Inspection Management System (IMS)

Traditional Inspection Methods

Traditional methods often require the use of multiple different software solutions to collect and manage documentation. This can become cumbersome when dealing with up to a hundred requests in each NRC inspection category.

In the past, hard copies were shipped to the NRC ahead of an inspection. This often required duplicate copies because the inspector would not always return with them. Often a “bag man” trip by the NRC to collect documents prior to inspection. Now, documents are made available for review on the website. This provides a record of information provided in response to the NRC request.

Previously, all information provided to the NRC in hard copy is “in their possession” and subject to being released in response to a FOIA request. Now, information is maintained on a third-party website that is not in the NRC’s possession. NRC inspectors’ access is controlled by the licensee. Inspectors may download documents, and the number of documents subject to FOIA is reduced.

Traditionally, tracking documents were scattered in emails, spreadsheets, someone’s memory, or handwritten notes. With IMS, information is managed in a database with workflow, subscriptions, and a notification center, and is available to all users 24/7.

In the past, manual tracking and notes development for management and team briefings. Now, built-in NRC Request status tracking, Exit Notes Report, and Action Document Summary Report act as reporting.

The old operating experience was dependent on limited details provided by inspection reports and word of mouth between licensees. Now, with the IMS community, there is searchable data to gain insights on details not available in the published NRC reports; insights on individual requests.