Transport

for NSW Digital

Engineering
Framework
DMS-ST-208

December 2022
Digital Engineering Framework

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Table of Contents
1 Context .......................................................................................................................... 4
1.1 Purpose................................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.2 Introduction ........................................................................................................................................................... 4
1.3 Application ............................................................................................................................................................ 4

2 DE Framework objectives ............................................................................................ 4

3 DE uses .......................................................................................................................... 5
4 Framework documents ................................................................................................ 6
5 Project deliverables ..................................................................................................... 7
6 Education and training ................................................................................................. 9
7 Management and technical processes ...................................................................... 9
8 Further support, guidance or feedback ................................................................... 12
Appendix A DE process map .............................................................................................. 13
Appendix B DE documents ................................................................................................. 14
B.1 DE Framework project delivery documents ............................................................................................14
B.2 DE Framework delivery tools and templates ..........................................................................................14
B.3 DE Framework technical guidance ............................................................................................................ 15
Digital Engineering Framework

B.4 Links....................................................................................................................................................................... 15

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Document control
Located on the Digital Engineering area on Transport’s IP
Location Divisional Management System (DMS). (Link available to TfNSW
staff only).

Document owner Director Digital Twin Integration

Version 4.0

Original version release date September 2018

Versions
Version Published date Summary of changes

1.0 4 September 2018 DE Framework Launch

2.0 8 April 2019 DE Framework update

3.0 30 October 2019 DE Framework update

4.0 December 2022 DE Framework update

Digital Engineering Framework

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1 Context
Transport for New South Wales (TfNSW) is using the Digital Engineering (DE) Framework
to enable time, cost and quality improvements to the way that projects are planned,
designed, constructed, operated and maintained throughout their life cycle.
The DE Framework is supporting projects being delivered now and is being continually
improved for new ways of working and additional scope.

1.1 Purpose
The purpose of this Framework is to provide guidance to Project Management teams and
individuals across Infrastructure and Place (IP) on the use of Digital Engineering and the
activities required to be undertaken throughout the life cycle of a project to manage a
project’s digital assets.

1.2 Introduction
For TfNSW, DE is defined as ‘a collaborative way of working, using digital processes that
enable more productive methods of planning, constructing, operating and maintaining
TfNSW’s assets.’
The implementation of a DE Framework is in line with the TfNSW Data and Information
Asset Management Policy (CP17005), which provides the linkage between DE and the Asset
Management Framework as applicable to Transport. This policy sets the common
understanding (both internally and externally) of the importance of DE and the future
direction of TfNSW digital asset management.
Digital Engineering Framework

The DE processes defined as part of the DE Framework provide TfNSW with an approach
that enables digital information to become a key enabler of decision-making, stakeholder
engagement, improved asset knowledge, capability and capacity planning.

1.3 Application
The DE Framework has been developed to support IP Major Works and Professional
Services Contracts.

2 DE Framework objectives
The DE Framework objectives are based on establishing core digital engineering
capabilities within TfNSW, including:
• Digital Twin – supports the creation of a ‘digital asset’ that enables us to visualise and
manage critical data to gain new insights.
• Procurement – enables improved procurement of DE deliverables through
standardised and scalable templates, supported by technical guidance.
• Ways of working – improves project outcomes by supporting a step change in
adopting the DE Standard and technical guidance to provide better project data and
decision support information.
• Technologies – provides key support for DE, including using Common Data
Environments and the pre-configured Enterprise Content Management platform for

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project communications and information exchange. Technology will also enhance

mobility and BIM model reviews.
• Skills and resourcing – improves skills by creating a consistent understanding and
implementation of DE through training, including establishing new skills for project
management and design approvals. The DE Framework also provides access to DE
expertise through the DE Panel.
It is expected that uses of DE at TfNSW will evolve over time with an increased uptake by
projects of DE methods and technology.

3 DE uses
During establishment of each project phase project teams are able to assess the potential
uses for DE, including how it can be used to reduce risk, improve collaboration, and enable
data re-use.
The following list of DE uses can assist projects to determine the purpose and scope of DE
for a project.

Design (3D)
The integration of the design of utilities, services, civil, architectural, structural and
mechanical, electrical and plumbing elements of the infrastructure/assets, including the
surrounding areas, assisting with system assurance using 3D models.

Coordination
The federation of the 3D models of the different design disciplines at key project
Digital Engineering Framework

milestones (for example, prior to a Design Submission) allows project teams to discover
conflicts or inconsistencies before construction starts.

2D drawings
2D drawings can be extracted from the 3D model and the drawings will be up to date,
coherent and clash detected.

Visualisation and communication

3D models can be used to communicate design solutions to designers and other
stakeholders. For example, it is possible to walk through the model, create animations, and
see 3D images or visualisations of what the project deliverables will be.

Analysis
Consistent DE data enables analysis, such as reporting and trending, to be standardised
across the business. All data can be easily related and compared to gain new insights.

Decision support
DE provides a platform to investigate different alternatives by comparing various
parameters such as functionality, scenarios and costs. This can assist with, for example,
options analysis and can support investment decision-making.

Time simulation (4D)

The 3D model can be linked to a schedule and generate time simulations to assist with
construction sequencing.

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Constructability
3D models can be used for safety planning, for example, to analyse construction site
layouts, including understanding the impacts and interactions with plant and the
surrounding areas.

Quantity take-off
Quantities can be extracted from 3D models for estimating and tendering, as well as for
procurement during the construction phase.

Cost estimating (5D)

The 3D model and 4D data can be linked to provide the planned and actual costs during
the project delivery and assist with progress claims.

Quality assurance and compliance

Consistent data enables TfNSW to develop tools to validate data quality in submissions
automatically and confirm DE requirements have been met. Models can also be used for
fire safety reviews, National Construction Code reviews and/or to check accessibility for
maintenance crews.

4 Framework documents
The DE Framework is supported by a suite of documents that have been developed to
support the aims of the Transport for NSW Data and Information Asset Management Policy
(CP17005).
The set of contract documents and templates support setting up the people processes and
Digital Engineering Framework

technology to implement DE on a project, including procurement and management of DE

deliverables. The documents include:
• DE Standard
• DE technical guides
• procurement templates
• management plan templates.
The key DE Framework documents also illustrate the legal hierarchy for project teams to
follow to engage with suppliers on DE.
Please see Figure 1, illustrating the relationship between the DE Framework and project
documents, and Appendix B for the complete suite of documents.

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5 Project deliverables
Key project enablers provided by the DE Framework include a:
• DE knowledge base providing access to guidance documentation and DE expertise to
assist projects using standardised DE processes
• procedure and tools to assist with the standardisation of the Project Data Building
Blocks (PDBB)
• unified TfNSW approach to data classification and referencing
• base set of Project Data Schemas (PDSs) for standardising TfNSW deliverables
including documents, engineering, time, cost and asset data
• TfNSW Common Data Environment (CDE) configured to enable DE.
The DE Framework aims to enable and support the delivery of the following outcomes
across the project life cycle:
• systems engineering – business and systems requirements specifications.
• surveys – traditional and digital surveys (including 3D laser scanning and Scan-to-
BIM)
• CAD (2D and 3D) – 2D and 3D drawing information extracted from 3D models
• BIM (3D models) – 3D object-based modelling of infrastructure and assets
• GIS – integration and alignment of GIS and BIM
• scheduling (4D) – simulation linking project schedules to 3D models
Digital Engineering Framework

• cost (5D) – simulation linking project cost to 3D models and 4D data

• asset data (6D) – structured asset data for operations and maintenance.

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Digital Engineering Framework

Figure 1 – Digital Engineering Framework document hierarchy as an example

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6 Education and training

A series of DE Framework training modules are available to upskill staff working on a
project and enable them to effectively utilise the documents and tools available.
Training courses include:
• DE Framework Awareness – covers high-level concepts and project DE objectives
• DE Framework Fundamentals – covers detailed concepts, project implementation and
DE deliverables
• DE Framework Specialist – provides targeted training specific to various project roles.
Training is available in the following formats:
• delivered as an intensive course to a project
• team members can register to attend a pre-scheduled training course.

7 Management and technical processes

The DE management and technical process steps required to deliver DE for each project
phase are:
1. TfNSW DE preparation
2. Procurement of DE services and deliverables
3. Contractor establishes DE services
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4. Contractor designs, develops and delivers

5. TfNSW reviews
6. Contractor reviews and resubmits
7. TfNSW approves.
These steps have been developed to integrate with the existing IP project delivery phases
and activities. The steps are shown in Figure 2.

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Digital Engineering Framework

Figure 2 – DE management and technical process steps

Further details on each step are provided in Table 1, including a reference to the relevant
DE Framework documents to support the corresponding project DE activities.
A detailed process map covering DE and other project activities for each project phase is
provided in Appendix A.

Table 1 – Project DE activities

Process Description Document reference

1. TfNSW DE • Establish human resources, including leveraging • DE Framework

preparation support available through the central DE Team (this document)
and the TfNSW DE Panel for project specific DE • updated with DE
expertise. guidance
• Define the PDBB and PDS for the project (based • PDBB template
on the proposed schemas developed for TfNSW).
• PDS templates
• Establish the TfNSW CDE including ECM,
• DEXP template
Scheduling, Accounting, etc. systems.
See Appendix B for
• Develop the DE requirements and Digital
document details.
Engineering Execution Plan (DEXP) template.

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Process Description Document reference

2. Procurement • Develop TfNSW tender documentation using the • DE Standard

of DE DE templates available through IP Procurement. • DE Works Brief
• Include standardised DE KPIs to support DE and Transport
performance management. Standard
• Issue tender to the market, including receiving Requirement
market responses. (TSR)

• Conduct tender evaluation assessing DE • DE PSC Brief and

components of submissions. TSR

• Contract awarded to successful bidder. • DEXP template

(including TfNSW
Project Data
Schemas)
See Appendix B for
document details.

3. Contractor • Contractor establishes DE resources. • DE Standard

establishes • Define and agree the PDS (based on the TfNSW • DE Technical
DE services schemas provided). Guides
• Establish the Contractor CDE. See Appendix B for
• Develop the DEXP and submit to TfNSW for document details.
approval.

4. Contractor For each of the respective project disciplines: • DE Standard

designs, • Receive and validate data (geometrical and non- • DE Technical
develops and geometrical) from previous project phase.
Digital Engineering Framework

Guides
delivers
• Develop project deliverables. See Appendix B for
• Validate project deliverables against agreed PDS document details.
prior to submission.
• Submit deliverables to TfNSW for review.

5. TfNSW • Review the submitted deliverables against the • DE Technical

review PDS and Asset Standards. Guides
• Conduct Industry Foundation Classes (IFC) 3D See Appendix B for
Model reviews. document details.
• Assess compliance with configuration
management requirements and design
functionality (BAU process).
• Review DE deliverables, including design (3D
model), scheduling (4D), cost estimating (5D) and
asset information (6D) submissions.
• Issue comments to Contractor for rectification or
approve to submit for Configuration Management
and Investment Assurance (IA) gate reviews.

6. Contractor • Receive feedback (comments) from TfNSW on • DE Standard

addresses submissions requesting changes. See Appendix B for
comments • Contractor updates project deliverables and details.
and resubmits for review (go to design, develop and
resubmits deliver step).

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Process Description Document reference

7. TfNSW • Project DE team members provide support to IP • Configuration

approvals Configuration Change Board (CCB) and IA gate Management
reviews. Framework
• Following approvals to proceed to the next
project phases, go to TfNSW DE Preparation step.
• If it is the end of the project life cycle, facilitate
the transfer of project information to the O&M
phase of the asset life cycle.

A list of the DE Framework documents is provided in Appendix B.

8 Further support, guidance or feedback

For general enquiries and assistance with application of the DE Framework and associated
guidelines, education, training, or planning and commencing a digital engineering enabled
project, please contact the Digital Engineering Team at
[email protected].
The DE Framework embraces a culture of continuous improvement. Suggestions,
comments and feedback are welcomed and encouraged.
For general information refer to the TfNSW Digital Engineering website.
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Appendix A DE process map

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Appendix B DE documents
B.1 DE Framework project delivery documents
DE discipline Document no. Title Availability
All DMS-ST-208 Digital Engineering Framework Public
All DMS-ST-202 Digital Engineering Standard – Part 1, Public
Concepts and principles
All DMS-ST-207 Digital Engineering Standard – Part 2, Public
Requirements
All DMS-SD-123 Terms and definitions Public
Information DMS-FT-533 Enterprise Content Management (ECM) Public
Management Schema and Specification
Systems Engineering DMS-FT-563 Requirements Schema and Public
Specification
Survey DMS-FT-493 Utility Schema and Specification Public
CAD DMS-FT-562 CAD Schema and Specification Public
BIM Models DMS-FT-516 BIM Schema and Specification Public
Time DMS-FT-520 Scheduling Schema Public
GIS DMS-FT-580 GIS Schema Public

B.2 DE Framework delivery tools and templates

Digital Engineering Framework

DE discipline Document no. Title Availability

DE Management DMS-FT-548 Project Data Building Blocks (PDBB) DE Projects
Template
DE Management DMS-FT-532 Digital Engineering Execution Plan Public
(DEXP) Template
DE Management DMS-FT-443 DE Responsibility Matrix Public
DE Management DMS-FT-374 DE Code Request Form DE Projects
Information DMS-FT-555 Master Information Delivery Plan Public
Management (MIDP) Template
CAD DMS-FT-549 Digital Engineering CAD Title Block Public
Standard Format
BIM Models DMS-FT-454 Model Property Check Template Public
BIM Models DMS-FT-534 Model Production and Delivery Table Public
(MPDT) Template
BIM Models DMS-FT-556 Model Validation Certificate Public
Asset Data DMS-FT-537 DE Asset Register Template Public
GIS DMS-FT-581 GIS Management Plan Template Public
Survey IP-0043-GD01 Survey Schema and Specification Public
GIS IP-0048-TL01 Template file structure for Aboriginal Public
Heritage Assessments GIS
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DE discipline Document no. Title Availability

GIS IP-0048-TL02 Template file structure for Public
Biodiversity Assessments GIS
GIS IP-0048-TL03 Template file structure for GIS Public
GIS IP-0048-TL04 GIS validation certificate Public

B.3 DE Framework technical guidance

DE discipline Document no. Title Availability
All DMS-SD-092 Guide to procuring non-standard TfNSW only
hardware
DE Management DMS-SD-124 Application of Uniclass for Transport Public
for NSW
DE Management DMS-SD-145 Project Data Building Blocks Guide DE Projects
DE Management DMS-SD-143 Project Data Schemas Guide DE Projects
DE Management DMS-SD-149 Using the DEXP Public
DE Management DMS-SD-140 Project Deliverables Requirements Public
Guide
DE Management DMS-SD-125 Establishing the Contractor Common Public
Data Environment
Information DMS-SD-128 Procurement of InEight Document TfNSW only
Management Suite
Digital Engineering Framework

Information DMS-SD-126 Using the new TfNSW InEight DE Projects

Management Document Suite
Information DMS-SD-144 The Master Information Delivery Plan Public
Management (MIDP) Guide
Survey DMS-SD-142 Digital Survey Requirements Guide DE Projects
CAD DMS-SD-139 The Digital Engineering CAD Public
Concession
BIM Models DMS-SD-136 Setting up for BIM Public
BIM Models DMS-SD-137 DE Design Review DE Projects
BIM Models DMS-SD-129 Procurement of a Model Review Tool TfNSW only
Visualisation DMS-SD-130 Visualisation Requirements Guide DE Projects
Asset Data DMS-SD-141 Master Classification Library Public
Asset Data DMS-SD-138 Why not COBie Public
GIS IP-0048-SP01 Aboriginal Heritage Assessments GIS Public
Specification
All DMS-SD-092 Guide to procuring non-standard TfNSW only
hardware

B.4 Links
External release documents are available on the TfNSW Digital Engineering website.

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Internal release documents are available on the Digital Engineering area on Transport’s IP
Divisional Management System (DMS), now replaced by IP Information Management
System (IMS). (Link is available to TfNSW staff only.)
Digital Engineering Framework

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