From Reactive to Strategic: Capital Asset Planning for Public Infrastructure

From school districts and universities, to city halls and state agencies, the pressure to do more with less has never been greater. In turn, public sector leaders across the U.S. are facing a growing set of infrastructure challenges. They must rapidly modernize aging assets to meet the needs of the people they serve, while also battling increasing environmental and financial risk. 

But there’s a solution gaining momentum—Capital Asset Planning (CAP) from Schneider Electric. More than just a budgeting tool, CAP is a strategic framework for building resilient, sustainable, public infrastructure that serves communities for generations. 

What is Capital Asset Planning? 

Capital Asset Planning (CAP) is our software-enabled solution designed to help public sector organizations build a comprehensive, searchable inventory of their physical assets. It takes a future-focused approach to infrastructure management that empowers leaders to make smarter, more strategic decisions about their facilities.  

This approach is not based on guesswork or outdated spreadsheets, but rather on a dynamic, real-time system that helps public sector leaders: 

By centralizing data and enabling scenario planning, CAP empowers leaders to make smarter, more transparent decisions—turning infrastructure from a liability into a strategic asset. 

The Infrastructure Wake-Up Call: Why CAP Matters Now 

Historically, many public institutions have operated in a reactive mode—fixing what breaks, when it breaks. But that approach is no longer sustainable. This is especially critical for public sector organizations, where deferred maintenance and outdated systems can lead to costly emergencies and service disruptions. 

In their 2025 Infrastructure Report Card, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE)  gives US public infrastructure a “C” grade and emphasizes that improving infrastructure isn’t just about new construction—it’s about better management of existing assets, adherence to modern building codes, and basing capital decisions on high-quality public data. 

Meanwhile, the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA) recommends a more proactive, data-driven approach to capital asset management—one that aligns infrastructure investments with long-term community goals, risk mitigation, and fiscal responsibility. 

This is where Capital Asset Planning from Schneider Electric comes in. By implementing CAP, organizations can reduce emergency repairs and unplanned costs, extend the lifespan of critical assets, and foster trust with stakeholders through increased transparency. Additionally, CAP enables the collection of reliable data that supports more informed strategic planning, ultimately contributing to long-term financial sustainability and resilience.

How does CAP work? 

The CAP process begins with a comprehensive build-out of your asset inventory. This includes onsite audits and data collection for all major systems, including plant equipment, kitchen appliances, HVAC, IT infrastructure, and more. Key data points such as square footage, equipment type, maintenance history, and expected costs are captured and analyzed.  

From there, the platform delivers:  

Schneider Electric is your CAP partner from initial configuration and data input to ongoing consulting and support. Our unique program ensures that your team is equipped with the tools and insights needed to succeed in the long-term by providing:  

See CAP in Action: Gulf Shores City Schools