performed in the field, having the ability to instantly access or upload data is a gamechanger. T4 Vault’s ability to store this data and the detailed reports associated with it allows for more precise repairs which leads to better margins in the end. 

Technology has a solution for everything – including how we manage our vital infrastructure. To learn more about how t4 Vault is reshaping the wastewater industry, visit their website, or see their technology in action with a demo.