As a first step, the electronic file management system (‘e-files’) will be introduced into the division of the German Federal Network Agency that is responsible for implementing the Grid Expansion Acceleration Act (NABEG). The NABEG lays the groundwork for accelerating the expansion of ultra-high-voltage lines across Germany, and for efficiently expanding the power grid in an environmentally friendly way to help facilitate the planned energy transition.
With this decision, the German Federal Network Agency has paved the way for electronically supported document management throughout every level of its structure. The German Federal Network Agency is a top-level federal agency under the purview of the German Federal Ministry for Economic Affairs and Energy. By pursuing this project, it is implementing the specifications of the German E-Government Act, which provides for the introduction of digital file management for government agencies starting in 2020.
The ‘e-file’ project is intended to replace the largely paper-bound system previously used to process business procedures at the agency. To carry out the project, the two parties in the commissioned bidding consortium (adesso and TechTalk) will pool their expertise in the areas of developing, introducing and operating complex software projects over the next 12 months. Product manufacturer rubicon IT GmbH is also involved as a subcontractor, providing its proven Acta Nova document management system.
In additional to using traditional snail-mail correspondence, the German Federal Network Agency also creates, edits, saves and exchanges documents via electronic methods and interfaces. There are also a number of specialist applications tailor-made to help with various tasks carried out by the German Federal Network Agency. This usually involves individual or modified standard software. Once electronic file management has been rolled out, all of these different systems and methods will be combined and integrated under one roof. Special attention will be paid to ensuring the legal compliance of the electronic file management system; an important topic, since the German Federal Network agency handles specialist tasks that require a high level of legal procedural security.
During the initial phase, the partner consortium will implement e-files for ‘Division 8 – Grid Expansion’, which will go live by April 2018. Afterwards, e-files will be used in the agency’s additional divisions, Ruling Chambers, units and departments.
The order also includes the provision of required licences as well as services, maintenance and support for four years, with the option to extend these for an additional two years.