Joining forces to launch most complete and accurate National Record-Sharing Service for Underground

The partners behind Intelligent Trench (an innovative underground mapping solution) are joining forces with PelicanCorp (provider of the beforeUdig service) to launch the most complete and accurate national record-sharing service for underground assets in the United Kingdom. This no-charge service enables authorities, statutory undertakers, and contractors to use the Intelligent Trench portal to access utility plan information directly from the portal’s data base, as well as to initiate utility plan requests for additional plan information through the beforeUdig service – all in a one-stop operation. The service provides asset data quickly and efficiently, saving time and money for all stakeholders, helps improve the on-site safety of workers, and protects underground assets from accidental damage.

Steve Voller, industry solutions director for Bentley Systems, representing Intelligent Trench, and Marcus Edwards, managing director of PelicanCorp (U.K.), issued the following joint statement,

“This innovative new service was developed in response to the industry need for a solution combining direct access to underground asset data via the Intelligent Trench portal and an automated plan request service. The web portal is built on Exor technology, which is part of Bentley’s AssetWise platform for asset lifecycle management. With this new combined service, those inquiring about these types of assets need no longer spend valuable time calling or emailing asset owners. As a result, they reduce their costs and benefit from the timely delivery of the location records they require.”

Intelligent Trench combines advanced radio frequency identification (RFID) asset marking from 3M, field-based GPS data collection software from Trac-ID, a web portal and Exor spatial asset data base from Bentley Systems, and industry best practices, such as noninvasive surveys, from Infotec. Together, these technologies enable every excavation to be accurately and cost-effectively recorded, photographed, and mapped on a web portal. Access to the stored data is provided free of charge to registered users.

PelicanCorp’s beforeUdig service enables plan requests to be made from all relevant asset owners. It lets contractors request plans from utilities in a very simple step-by-step process. Once the request has been lodged with beforeUdig, each utility is notified of the intention to dig.

For additional information visit www.intelligenttrench.com or www.beforeudig.co.uk.

About Bentley Systems, Incorporated

Bentley is the global leader dedicated to providing architects, engineers, geospatial professionals, constructors, and owner-operators with comprehensive software solutions for sustaining infrastructure. Bentley’s mission is to empower its users to leverage information modeling through integrated projects for high-performing intelligent infrastructure. Its solutions encompass the MicroStation platform for infrastructure design and modeling, the ProjectWise platform for infrastructure project team collaboration and work sharing, and the AssetWise platform for infrastructure asset operations – all supporting a broad portfolio of interoperable applications and complemented by worldwide professional services. Founded in 1984, Bentley has grown to nearly 3,000 colleagues in more than 45 countries and $500 million in annual revenues. Since 2001, the company has invested more than $1 billion in research, development, and acquisitions. For additional information about Bentley, visit www.bentley.com. For additional information about Bentley’s AssetWise, visit www.bentley.com/assetwise.

About Infotec

Infotec, acknowledged underground mapping specialists and consultants, offers a wide range of services utilizing the latest available technology and experience gathered over the past twenty-five years. Undertaking work on behalf of major utility companies, public authorities, and some of the U.K.’s largest developers and professional organizations, the company specializes in the accurate location and mapping of pipes, cables, ducts, drains, and sewers, as well as the identification of defects, voids, and buried structures. For additional information, visit www.infotec1.net.

About PelicanCorp

PelicanCorp is a niche provider of software and services to utilities, asset owners, and to the Before You Dig industry specifically for the ‘Protection of Essential Infrastructure.’ Its team has over 90 years of experience working with utilities, Before You Dig services, and local authorities in helping provide efficient software solutions to increase awareness, improve information exchange, and to re-engineer processes to deliver day-to-day benefits to the industry as a whole.

PelicanCorp is an industry leader in providing software solutions for owners of underground assets and Before You Dig services. All of its software products and services are focused on ‘the protection of essential infrastructure.’ Its solutions are workflow and process based tools delivering enquiry and asset protection capabilities. For additional information, visit www.pelicancorp.com.

About 3M

3M™ is a diversified technology company, with an annual turnover of $23bn, employing 75,000 people. Famous for innovation of practical, ingenious solutions, 3M makes and sells 55,000 products around the world.

The 3M Electronic Marker System uses RFID technology to accurately mark and locate underground utilities and excavations. Each Intelligent Trench data point will be linked to a 3M marker, installed at each location. For additional information, visit www.3M.com.

About Trac-ID

Trac-ID is a specialist Solutions Consultancy and System Integrator. With extensive knowledge of auto identification and mobile software technologies, Trac-ID develops and delivers innovative, highly effective technology solutions. It is Trac-ID’s belief that the best way to achieve this is to work closely with its customers and deliver solutions specific to their requirements, rather than offer “one-size-fits-all” products. For additional information about Trac-ID, visit www.trac-id.co.uk