Digital Engineering FAQs

DE is a collaborative way of working using digital processes, to enable more productive methods of planning, designing, constructing, operating and maintaining our assets. 

Transport for NSW (TfNSW) is committed to implementing best practice data and information management. DE has been recognised by TfNSW as a key enabler to achieving this policy. By structuring our data consistently, it can be readily used by all stakeholders to make informed management decisions throughout the project lifecycle.

We recognise BIM as part of a broader landscape that is DE. Other key data sets in DE include time, cost, risk, asset data, etc.

TfNSW is using the DE Framework to connect emerging technologies with reliable structured data, while recognising that people and culture are key to success. The Framework is being developed to provide a consistent, holistic approach to DE across the Transport cluster. This will enable a step change in productivity and provide long-term benefits to our industry.

The DE Framework focuses on five key areas to ensure a consistent approach to DE, allowing projects to simply and rapidly adopt DE.

These key areas are:

• Digital Twin – the set of DE deliverables (models, documents and data) that represent the ‘digital asset’
• Procurement – a standard way of defined DE requirements for procurement
• Ways of Working – how DE is implemented and used
• Technologies – the applications and tools that support DE
• Skills and Resourcing – the resources and training to enhance skills so that DE can be used effectively  

The Digital Twin is the set of DE deliverables (models, documents and data) that represent the ‘digital asset’. TfNSW projects need to provide the skills and resourcing, embrace the ways of working and technologies to procure the right support to deliver the Digital Twin.

The Framework provides the capability for TfNSW projects to enhance existing skills, process, technology and data standards. 
    

Launched in September 2018, the DE Framework Interim Approach is being delivered incrementally through a number of key releases. Release 1 and Release 2 went live in September 2018 and April 2019 respectively. Two more releases are planned for 2019. As the Framework develops, the suite of documentation will grow and be continually improved. 

The Framework is currently being piloted on a number of key TfNSW Infrastructure and Place projects. Lessons learned and feedback will be integrated to ensure the Framework is practical and scalable to all Transport divisions. It has not yet been implemented for RMS or all Sydney Trains projects. 

Subject to a funding decision in late 2019, TfNSW is planning to roll out the Framework across the Transport cluster.

The current focus of the DE Framework is on the Demand/Need, Plan and Acquire phases of project lifecycle (i.e. development and delivery) only. Further work is required to develop controls for the O&M phase. The Framework is designed to ensure information is classified and assured for handover for O&M. 

As the DE Framework is still being developed, the TfNSW DE team is working to develop quantitative and qualitative metrics of success for the Framework, to be measured on Pilot Projects.

   
No. During the Interim Approach, the DE Framework is being piloted on select TfNSW Infrastructure and Place projects only. While not a mandatory requirement, the Framework is a corporate TfNSW initiative with full support from the Secretary.  Therefore, it is recommended all new projects consider working with the DE Team to evaluate if DE is appropriate for them. 

As the DE Framework is in the early stages, the cost to implement it on projects is yet to be quantified. Direct costs include DE configuration of Enterprise Content Management and model review tools. Other costs include upskilling existing project personnel and getting additional resources with specific DE skills if required. 

While there are extra costs associated with project setup and governing DE throughout the project, the cost savings during design development, construction and handover are forecast to give projects a net cost benefit. 

There are four categories of documentation available that support both the client-side and service providers (Contractors). 

1. TfNSW Requirements: defines the minimum requirements for projects implementing DE, as well as the definition of DE when working within the TfNSW context. 
2. Contract templates: for use by projects to ensure that DE requirements are adequately reflected in contract documentation. When completed, these contracts confirm the usage of DE for the specific project, including any departures and qualifications to TfNSW’s minimum requirements as per the DE Standard.
3. Delivery tools and templates: when used by a project team, these tools and templates help ensure that project teams: 
   • Comply with the Digital Engineering Standard Part 1 (ST-202) and Part 2 (ST-207)
   • Understand what is to be delivered, by whom, how and when 
   • Use standardised data formats 
   • Have a consistent approach across and between projects.
4. Technical guidance: aimed at the project team staff responsible for implementing the requirements of the DE Standard. These guides provide tips and tricks to improve users’ understanding and efficiency in delivering the project.

No. A selection of key documents are available for public download via our webpage. The full suite of documentation can be accessed by TfNSW staff only. Service providers (Contractors) will be provided with the documents relevant to their DE delivery, within tenders or after contract award. In addition, the DE Team will provide guided access to documents from other stakeholders on request. This is to ensure appropriate use of the DE Framework. 

The concession came into force as of February 2019. These changes are only applicable to projects specifically included in the granted Notice of Concession. For a full list of projects included in the concession, contact the DE Team. 

Named projects implementing the DE Framework have been granted a Concession from the TfNSW Asset Standards Authority (ASA). The Concession means that these projects are not required to comply with certain clauses contained in: 

T MU MD 00006 ST Engineering Drawings and CAD Requirements 

T MU MD 00006 TI Technical Information for CAD Engineering Drawings 

T MU MD 00006 F1 Metadata Spreadsheet for Engineering Drawings 

These projects are instead required to comply with Digital Engineering Standard Part 1 (ST-202) and Part 2 (ST-207).

Currently the requirements for Smart Tags, title blocks and CAD layer naming are different in terms of their data standards.  The DE Standard and the CAD concession have been designed to ensure that the linkages between and use of common data standards across these datasets is achieved. 

The DE Team is collaborating with ASA, Sydney Trains, Virtual Plan Room (VPR) and relevant agencies to develop a strategy for submissions delivered in BIM or DE format in accordance with Digital Engineering Standard Part 1 (ST-202) and Part 2 (ST-207).

As at June 2019, the DE Framework is being used by Central Station Precinct, Transport Access Program stage 3, Parramatta Light Rail stages 1 & 2, Circular Quay Precinct Renewal, More Trains More Services stages 2, 3 and 4.

Existing Pilot Projects should continue to work according to contractually agreed versions of DE processes, procedures and deliverables. 

If a Pilot Project sees benefit in adopting the new/updated versions of a particular DE Framework document, this change needs to be agreed with TfNSW and the service provider (Contractor). Don’t do this on your own! Talk to the DE Team about how best to adopt any changes. 

No. To encourage innovation and continual industry improvement, we are not mandating software packages. 

Our Pilot Projects are currently using InEight and BIM360 model review tools. The DE team can demonstrate these tools and work with project teams to adopt an appropriate solution.

The CDE is made up of various information systems that contain project information and data. InEight and ProjectWise are enterprise content management (ECM) and collaboration systems; they are one of the many information systems that make up the CDE. 

Upskilling our people is integral to the success of the DE Framework. Training is currently available to TfNSW staff. For our service providers (Contractors), training is only provided after the contract has been awarded.

There are currently three types of training available:

• Awareness – this course aims to provide TfNSW staff and service providers (Contractors) with an overview of what DE is and how DE is being implemented at TfNSW via the Framework.
• Fundamentals – these training modules provide a step-by-step overview of DE uses, implementation and interfaces for DE-enabled TfNSW projects, based on the project lifecycle.
• Specialist – on the job specialist training provided to Pilot Project personnel who are currently implementing the Framework.

Starting in July 2019, the DE team will facilitate regular Community of Practice forums to help keep industry informed and ensure that DE is aligned with contractor capability. Longer term, we aim to have DE included as a discipline in the AEO assessment criteria.

Visit our webpage or email the DE team: Digital.Engineering@transport.nsw.gov.au

For DE Framework news and updates, subscribe though our webpage.

The DE team welcomes your constructive feedback. To submit feedback, email: Digital.Engineering@transport.nsw.gov.au