Unveiling the PAUSE Process by D2 and SymTerra

D2's Utilities Management team collaborated with SymTerra to develop the PAUSE process for managing uncharted utilities on Network Rail's Transpennine Route Upgrade. SymTerra's platform provided the real-time communication framework that made it possible.

As seen at Google Prism
Utilities management Network Rail Transpennine Route

The background

D2's initial approach to the problem of uncharted utilities was to create an in-house solution relying on existing, standard software systems. However, a chance meeting with the SymTerra team in October 2022 revealed the potential of a collaboration, as SymTerra's digital platform could provide an ideal framework already in use across many projects.

Working together, D2 and SymTerra developed The PAUSE (Proving of Abandoned and Uncharted Services Exercise) process. SymTerra's cloud-based platform serves as a one-stop solution for managing unforeseen services, aiming to standardise the process across the board.

D2 PAUSE process

Implementation and results

Trials of the PAUSE system began in June 2023 within Network Rail's Transpennine Route Upgrade, West of Leeds Alliance programme. The benefits were immediately evident.

During the initial trials, the PAUSE system helped resolve a scenario where planned excavation works were at risk of cutting through unidentified underground cables. Through real-time communication and data sharing on SymTerra's platform, the teams quickly identified and rerouted around the cables, avoiding significant delays and additional costs.

  • Real-time communication between site workers and utilities teams
  • Swift identification and resolution of uncharted services
  • Deployed on two additional projects following initial success
  • Recognised as an industry example for utilities management
SymTerra drawing markup for utilities

Key Results

Industry-First Process

The PAUSE process was recognised as an industry example for how utilities management can be enhanced through collaborative initiatives and real-time communication technology.

Avoided Costly Delays

Real-time data sharing allowed teams to identify and reroute around uncharted cables during excavation, preventing significant delays and additional costs.

Multi-Project Expansion

Success on the Transpennine Route led to deployment on two additional projects, proving the scalability of the SymTerra and PAUSE framework.