Traditional approaches to improving asset reliability in the water sector are often slow, complex, and reliant on extended programmes that struggle to translate theory into operational practice. They get bogged down in FMEA and RCM analysis.

This session presents a different approach: a pragmatic, condensed, sprint based model for rapidly implementing reliability improvements at scale.

Delivered through a collaborative partnership between Southern Water and Binnies, a six month “Reliability Sprint” redefined how reliability frameworks can be developed, tested, and embedded within operational environments.

The initiative combined executive sponsorship, specialist reliability expertise, and frontline operational involvement to co create a practical, ISO 55001 aligned framework.

At the core of the approach was the use of agile sprint principles and digitisation - tools such as asset criticality models, failure mode analysis, and optimised maintenance strategies to be deployed in real time alongside those responsible for their delivery. This ensured immediate applicability, strong ownership, and sustained adoption.

The results challenge traditional assumptions about the pace of change in asset management. Within six months, the programme delivered improved asset insight, strengthened maintenance practices, and a robust foundation for more consistent, data driven decision making. Fundamentally, it implemented risk based maintenance strategy and a site reliability review process, from scratch, within 6 months, across more than 400 sites and 100,000s of assets.

This presentation explores how sprint-based delivery and pragmatism can accelerate reliability maturity, bridge the gap between strategy and operations, and provide a scalable model for utilities facing increasing performance, regulatory, and environmental pressures. It offers a practical blueprint for organisations seeking to move from reactive maintenance to proactive, resilience focused asset management—at pace.