The purpose of the research effort described in this report is to develop and demonstrate an approach to the design and implementation of advanced, automated systems intended to increase operational efficiencies at nuclear power plants. In particular, we describe methods for considering human-technology integration (HTI) issues throughout the various phases of system design, test, and implementation and how these considerations help promote effective design. This research project will develop planning tools and comprehensive guidance on how HTI principles and methods, in combination with information automation technologies, can enable effective data integration and coordination for full nuclear plant modernization. Specifically, this research project will develop an approach to automate the mapping of data from plant systems and processes to application needs, thereby significantly reducing the amount of human workload currently required for the execution of these tasks. In addition to developing an automated solution as a replacement for these tasks, this research will also analyze digitalization's effectiveness in reducing operational costs of compliance related activities. Compliance activities are estimated to account for as much as 50% of operations and maintenance (i.e., non-fuel and non-capital) costs of plant operation.

The nuclear industry has identified data digitalization and information automation as topics needing focused research. In response, Light Water Reactor Sustainability (LWRS) Program researchers are developing and evaluating methods for effectively mapping and managing plant data through System Theoretic Process Analysis (STPA), System-Theoretic Accident Model and Processes (STAMP), and Causal Analysis. The results provide an optimized process for converting data to information enabling deeper insight, and more effective actionthereby allowing utilities to operate safely and costcompetitively. This research includes developing methods to evolve plant data into useful plant insights and validates the use of STPA and STAMP using highlevel safety constraints in the United States Nuclear Regulatory Commission's problem identification and resolution process (i.e., a plant compliance information gathering activity).Researchers are also investigating how human and technology integration principles, digitalization, and information automation enable the conversion of data to information or "data evolution". The next step in this research, described in the following sections of this report, is to map out data evolution in other plant compliance activitiesevent investigations and root cause analyses. This LWRS Program-supported research and development contributes to the comprehensive guidance for utilities considering or undertaking full nuclear plant modernization.

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