In the first of this series of case studies, we explore North Yorkshire Council’s transition to its new asset management system, Aurora.

As one of the largest local authorities in England, the council faced the complex task of replacing legacy systems with a modern, integrated solution capable of supporting its diverse portfolio of assets. Through this series, we will delve into the drivers behind the change, the implementation process, key challenges encountered, and the outcomes achieved, offering insights for other organisations embarking on similar digital transformation journeys.

Future-Proofing Asset Management: Why North Yorkshire Council Chose Aurora

For any local authority, upgrading to a new asset management system can be daunting. The risks of disruption, data migration challenges, and user adoption concerns can make even the best solutions seem difficult to implement. 

North Yorkshire Council (NYC) faced an even greater challenge: not only were they moving from their long-established system, Insight, to Symology’s Aurora, but they were also undergoing a major organisational restructure as they transitioned into a single unitary authority. The complexity of this dual transformation made it essential to choose a solution that was reliable, scalable, and future-proof. 

As the first council to implement Aurora Enterprise, NYC set a benchmark for modern asset management, proving that a well-planned migration can unlock efficiency, improve workflows, and deliver long-term benefits. 

Why Aurora? A System Built for the Future
Many local authorities are still managing their assets with outdated, rigid systems that limit efficiency and responsiveness. Aurora is different. Designed from the ground up with the latest technology, Aurora retains the best elements of Symology’s previous system while introducing smarter automation, enhanced mapping, and real-time data access. 

For NYC, the decision to migrate to Aurora was driven by a need for:

✔ A scalable, cloud-based system that supports future growth and integrates seamlessly with other council services.
✔ Advanced automation to reduce manual tasks and improve operational efficiency.
✔ A user-friendly interface that simplifies reporting, mapping, and day-to-day asset management.
✔ Seamless integration with customer service, finance, and contractor management systems. 

A Smooth Transition: Overcoming the Challenges of Migration
For authorities considering their move to Aurora, NYC’s experience offers key takeaways, this approach helped NYC transition smoothly, with Street Works migrating first, providing valuable insights before the full asset management rollout.

✔ Engage Users Early: Training was critical—nearly 500 council staff completed 650+ courses via the Aurora Academy, ensuring they were ready from day one.
✔ Validate Data Before Migration: Cleaning and structuring data in advance prevented issues post-launch, an essential step for any organisation moving systems.
✔ Take Advantage of Automation: NYC has significantly reduced manual intervention by leveraging Aurora’s automated workflows and triggers. 
✔ Plan for Success: Annette Shepherd, Lead Support Officer at NYC, reflects: “Any system change brings challenges, but Aurora has delivered real efficiencies across our teams. The automation alone has saved us countless hours.” 

The Results: One Year of Efficiency Gains
One year after going live, NYC has seen tangible improvements across multiple service areas:

✔ Faster workflows and fewer manual processes thanks to automation.
✔ Enhanced mapping functionality, allowing teams to visualise and manage assets more effectively.
✔ Live data reporting, replacing outdated nightly data dumps, leading to better decision-making.
✔ Seamless contractor integration, improving efficiency with North Yorkshire Highways.
✔ More efficient mobile access, with Aurora’s app available directly via Google Play, reducing IT overheads. 

What This Means for Other Authorities
For councils yet to move to Aurora—or for those considering switching to Symology—the NYC experience demonstrates the transformational benefits of modern asset management. Aurora is designed to be flexible, scalable, and capable of supporting authorities of all sizes. 

Authorities that switch to Aurora gain:

✔ A future-proof system that evolves with your needs
✔ A seamless migration process with expert support
✔ Better data insights, streamlined processes, and greater efficiency
✔ A modern, cloud-based platform designed for 21st-century asset management 

Looking Ahead: The Next Steps for North Yorkshire Council
NYC is now exploring how Aurora can further enhance other services, such as Public Rights of Way and Parks Management. The council has laid a strong foundation and continues to optimise processes, ensuring they remain at the forefront of modern asset management. 

North Yorkshire Highways, a key implementation partner in the migration, has also played a crucial role in shaping how Aurora supports highways operations. Their journey will be explored in the next article in this case study series. 

Annette Shepherd concludes: “This is just the beginning. As we refine our processes and explore new features, we expect even greater efficiencies in the years ahead.” 

For councils looking to modernise their asset management, NYC’s experience proves that moving to Aurora isn’t just a system upgrade—it’s a step toward smarter, more efficient service delivery. 

To learn more about how Aurora can benefit your organisation, contact Symology today. 

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