The Web-Based Access System (WBS) is a web-enabled information platform that integrates multiple information sources,
databases and reference information. The WBS is designed to support both present and future
business activities and needs of the Department as reengineering activities progress. The
cornerstone of the WBS is a database-driven Information Access System (DBIAS). The DBIAS
engine uses a dynamic database that is driven through web technology to store and present a
variety of information to users. The DBIAS has complete editing and configuring tools that allow
managers the ability to edit and modify all content. The DBIAS platform is completely web-
based and is used to provide a single source for information to replace all traditional reference
and documentation including policies, procedures, O&M information, record drawings,
specifications, and shop drawing submittals. The platform also integrates water quality and chemical
manifest information, as well as information from Distributed Control System databases, to
reporting tools and summaries.
Since the DBIAS roll-out at the City of Phoenix 23rd Avenue WWTP (57-mgd) in 2000, the WBS
platform is being implemented on a Department-wide basis at each of the Wastewater Treatment,
Water Production, Wastewater Collections and Water Distribution, Pollution Control,
Engineering and Environmental Compliance Divisions to support organizational information
needs and consistent storage and access to information for all Divisions.
The platform is continually being expanded to support other Department information
management needs. These include a Capital Project Management Information System used to
support capital project management within the Engineering Division; an Environmental Health
and Safety System that supports regulatory compliance at all City facilities; and, an external web site
for all member agencies in the Phoenix metropolitan area to access and view their respective
wastewater contributions and charges to a regional wastewater treatment facility. To date, the
system has over 600 users and will eventually be accessible by all 1,200 department employees. Includes figures.