EDF has picked software from UK-based UNIT4 Collaboration Software Ltd to support its UK nuclear new build programme. Business Collaborator, BC 5.3, is being used for both internal and external collaboration, providing a central hub for information management and tracking company processes in order to meet regulatory requirements.
The BC software is being used by the team putting together EDF’s nuclear site licence applications. This complex application process involves many parties including teams at EDF Energy's engineering consultancy partners Atkins. The software allows EDF issue documents for comment, track actions and ensure that everyone has view of all the work streams taking place that may affect their work.
"The BC system is becoming the de facto tool for our major projects," confirmed David Shuffleton, head of management arrangements for EDF Energy's nuclear new build programme. "Its flexibility in supporting both internal team collaboration, engagement with our supply chain partners and regulatory processes is proving invaluable. We are already ahead of the take up we anticipated and expect the number of users to increase to many hundreds."
The BC system has been used successfully by EDF Energy to support the project team in the construction of a new GBP500 million ($750 milllion) Combined Cycle Gas Turbine power station at its site at West Burton.
EDF Energy's nuclear new build programme will spearhead the development of four new EPRs, at Hinkley Point and Sizewell.
