AI, AUTOMATION & NUCLEAR | DIGITAL & IT


Above: AI creates new opportunities and is more likely to complement human work than replace it


of contracts, work orders, and other important content. For example, when contractors are hired to work at a nuclear jobsite, intelligent contractor management software can capture each worker’s certifications and pay grades. When those contractors clock in and out for the day, the software automatically knows how many hours each contractor worked and at what rate, ensuring accurate payments for every worker. Using manual spreadsheets to track such information is time-consuming and error prone. Another way AI can help is when a nuclear project owner


sources a contractor for a new project. Based on data from previous contracts and data that the owner provides after projects conclude, AI can assist with data entry and provide recommendations to drive the greatest cost savings. Specifically, such tools can present insights and suggest whether the owner should run a project on a time and material basis or on a lump sum basis to better manage budget and spend. Furthermore, the combination of AI and automation can


offer significant support during the review and approval process for contracts and expenses. For instance, when a contractor submits an invoice to the nuclear project owner, that team’s AI solution can use previous data to analyse the invoice and recommend that the owner approve, reject, or conduct further investigation before deciding. Similarly, such tools can also use historical data to


determine whether a purchase order is priced fairly and in line with what the nuclear facility’s procurement team has paid in the past. In doing so, the technology frees employees to perform more complex duties.


Create safer sites and boost the bottom line for power plants Automated contractor data and spend management technology can enable nuclear facility owners to


monitor key safety metrics, such as the employees onsite, equipment usage and maintenance, and fatigue management. The technology can track who is certified to work with which pieces of equipment or on different projects, and it can also provide visibility when someone may be working in a capacity they aren’t certified to do. Once managers are notified, they can reassign that worker to a job they are qualified for, eliminating a potential safety risk. Proof of presence of contractors also supports project


ownership and jobsite management in a safety-related incident. By knowing who is onsite at all times, management can easily direct teams to their specified muster stations or rally points and then easily account for each person on site. Finally, the technology can also automatically monitor


which contractors have worked for too many consecutive days or too many days of overtime, alerting project owners when an employee is exceeding fatigue limits and poses a safety risk. OSHA reports that working 12 hours a day a day is associated with a 37% increased risk of injury, not only affecting the health and well-being of employees, but potentially costing businesses billions of dollars each year. AI and automation are not new concepts, but with the


latest innovations spurring rapid growth and adoption, the nuclear industry should be keen to understand where and how these solutions can be applied to their operations to support the business’s bottom line. With adequate data and buy-in from all teams, nuclear industry leaders can experience streamlined administrative, approval, and alerting processes, all of which will contribute to automated cost control and compliance. Proactively using AI, automation, and other emerging technologies will ensure the nuclear industry has its pulse on the latest developments and can use them to stimulate growth, progress, and future success. ■


www.neimagazine.com | July 2024 | 33


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53