CLIENT: SAN ANTONIO WATER SYSTEM
Country: USA, Texas
Sector: Utility/Infrastructure
Service: Financial Management/Management Consulting
Project: Organizational Efficiency Study for San Antonio Water System
Project Description: IBS in partnership with PA Consulting were engaged to conduct an organizational efficiency study of the San Antonio Water System (SAWS) and an evaluation of the organization’s performance in line with its Strategic Plan. These services included a review and benchmarking of the areas below and identifying cost saving measures and performance:
- Organizational Structure and Staffing
- Operations and Maintenance
- Support Services
In conducting this study, we used a systematic and comprehensive approach for analyzing efficiency (costs) and effectiveness (service levels). Our body of work was based on facts, explanations, and limitations as further described in the Report. Our assessment included all major areas of the organization.
Our analysis utilized a variety of methods to gather the data and information needed to per- form the analysis, make observations, and quantify efficiency-related recommendations. We conducted interviews with key management and employees of SAWS, carried out site visits to major operations facilities, reviewed key planning, financial, and operating documents, and analyzed recent and relevant operating data and information. We also utilized data from utilities across the nation within our partner’s proprietary benchmarking databases to comparatively analyze performance in the Customer Service and Shared Services areas. In addition, we conducted interviews with several other water and wastewater utilities in the US to compare SAWS against its Water Management, Operations, and Engineering and Construction policies, processes, and organizational structures. We assisted with development and updating policies and procedures, desk procedures, created training manuals for use by employees, and trained employees on the application of the developed and updated policies and procedures.