Thames Water is utilising innovative software to cut costs, enhance health and safety and foster collaborative working across the company’s major projects.

The technology, a digital software, Synchro, allows for a 3D model to be constructed and then synced with a project programme to provide a 4D simulation of planned works. What is great about this simulation is that it can be broken down into far smaller, targeted animations that ensure that everybody working on a project is able to digitally enhance every individual aspect.

Utilising this technology represents a vast change from traditional methods of producing and consulting on significant project programmes.

Graham Funnell, project manager, said:

“We can condense down 30 A3 pages into a three minute video clip, making complex solutions, projects and activities easily understood.”

The software is being used on projects across the company’s supply area, including at Acton, Crossness, Coppermills, and Riverside treatment works.

The beauty of the software is that a team can share the video clip with colleagues who are able to access the information remotely and can then contribute to its final outcome. After watching a mere just 40 seconds of the three minute clip being played, the team were then able to spend two hours discussing logistics on the work at Coppermills.

The team first uses laser scanners to ensure accuracy in their digital design of the assets, which can dictate what solution is most effective and allows for building assurance.

“Our model or design shows that we need plant and equipment in certain locations, by digitally rehearsing the construction and installation we can challenge the proposed solution and look at alternative methods such as off-site manufacture, reducing time on site and minimising the need to make alterations or modifications once installed, which delays progress,” Graham Funnell added.

“It’s great the water industry is utilising the benefits of Synchro too and if this technology can ultimately drive efficiencies and prevent anyone getting injured – it’s worth our investment.”

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