Value of Existing Infrastructure
Infrastructure systems and elements are incredibly costly objects. They often require billions (if not trillions) of dollars and tens of years of effort for construction. In addition, much of the existing public works infrastructure (roads, bridges, waterways, railways) was built before the 1960's. The replacement value of those objects is almost beyond estimation, especially since revised environmental guidelines would make some projects almost impossible. It only makes sense to protect such huge investments in the best way possible, through proper management systems.

Importance to Society
As described previously, infrastructure elements are essential parts of a civilized society. To expand and strengthen the economy, the supporting infrastructure must be of sufficient quality. Goods must be transported from place to place efficiently, whether by road, rail, sea, or air. Electrical power and drinkable water must be provided without interruption. Buildings and factorys must be in good condition. Built-up areas must be protected from damaging floods. Without these infrastructure elements, the variablility of conditions would cause the cost of all consumer goods and services to increase, while overall effieciency would decrease. Additionally, millions of people come in contact with infrastructure elements on a daily basis. An un-maintained infrastructure system increases the chances of both minor and major accidents. The people using the system must be kept safe from harm.

A dependable infrastructure system is an important part of everything that a country produces and uses, from the smallest grain of wheat to the most sophisticated computer to the largest building. That infrastructure must be maintained properly if it is to function correctly.

Value for Your Money
There is a finite limit to the amount of money that can be spent on maintaining infrastructure systems. For publicly-owned systems, that money comes from the people's taxes. An infrastructure management system provides the best value for that money, spending it in the fashion that will result in the best maintenance level for the given amount of money. This means that the taxes collected for the purpose of maintaining the infrastructure will be at the lowest possible rates. The management system saves the government, and thus the taxpayer, money that would otherwise be wasted on inefficient projects. For privately-owned infrastructure, a management system provides the same benefit. By decreasing the maintenance cost, the price of goods could be decreased and the owner's profits increased.