Collaboration software keeps Crossrail running to schedule

Crossrail involves a number of partners

Companies working on the £15.9bn Crossrail project are using web-based collaboration software that allows them to share information more accurately and quickly.

Currently there are seven suppliers working on the non-underground section of the Crossrail contract, though more are expected to join as the project proceeds.

Design and engineering consultancy Scott Wilson is working for Network Rail on the project and set up the Business Collaborator software.

Mark Bew, director of business information systems for Scott Wilson, said that the tool will enable all companies to have greater transparency over the design process.

"It ensures there is only one copy of any document at any one time, and makes sure the right data stays up to date," he said.

If older versions of documents are used there is greater potential for a project to be delayed and go over budget.

"You can see if people haven't picked up documents and are therefore not likely to deliver something on time," said Bew.

The software has a simple user interface, and document controllers in each company needed only an hour's training. Around 500 future users of the system have done awareness training.

The system has strong audit trails to improve security and administrators can ensure that personnel have access only to information on parts of the project that they need.

The software is compliant with BS1192, a standard that regulates the quality of construction information.

Bew says the system has been received well by the companies using it.