Discussion Papers 7–9

B. HEWITT, Southern Water Servinea T.t.ri I would like to pay tribute to Ken Roberts, the former chief executive of Wessex, for his foresight in encouraging the application of ICA and IT in the water industry during the 1970s. His vision was an inspiration to others and has not been forgotten.

I would like to emphasize the importance of determining the benefits of IT systems, particularly in relation to the use of data for management purposes. In Southern Water Services a major review has just been completed on the existing management information system to ensure that the new business needs are met following privatization. This review has taken some time and has been done very thoroughly to ensure that the business is driving IT and not the other way around.