London 2012 information systems tender heralds new approach to Games planning

The London 2012 organising committee is seeking to integrate all internal or 'Back Office' information systems and services to stage the Games, including elements such as costs and revenues; facility requirements; information about the route of Olympic and Paralympic Torch Relays; plans and data for the allocation of tickets; workforce and volunteers scheduling and resource requirements.

The integrated information system will be the foundation for London 2012 Games planning across all key functional areas and operations from Games workforce, transport and venues to sport, press operations and spectator services.

"We are looking for a company to supply an integrated solution for the storage and management of information traditionally generated from multiple sources and technology platforms," said London 2012 Chief Executive Paul Deighton.

"Putting this integrated system in place at this early stage will enable us to scale up our organisation not only at the significant pace required by the Games, but also in a controlled and efficient manner."

Instead of having information located across individual component systems, the new approach will provide a single repository of recorded information relating to the preparation, delivery and legacy of the London Games and will drive the planning process.

The new approach reflects the importance of capitalising on the latest developments in the integration of software and hardware to create systems that are totally integrated with each other and work from common databases. These developments allow for much more efficient management of data and information, thereby facilitating faster and more effective decision making, and avoiding the need to reconcile duplicative and independent systems.

"We want to capitalise on new and existing technologies to improve the quality of the Games we deliver," Deighton said.

"The amount of information needed to stage the Olympic and Paralympic Games is vast and is evolving all the time. Having a single data sharing programme in place which can integrate information across all functional and operational areas will play a vital role in our plans to host the best possible Games in 2012," he said.

Companies interested in delivering an integrated information solution for the London Games can respond to a Pre-Qualification Questionnaire (PQQ), accessible from Friday 8 September on the official London 2012 website.

The PQQ will also include details about key timelines for the response and selection process of potential supplier companies.

The new integrated approach to information management will ensure that Games planners use the same information source and enable all stakeholders to be informed of current planning status for key planning areas.

The new system will also include shared reference data bases for the London 2012 Organising Committee and the Olympic Delivery Authority to enable the two Games planning and delivery organisations to work seamlessly together.

Industry leaders say London 2012's integrated approach will leave an important information management legacy from the London Games that will assist in planning and preparations for future Olympic and Paralympic Games and the staging of major international events.

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For further information please contact London 2012 Press Office on +44 (0)203 2012 100