Lotus Notes Logbook Upgrade

Lotus Notes Logbook Upgrade

Status: Live
Reference: NIA_NGN_493
Lead Network: Northern Gas Networks
Start Date: 01 August 2025
End Date: 01 November 2025
Budget: £110,000
Funding Mechanism: Network Innovation Allowance
Technology: Asset Management, Biomethane, Comms and IT, Condition Monitoring, Control Systems, Cyber Security, Demand Response, Digital Network, Energy Storage and Demand Response, Fault Current, Fault Level, Fault Management, Gas Distribution Networks, Gas Transmission Networks, Green Gas, Health and Safety, Hydrogen, Maintenance Inspections, Measurement, Meshed Networks, Network Automation, Pre Heat, Resilience, Storage, Substation Monitoring, System Security
Strategy Theme: Data and digitalisation
Collaborating Networks: Northern Gas Networks
Project Partners: Funding is from the NIA, breakdown of cost schedule provided in project plan below: NGN are not partnering with another GDN for this; a tolerance has been accounted for taking the projected total to £110,000.

Abstract

NGN currently operate a Lotus Notes application with a bespoke electronic Logbook system to capture all of the activity with day and planned ahead that occurs within our gas control centre. This system has been in operation since 1997 and has proven to be a highly reliable and flexible tool to manage planned works, faults, general site activity and wider issues.

The current technology is outdated and contains years’ worth of data causing it to be slow. There are no links between Lotus notes and other vital control room applications (SCADA etc.). Raising faults becomes a tedious task and the Logbook and other in-apps are not user friendly. There are no updates available to improve the existing system.

The current system needs to be replaced but to achieve that we need a full exploration of where technology can deliver to our requirements, and to fully explore the impact of net zero and what new functionality may be required to manage the transition to net zero.

This is an early stage feasibility project to understand all of the challenges, opportunities and risks that UK GDNs face with their systems, in order to help facilitate the transition to net zero energy systems.

This project offers a valuable opportunity to generate new insights into the feasibility and strategic implications of replacing legacy software within GDNs, specifically NGN’s Lotus Notes system. Beyond identifying suitable alternatives, the study will surface learnings that can inform broader digital transformation efforts.

Key areas of potential learning include:

Operational requirements
Cyber security and compliance
Migration feasibility
Future readiness

Findings may uncover opportunities to align the logbook replacement with NGN’s wider digital transformation goals. This includes considerations around scalability, interoperability with other control room applications, and readiness for future-fit technologies such as advanced search, AI-driven insights, and control room automation. The study might provide further insights on how these capabilities can integrate with existing systems to enhance situational awareness and decision-making.

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