Case Study
Digitalization of Technical Infrastructure Project Documentation
Context and Legislative Framework
Organizations managing and operating technical infrastructure (e.g., energy, water management, transport, telecommunications) are legally required to maintain as-built documentation in an up-to-date state.
According to Act No. 283/2021 Coll. , the Building Act (new), and implementing decrees (especially 131/2024 on construction documentation), the building owner is obliged to ensure that the as-built documentation corresponds to the actual state. Furthermore, the obligation to maintain documentation is also defined in connection with the operation and safety of technical equipment (e.g., Act No. 250/2021 Coll., on occupational safety in connection with the operation of dedicated technical equipment).
Traditional paper or non-systemic digital documentation does not allow for efficient management and updates. Therefore, the trend is full digitalization of documentation and the implementation of a common data environment for its management and further use.
Solution – Using Engineering Base SW (AUTOTEC)
Engineering Base software from AUTOTEC is used for the digitalization of project documentation, supporting:
– a common data environment,
– a model-oriented approach,
– documentation lifecycle management,
– work according to international standards (e.g., ISO 81346 – classification and designation of technical systems, ISO 7200 – documentation metadata).
Phases of Project Documentation Digitalization
1. Analysis
– Evaluation of existing documentation (paper records, 2D CAD files, various databases).
– Identification of deficiencies (incompleteness, obsolescence, duplications).
– Defining requirements for the future digital environment.
2. Creation of a Technical Standard
– Preparation of detailed methodologies and templates according to international standards.
– Setting up a uniform method of classification, element labeling, and documentation structure.
– Determining metadata requirements and versioning rules.
3. Digitalization Process
– Conversion of existing documentation into digital form (scanning, transcription, import).
– Data structuring within the Engineering Base environment.
– Quality control of transferred data and its validation against the standard.
4. Setting up Processes and Functions for New Projects
– Configuration of the Engineering Base system for creating new project documentation.
– Implementation of workflows for approval, revision, and documentation updates.
– Integration with other systems (e.g., GIS, ERP, asset management).
Benefits of Digitalization
– Compliance with legislation – ensuring up-to-date and complete as-built documentation.
– Common Data Environment – all participants work with a single version of the truth.
– Rapid information availability – easy searching, sharing, and updating.
– Higher project quality – elimination of errors through standardization and uniform labeling.
– Infrastructure lifecycle support – documentation is not just a passive archive, but an active tool for operation, maintenance, and development.
– International compatibility – documentation complies with globally recognized standards, facilitating cooperation with suppliers and investors.
Conclusion
Digitalization of project documentation using Engineering Base from AUTOTEC represents a modern solution for technical infrastructure management. Through thorough analysis, the creation of a technical standard, and the implementation of processes, long-term sustainability, legislative compliance, and a significant increase in efficiency can be achieved.