Anglian Water will use AI planning software from nPlan to forecast and deliver large-scale water infrastructure projects and project portfolios during the AMP8 investment window, which runs from 2025 to 2030.
Anglian Water has used nPlan to assure and de-risk the delivery of more than 200 projects during the current AMP7. During that time, Anglian Water representatives have been impressed with the way nPlan Portfolio allowed them to increase the effectiveness of ‘portfolio boards’ (crucial review meetings) and assess the deliverability of schedules presented by contractors so that they could provide precise and constructive feedback that improved the outcome of each project. Anglian Water plans to use nPlan’s technology to assure and manage up to 1,400 projects during AMP8.
NPlan’s software uses predictive AI and what nPlan claims is the world’s biggest library of past project plans (more than 750,000) to forecast the likely duration of construction activities, understand when key milestones are likely to be reached, and flag the activities most likely to drive delay.
Furthermore, these capabilities can also be applied across portfolios of projects, enabling users of nPlan’s portfolio-focused product, nPlan Portfolio, to quantify the deliverability of a portfolio, identify problem projects and systemic risks to delivery and make smart decisions about how resources are allocated.
Scaling planning to match increased investment
Euan Black, head of delivery portfolio management at Anglian Water, said: "During AMP8, UK water companies are set to invest nearly 90% more in water resilience and supply projects than during AMP7. With such a significant expansion in investment and ambition, the challenge for companies like Anglian Water is ensuring we can scale our delivery capabilities to match.
"NPlan is a critical part of our strategy to ensure predictable delivery and provide effective oversight across our entire investment programme.By leveraging AI and historical data, we can make smarter, data-driven decisions and provide live reports to more than 300 stakeholders across the business, ensuring transparency and accountability.
"More importantly, this partnership will deliver direct benefits to our customers. With nPlan, we can better plan and coordinate work schedules, reducing disruptions caused by construction activities such as road closures. This not only cuts down delivery costs but also minimises inconvenience to the public, ultimately allowing us to provide a smoother, more efficient service."
Don’t miss out on BIM and digital construction news: sign up to receive the BIMplus newsletter.