scope:

This module specifies the process to define and agree asset-related data quality and information quality requirements.

This module applies to:

a) the entire asset management capability as defined within Network Rail's asset management strategy, both internal and external to Network Rail throughout the lifecycle of asset data;

b) the delivery of requests and requirements for asset-related data from those individuals and organisations external to the asset management system e.g. asset data used in financial calculations; and

c) projects delivering asset-data related applications and solutions to define and agree asset data specifications and appropriate measures of quality.

It does not apply to non-operational assets such as IT and office facilities assets.

This module applies when:

a) defining the asset data required to comply with Network Rail asset standards and regulatory requirements;

b) defining the required asset-related information needed for business planning, in financial processes, asset management, and asset maintenance planning;

c) defining the data and quality criteria to be collected through asset maintenance, renewals and enhancement activities;

d) reviewing and agreeing proposed plans and remediation solutions to address existing data quality issues;

e) exchanging asset-related data at the initiation of a project or works or at predetermined points during a project or works lifecycle.

Purpose

This module sets out the Data Quality Planning process to:

a) develop and maintain data quality plans which demonstrate how Network Rail shall maintain and improve its asset-related data;

b) define the level of quality that is required, appropriate, feasible, and beneficial to maintain asset-related data;

c) set information requirements to meet a data need, or enable decision-making with sufficient detail to deliver the required changes to specifications, applications, processes and collection methods to meet the requirement;

d) assess the feasibility, impact and cost-benefits of a requirement and whether it shall meet business needs;

e) assess and agree proposed plans to address quality issues; and

f) clarify the link from asset-related data management and collection activities to the business need for information.

The process described in this module provides (as an output) information in the form of change requirements to related processes so that performing those processes can determine:

a) the methods to measure the level of quality needed to meet business needs;

b) data availability and how is it / should it be structured;

c) information delivery methods;

d) how the data is actively maintained,

e) those responsible for maintaining the data; and,

f) the level of support provided to mitigate asset-data related risks.

It supports Network Rail in realising the change management principles in NR/L1/ADG/001 that set out how Network Rail defines and applies measures of quality to asset-related data to establish whether the data set is fit for purpose for:

a) decision-making;

b) internal and external reporting;

c) use in business processes; and

d) whole lifecycle management of assets.

The process in this module mitigates these asset-data related hazards:

a) ineffective processing of quality improved / corrected data;

b) failure to identify correct data accuracy;

c) recurring data errors issues occur;

d) failure to provide an effective data improvement plan.

This module forms part of the quality management system for asset-related data, which interfaces with these processes and related management systems (nonexclusive):

a) Asset Management System (AMS);

b) Strategy and Planning;

c) Enhancements and Renewals;

d) Regulatory and Legislative Reporting;

e) Cyber and Information Security; and

f) Information Governance