Critical infrastructure guide
Critical Services and Community Functions
Start with the service people need rather than only the physical asset that delivers it.
Systems note: infrastructure classifications, standards and responsibilities vary by country and operator. Use current local requirements for real decisions.
Why this matters
Start with the service people need rather than only the physical asset that delivers it.
Core system ideas
Electricity, potable water, communications, transportation, healthcare and financial access are examples of functions supported by many assets.
A service view helps planners identify upstream dependencies and downstream consequences.
The same asset can support several services, and the same service can be delivered through multiple assets or organizations.
What to review
Useful reviews usually combine service criticality, dependencies, condition, capacity, maintenance, alternate arrangements, restoration time and clear ownership rather than relying on one isolated metric.