by Keith Dimech
Kicking off a long weekend with an insightful forum exploring how our sector is leveraging new digital technologies was fantastic. The audience of over 40 people listened to updates on advancements in three key areas:
- Tamara Bulatovic discussed South East Water’s Environmental Sensitivity Map: SEW is consolidating environmental data from over 30 disparate databases into a relational and geospatial platform. This central hub of information offers numerous advantages, such as prioritising responses to environmental incidents, simplifying approval processes for capital projects, minimising regulatory obstacles, and reducing costs for the Authority.
- Pratik Bhandari delved into the Applications of Systems Thinking: Pratik shared insights from his recent doctoral research on how the water industry can effectively adopt digital transformation through a Systems Thinking lens. Identifying organisational pressure points and obstacles, early mapping of the pros and cons of implementing digital initiatives, a digital roadmap can be developed. This strategic roadmap facilitates the targeted and cost-effective deployment of digital solutions, ensuring their impact is maximised and future issues can be avoided.
- Yan Zepf addressed Building Information Modelling (BIM) in the Water Industry: John Holland showcased the significant advantages the 3D BIM on the Resource Recovery and Reuse Complex project being constructed on behalf of Melbourne Water. By implementing standard digital languages since for the project's tender phase, John Holland manages a unified model that centrally oversees all construction elements. The model offers a wealth of benefits, such as material quantification and cost estimation, collision detection in design, streamlining complex procurement schedules, and housing quality data. This integration streamlines the construction process and will subsequently be handed over to Melbourne Water as a comprehensive digital archive, maintaining vital information throughout the facility's operational life.
Following the speakers a robust discussion occurred in the room weighing up what the next steps are for the industry and how to ensure large investments for our industry are made wisely and shared widely.
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