720102OXEMS Underground Asset Location, Identification & Management SystemClosedGRD Development of PrototypeInnovate UKUtilities across the world are replacing ageing ferrous pipes with modern plastic ones, but they have a major problem. The traditional way to find pipes is to use a Cable Avoidance Tool (CAT) which is effectively a specialised metal detector working on the ferrous properties of the assets. Clearly with plastic a CAT will not work. Today there are a number of propositions on the market such as Ground Probing Radar (GPR) but none of them give utilities what they need, a combined plastic and ferrous version of a CAT which is simple and quick to use and is cost effective enough for network-wide rollout. This project is about delivering to this need whilst taking advantage of modern digital technologies to also provide a complete strategic asset management solution. OXEMS was spun out of the University of Oxford in 2010 and aims to mark buried assets with passive tags (no active electronics, no power requirement etc) using an innovative and patented variant of RFID technology (Radio Frequency Identification). Then by using a new detector and an integrated identification system utilities will be able to automatically record and recall asset information quickly and simply in real time from the street. Information will be displayed to the user in map and data form consistent with existing practice. The OXEMS system will be cost effective for network wide rollout whilst the tags will be built for the construction market and designed to have a life at least as long as the assets themselves. The project will be a major step towards delivering a fully integrated utility asset management solution which incorporates major benefits to the contracting industry. It will lead to real reductions in roadworks, to improvements in site based health and safety, to a reduction in carbon footprint, to reduced utility maintenance and repair costs and to many wider social and economic improvements for the community and the wider environment.