Structure Information Management System (SIMS)
May 2011, the Minnesota Department of Transportation implemented a new Structure Information Management System (SIMS), which replaced the Pontis online application. Use of SIMS is required for entering, submitting, and managing all bridge inspection information.
Access
To access SIMS, go to mn.bridgeinspect.com.
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All Program Administrators and Team Leaders (inspectors) have been sent an e-mail containing a user login and ‘ugly’ password on or around May 16, 2011. If this e-mail has been misplaced, do not hesitate to contact Lisa Hartfiel (lisa.hartfiel@state.mn.us) or Thomas Martin (thomas.martin@state.mn.us) at 651-366-4557 and 651-366-4556 respectively.
Development
SIMS is developed by InspectTech, a Pittsburgh, PA company that provides customized software applications for entities which own, inspect and/or manage assets. InspectTech clients include federal agencies, state departments of transportation, transit authorities, toll authorities, counties, cities and consultants.
Training
The Winter 2012 SIMS Hands-on Training sessions have concluded. Watch here for future training opportunities.
The Fall webinar training session was held on September 7, 2011. The purpose of this Adobe Connect session was to introduce new users to SIMS, as well as update current users to the latest changes. A recording of the Fall 2011 webinar has been posted at http://mndot.adobeconnect.com/p682bg0v0yq/. You may view the entire session, or move to specific parts by using the scroll bar at the bottom of the page. Please direct any questions to simshelp.dot@state.mn.us.
Approving Reports
- PA Report Approval Process, October 2011 (PDF)
- Approve Report, June 2011 (video)
MnDOT’s May 2011 launch of the new Structure Information Management System (SIMS), which replaced the Pontis system, not only is a new interface for inspectors to enter inspection data, but also an electronic bridge file that serves Program Administrators (PA). Within the SIMS program, PAs now have new procedures to review and maintain compliance of their bridge inspection program as directed by Minnesota Rule 8810.9400 and Minnesota Statute 165.03.
The value to Program Administrators is removing the need to print hard copies of all annual bridge inspection reports, and then having to review and sign them. Inspection reports can be reviewed and signed electronically right within the SIMS application. Only approved inspection reports by the PA in SIMS will update the official bridge record and fulfill FHWA compliance.
Reporting a Critical Deficiency
Certification of Bridge Safety Inspection Form Still Required
Although the rollout of SIMS has changed procedures in regards to FHWA compliance requirements, one thing that has NOT changed is the submittal of the "Certification of Bridge Safety Inspection to the Commissioner of Transportation" form as directed by Minnesota Statute 165.03. This form must be submitted no later than the end of business Wednesday, February 15, 2012. This document can be signed, scanned, and sent to Lisa Hartfiel (lisa.hartfiel@state.mn.us) or Thomas Martin (thomas.martin@state.mn.us) as an e-mail attachment. This form, along with many helpful resources, can be found on MnDOT's website at: http://www.dot.state.mn.us/bridge/docsdown.html.
Practice Using SIMS!
A test environment is available to all SIMS users. The purpose of the test site is for SIMS Users to practice using different aspects of the application without affecting official bridge data. The SIMS user name and password provided to each user works both for the actual application and the test environment. The SIMS test site can be found at the following link: http://mntest.bridgeinspect.com/.
Resources
Tutorials
Manuals
- MnDOT SIMS Collector Manual (PDF)
- MnDOT SIMS Manager Manual (PDF)
- MnDOT SIMS Laptop Manual (PDF)
Frequently Asked Questions
SIMS Support
For questions or troubleshooting, please contact SIMS Help.
Suggestions or Problems to Report
If you have something you would like to suggest or report in order to make SIMS more efficient, please fill out the following form: