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Delivering resilient connectivity with Scotland’s largest crossing

Dramatically improving the reliability of cross-Forth travel on one of Scotland's most vital transport connections.

Installing interoperability through an integrated, software-savvy approach

Due to the number of operating companies, partners and supply chain specialists across the 17 nuclear sites across its estate, the Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) wanted to improve interoperability and system integration. By analyzing the estate’s shared value chain and enabling intelligent asset management, the digital systems will support the Asset Information Strategy and accelerate collaboration activities with purpose.

Driving coordination and collaboration with an integrated strategy

The Nuclear Decommissioning Authority (NDA) is responsible for one of Europe's largest nuclear decommissioning and remediation programs; it manages thousands of employees and partners with hundreds of industry and supply chain companies to achieve the complex decommissioning work across its 17 sites. With so many moving parts and stakeholders, there was a multi-faceted challenge to better align asset management strategy, unify and improve digital maturity, upgrade asset performance using data insights and embed best practice across the NDA group. The answer to this challenge required developing a clear transformational digital vision – a strategic roadmap focused on asset management development and enhancement through digital techniques.

Creating a proven blueprint for successful asset transfer

The successful transfer and operation of critical physical assets, such as facilities, equipment or machinery into the NDA estate from other operating companies is an integral part of achieving NDA's vision. The solution was provided through a relationship between the NDA, Jacobs and PA Consulting. This collaboration resulted in a tailored protocol representing best-in-class, cross-industry learned standards in asset transfer management and governance.

Unlocking asset insights through smarter standards and assessments

The highest asset management standards are needed to achieve the best results in this complex decommissioning environment. A critical part of this management is the comprehension and education of the role of asset information across the NDA. Improving asset information quality and accessibility is fundamental to asset management improvements.

Transforming asset management for the nuclear decommissioning authority through collaboration and innovation

The NDA is responsible for one of the largest nuclear decommissioning and remediation programs in Europe and aspires to be a pioneer in the civil nuclear sector.In August 2020, Jacobs and PA Consulting were contracted to provide asset management consultancy services to help develop the NDA’s asset management capability and focus on asset performance, a key catalyst for its overall success in becoming a pioneer in nuclear decommissioning and achieving its strategic mission. This work has supported the delivery of benefits of the ‘One NDA’ vision — increased value for the taxpayer, enhanced performance and delivery of outcomes, stronger organizational health, improved stakeholder confidence and trust and improved culture.

Transforming manual processes into data-empowered decisions at Dounreay, Scotland, UK

Specialist teams from Jacobs and PA Consulting, Dounreay Information Technology (IT) and operations, regulators and the NDA asset management team identified a new approach to link operational processes and IT systems to improve safety, efficiency and accuracy. They implemented technology to create a secure connection between IT and Operational Technology (OT) systems, connecting our infrastructure and offering an integrated, cyber-secure data management approach that can be systemized for all assets. It was needed to empower and accelerate decision-making – not delay it – and improve the use of human resources across the NDA.

Saving time and reducing errors with tailored PowerBI dashboards

The teams required accurate, visualized, highly accessible data on portable screens and they needed to be able to drill down from headline metrics to understand the next level of detail. The solution was created through a collaborative approach between the NTS shipping team, Jacobs and PA Consulting. The team developed an understanding of data and defined areas of improvement through stakeholder discussion. This led to the creation of proof-of-concept Power BI dashboards to replicate two existing manual dashboards. Crucially, these were fully compliant with all requirements, including the NDA’s secure by design guidelines.