The Great Grid Upgrade is often described as the UK's biggest investment in electricity transmission for a generation. Most people focus on the miles of new overhead lines, substations and underground cable routes. But behind every new asset sits something just as important: information.

Every design revision, manufacturer data sheet, survey, model and asset record needs to move seamlessly between National Grid, principal contractors and the wider supply chain. When dozens of projects are being delivered simultaneously under the ASTI framework, poor information management doesn't just slow down one project, it impacts an entire programme.

This is something we're seeing first-hand through our work supporting contractors delivering National Grid infrastructure.

Majenta is currently supporting organisations involved in the Great Grid Upgrade, providing digital engineering capability including information management, 3D/4D modelling and digital delivery expertise across programmes. Working alongside delivery teams has reinforced one clear lesson: successful projects aren't just built on engineering excellence; they're built on trusted information.

Five observations from the programme:

Information management is now part of project delivery

Contractors are increasingly being asked to demonstrate how information will be managed before work even begins. Rather than producing documentation at the end of a project, teams are expected to establish structured processes from day one that support National Grid's long-term asset management strategy. The data being captured and managed now, will be used for years toc ome in the upkeep and maintenance of the programme post the handover phase.

Digital product data is becoming the common language

With multiple contractors working across numerous projects, consistent product and asset data is becoming essential. Clean, structured information enables faster approvals, reduces duplication and supports future maintenance long after construction has finished. Digital data can come in various formats, with multiple platforms for management. Keeping this data secure and organised in critical to the success of the programme.,

Collaboration only works when everyone is working from the same data

Common Data Environments, agreed naming conventions and standardised BIM workflows are helping delivery partners work together more effectively. Where these aren't in place, coordination becomes significantly more difficult. it is not always practical for every contractor and partner to have access to the same data, so ensuring information is managed is more important where the requirements become more complex.

Geospatial information is just as important as BIM

Transmission projects extend across hundreds of kilometres. Understanding how survey information, GIS data and BIM models interact is becoming increasingly important for planning, coordination and future asset management. Contractors only get one chance once the assets become physical and need to be established on site in real time. Having digital models to forecast any issues that could arise, could save millions in re-work or distruption.

The quality of today's information affects decades of operation

Transmission assets will operate for generations. Poor handover information creates unnecessary risk for maintenance teams long after construction has completed. Ensuring well structured digital models are keep securely for this time period is mission critical.

Supporting delivery teams

Majenta provides embedded information management specialists, BIM consultants and digital engineering resource to organisations delivering complex infrastructure.

Whether supporting bids, increasing project capacity or helping teams meet National Grid's digital requirements, our focus is simple: helping contractors deliver better information alongside better infrastructure.

Get in touch today to see how we could support your business scale it's digital expertise.

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