Anglian Water is enhancing infrastructure management with AI to streamline processes and prevent waste.
- The company partners with nPlan to utilise AI in the upcoming AMP8 period, focusing on customer value delivery.
- Regulator Ofwat’s approval of £88bn for water firms drives this innovative approach.
- AI tools will help address storm overflow issues and refine resource management.
- This high-tech collaboration follows a successful trial in AMP7, expanding to 1,400 projects.
In a forward-thinking move, Anglian Water plans to integrate artificial intelligence (AI) from nPlan to optimise project management during the AMP8 cycle, spanning from 2025 to 2030. This initiative follows significant regulatory approval from Ofwat, allowing for £88 billion investment dedicated to critical issues, including storm overflow management.
AI will be pivotal in ensuring these funds are used efficiently, minimising wastage—a challenge previously faced by the sector. Partnering with technology firm nPlan, Anglian Water aims to refine its project management processes, thereby enhancing value delivery to its customers.
nPlan’s software leverages a robust database of over 750,000 historical project plans, offering predictive insights to foresee construction timelines, identify delays, and make informed decisions on resource allocation. This enables an overview of entire project portfolios and identifies broader systemic risks for optimal resource distribution.
The decision to expand AI use comes after a successful AMP7 trial, where nPlan’s technology improved management for more than 200 projects, bolstering the effectiveness of portfolio boards and contractor schedules. The upcoming AMP8 period will see AI tools applied across around 1,400 projects, encompassing significant undertakings like billion-pound reservoirs in Fens and Lincolnshire.
Euan Black, Anglian Water’s Head of Delivery Portfolio Management, highlighted the nearly 90% increase in investment between AMP7 and AMP8. He emphasised the necessity of scaling up delivery capabilities, with AI providing smarter, data-driven decision-making and live reports accessible to over 300 stakeholders.
nPlan’s CEO, Dev Amratia, echoed the optimism for the partnership, noting its role in reducing risks and improving efficiency. He described this collaboration as a benchmark for the industry, enhancing transparency and minimising public disruption.
Looking ahead, Anglian Water and nPlan anticipate that this technology will streamline project coordination, reduce delivery costs, and lessen inconvenience during construction. This strategic use of AI not only aims to meet project deadlines but ensures a more seamless service delivery for customers.
Anglian Water’s AI integration marks a significant advancement in efficient resource management, promising improved service delivery for customers.
