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This task uses the alphabetized list in Table 1, and classifies the asset as being primarily physical, system, and personnel. Some assets may be classified as physical, but may also have system and personnel components. Therefore, if applicable, the asset is broken down into components, and those components are classified in the same manner.
The asset designation is based on the primary purpose or function of the asset. The classifications were made using the following assumptions, based on and modified from the FHWA sponsored report Elements of a Comprehensive Signals Asset Management System, by Cambridge Systematics, Inc., December 2004:
Physical – The specific physical components that make up the asset or a system (e.g., dynamic message sign units, sign housing, sign support structure)
System – The capabilities and configuration of hardware, software and communications infrastructure that connects and controls a system to provide management functionality
Personnel – The staff resources available for operating and maintaining assets
The ‘Personnel’ classification was a most obvious designation, used for the assets that are personnel. The ‘Physical’ classification was designated on assets that are basically hardware or materials that do not have system functionality or software programming. Any asset component that is composed of software, contains programming, or enables system functionality is classified as ‘System’. Computer hardware has been classified as ‘Physical’, even though it has electronic capabilities, as it cannot function in a system without software programming. The communications components are classified as ‘System’ if they consist of software or programming functionality.
Table 2 presents a list of the assets as identified in Table 1, with components listed below the asset if appropriate. Generally, the assets broken down are those which are systems.Table of Contents | List of Tables | List of Figures | Top of Section | Previous Section | Next Section | HOME
