A new, specially created app is just one of the ways CiM6 (Costain Integrated with MWH for AMP6) has improved its management of the commissioning of projects for the Severn Trent Water AMP6 delivery programme.
In 2014 Severn Trent Water challenged all its Design and Construct (D&C) contractors to improve their commissioning management. Two years on, CiM6 has been recognised by Severn Trent Water as leading the way in successfully delivering an improvement plan across all frameworks and projects in AMP6.
App manages delivery checks, inspection, testing and process commissioning of equipment for all MEICA projects
The improvement plan included the development of a MEICA (Mechanical, Electrical, Instrumentation, Control and Automation) App developed by the CiM6 team from an idea of Stephan van Brummelen, CiM6 Framework MEICA Manager. The app, which has been in use since December 2014, manages all the delivery checks, inspection, testing and process commissioning of MEICA equipment for all projects.
Other measures introduced include the consolidation of all commissioning documentation across all projects; the development and implementation of new processes; simplification of the commissioning plan; and the off-site commissioning of equipment.
CiM6 also recruited the right talent to make sure the necessary skills and expertise were in place for effective delivery of MEICA based projects.
The team plan to use the app to reduce the amount of compilation needed of end-of-project documentation. They are also working with Severn Trent Water on ways to reduce paperwork and make information available earlier to Wholesale Operations teams. Also planned is periodic and preventative maintenance for newly installed equipment during the construction phase to allow seamless handover.
Adrian Smith, Commissioning Manager, Severn Trent Water commented:
“Severn Trent Water recognises commissioning as being a key element of successful project delivery, and performance audits during AMP5 identified some areas for improvement in terms of both commissioning planning and compliance with the Severn Trent Water commissioning strategy.”
“We have witnessed a real step up in D&C contractors’ commitment to improved commissioning delivery in terms of understanding and compliance with the commissioning strategy and a shift in skill set balance toward ME&I away from a civil and construction bias."
“Although there is undoubtedly still be further work to do in AMP6 with upskilling of delivery teams and embedding the improvements across an even greater number of projects, I do feel more confident in the ability of the D&C contractors to deliver commissioning more efficiently in AMP6.”
Stephan van Brummelen said that Costain had reduced costs through less paperwork and less duplication, with the ability to use live data providing improved validation with much better visibility and management of actual progress.
“I’m looking forward to continue developing our systems and enhancing our management of MEICA and commissioning going forward. And now that the MEICA App is the standard for the water sector within Costain, other frameworks can benefit too. “ he added.
UK water companies are invited to join an upcoming webinar which will explore how the sector can take indirect potable reuse (IPR) from concept to full-scale operational reality.
James Sumsion, CEO of predictive water intelligence specialists Kohtari, says the water sector needs to take a giant leap forward, so that it can anticipate and act upon water quality issues - rather than merely react.
Ray Moulds, Sales Director at Flood Control International, takes a look at how automated sliding floodgates are supporting secondary containment at water and sewerage company sites.
With the UK government demanding a 50% reduction in storm overflow spills by 2029, the era of reactive management is over. Speaking in the House of Commons on 21 July 2025, then environment secretary Steve Reed said, “This Government will cut water companies’ sewage pollution in half by the end of the decade.”
Hear how Scottish Water has completed its £235 million Ayrshire Glasgow Resilience Project - customers across Greater Glasgow, Ayrshire and East Renfrewshire will now benefit from a more secure and resilient water supply.
Hear how United Utilities is accelerating its investment to reduce spills from storm overflows across the Northwest.
Find out more about the remarkable career opportunities on offer at WSP - scroll down to watch the inspirational video.