MEICA Design: Effective Use of WIMES Datasheets by the MEICA Designer

In the world of MEICA engineering, one of the most powerful and often underutilised tools available to designers is the WIMES datasheet. The Water Industry Mechanical and Electrical Specification (WIMES) series provides a standardised approach for specifying equipment and systems across the Irish & UK water industries. For MEICA designers, using WIMES datasheets effectively can improve clarity, reduce ambiguity, and ultimately lead to better project outcomes.

Why WIMES Datasheets Matter

WIMES datasheets act as structured templates that ensure a consistent approach when specifying key information about plant, equipment, and instrumentation. They cover everything from pumps and MCCs to instruments and actuated valves.

For a MEICA designer, this consistency is invaluable. It supports clear communication with suppliers, ensures alignment with water utility standards, and provides a robust audit trail for design decisions. More importantly, WIMES datasheets help bridge the gap between technical specification and practical delivery.

Common Pitfalls in WIMES Datasheet Usage

While WIMES datasheets are widely used, they are not always used effectively. Some common mistakes include:

• Copy-pasting legacy content without reviewing the project-specific requirements.

• Over- or under-specifying equipment, leading to commercial or technical issues during procurement.

• Incomplete sections, especially in areas that require input from other disciplines or stakeholders.

• Lack of revision control, meaning updates aren’t properly captured or communicated.

  
  

These issues can lead to equipment mismatches, prolonged design reviews, and even rework during commissioning. That’s why effective use of WIMES datasheets is not just about filling in boxes—it’s about thoughtful, coordinated engineering.

Tips for MEICA Designers Using WIMES Datasheets

1. Start Early and Collaborate

WIMES datasheets should be developed as early as possible in the design process, ideally during the outline design or concept stages. Involving mechanical, electrical, process, and ICA engineers early ensures the datasheet captures the full scope of requirements. For example, the mechanical team might need a specific pump material for chemical resistance, while the ICA team may require dual signal outputs for redundancy.

2. Tailor for the Client and Project

Not every section of a WIMES datasheet will apply to every client or project. Make sure to tailor the datasheet to the specific standards of the water company you are working with. Many utilities have modified versions of WIMES or internal preferences—designers should be aware of these from the start.

3. Use Datasheets as Live Documents

A WIMES datasheet should be a live document throughout the project lifecycle, not a one-off submission. Updates should be tracked, version controlled, and reviewed at each design stage—outline, detailed, and construction. This ensures that any changes, such as shifts in control philosophy or changes in supplier availability, are captured and communicated.

4. Involve Suppliers When Appropriate

Engaging with preferred suppliers during the datasheet development can be incredibly helpful, especially for specialist items like VSDs or flowmeters. Suppliers can provide guidance on realistic specifications, improving the accuracy and deliverability of the datasheet.

5. Integrate with Digital Platforms

Where possible, integrate WIMES datasheets with digital project delivery tools. Whether using Excel-based datasheets, PDFs, or embedded documents in platforms like Bluerithm or Common Data Environments (CDEs), keeping datasheets accessible and up to date ensures all stakeholders are working from the same source of truth.

Conclusion

For MEICA designers, WIMES datasheets are not just a formality—they are a cornerstone of good design practice. Used effectively, they improve collaboration, drive consistency, and help ensure that the specified equipment is exactly what is needed, reducing surprises during installation and commissioning.

In a world of increasingly complex water infrastructure projects, the humble datasheet started by the designer and carried forward to other project life cycle, (e.g. procurement and commissioning) remains a powerful tool—provided we use it wisely.