As U.K. water companies have taken on increasing responsibility for wastewater networks, the need to ensure easy, clear and speedy access to pipeline condition survey data has become ever more important. 

Southern Water has for some years utilized an alternative document management system for the compilation and storage of its pipeline survey data. The system, while useful, was by current standards somewhat cumbersome and not very user friendly. With survey data being provided largely on DVD, the method of electronic storage meant that should engineers wish to view a survey, first the data file had to be retrieved and then the whole video had to be watched to find the location of interest, as the system could not effectively utilize location selection. 

In order to make the evaluation and use of the recorded data more effective, Southern Water looked for a new system that could offer the accessibility needed by its engineering team from one central storage source. Ultimately, after examining the available options, it was decided to opt for the WinCan Web system recently launched by CCTV reporting software provider, WinCan.

The WinCan Web system is fully compatible with the latest WinCan VX survey reporting software, which is currently being used by all of Southern Water’s survey contractors.

Southern Water’s pipeline inspection works are undertaken by the company’s Tier 1 contractor, Cappagh Browne, which will engage with approved contractors on Southern Water’s behalf. 

Once a survey is completed using WinCan VX and WinCan Web the report can be uploaded to the central storage facility immediately. If a survey is of particular importance or urgency, the engineering team can view it within minutes of the survey being completed; if the survey is part of an ongoing routine program the report can be uploaded at a later time. The system also allows the updating and continuation of survey reports that may be either revisited or simply extended from a survey started at an earlier date.

WinCan Web

In general, WinCan Web is a cloud delivery and storage solution for CCTV inspection data collected using WinCan VX reporting software. This remote application now makes it possible to deliver CCTV pipeline inspection data over the internet. 

The process has been designed to be easy so as to minimize the time required for the transfer of the data. This not only means that more time on site can be dedicated to the survey itself but it also reduces the “off survey” time required to handle the data process. 

WinCan Web is designed so that data is securely held and, just as important, securely backed up. The complete absence of any need for a physical delivery of the project information means that the turnaround of the survey results from site to report delivery is almost no time at all, ensuring efficient and cost-effective use of the survey contractor’s time in the field.

According to Leigh-Ann Butler, sewer rehabilitation engineer with Southern Water, “The implementation of the WinCan Web system within Southern Water has made accessing and analyzing survey data far more user-friendly. Any of our 50-plus engineering team can now access reports as and when required and search the data for the information they need from videos or pictures as part of their ongoing operations.”

Paul Purton, surveying and technical manager for Cappagh Brown, says, “Working with our approved external contractors, the utilization of the WinCan VX reporting software alongside the new WinCan Web remote storage facility means that all CCTV reporting is achieved to the same recognized standard whilst being made available to our client as they need it, whether that is immediately or not. This minimizes the off-site time that needs to be allowed for when planning surveys, making the job much more efficient and cost-effective for both us as the contractor and for Southern Water.”

For WinCan, Paul Woodhouse says, “We are very pleased to have been able to work with the Southern Water team to develop a system that will enable them to manage, plan and implement their pipeline network operations based on current and easily accessible data. This type of situation is precisely the sort of operation that WinCan Web has been designed to handle quickly and effectively. We will of course continue to be available to offer any support that is necessary to Southern Water’s engineering team as the new WinCan system develops further.”

Request a free demonstration to learn more about WinCan Web.