Case Study
30th July 2025
Sunderland City Council is committed to improving public safety and operational efficiency across its services. As part of this commitment, the council has explored how digital tools can enhance asset management processes across play park inspections and water safety monitoring.
Currently, both play park and water safety inspections rely on paper-based systems. Inspectors manually record findings, which are later transcribed into Excel spreadsheets. In response to this, the council is piloting Microsoft Power Apps, a low-code platform that enables the rapid development of custom applications. The objective is to digitise inspection processes, reduce duplication of effort, and provide a more intuitive, data-driven approach to managing public assets.
Seaburn Play Park
By moving to a digital-first approach supported by Microsoft Power Apps, the council will be able to access timely insights, streamline inspection workflows, and respond more swiftly to emerging issues. This transition opens up new opportunities for real-time data capture, improved coordination, and more informed decision-making, thereby empowering teams to deliver safer, more efficient services across Sunderland.
To modernise inspection processes Sunderland City Council has introduced two custom-built Power Apps solutions: one focused on play park equipment inspections and the other on water safety. Developed in close collaboration with strategic partners Boldyn Networks and Makutu, these proof of concepts are designed to replace manual, paper-based systems with intuitive, efficient tools that support real-time data capture and improved oversight.
For play park inspections, the Power Apps solution introduces a streamlined interface that simplifies data entry for inspectors in the field. It retains the existing Excel-based system to ensure continuity for administrative staff, while enhancing it with automation that updates records seamlessly. The new platform also supports standardised data input and offers a centralised Power BI dashboard, giving managers instant access to inspection outcomes and outstanding issues.
Parks Inspection wireframe
The water safety Power Apps solution enables inspectors to record and report findings more efficiently, reducing duplication of effort and improving the accuracy of data. By digitising this process, the council can respond more quickly to potential hazards and ensure that safety concerns are addressed promptly.
Together, these solutions reflect Sunderland’s smart city commitment to use technology to improve public services, empower staff, and create safer environments for residents and visitors alike.
By adopting Microsoft Power Apps, Sunderland City Council is laying the foundation for a more efficient, responsive, and data-informed approach to public asset management.
For play park equipment, the new system empowers inspectors with a user-friendly tool that improves the accuracy and consistency of inspections. Administrative teams benefit from reduced manual workload, while managers gain streamlined visibility into inspection outcomes. The integration with existing Excel workflows ensures a smooth transition and supports staff through familiar tools enhanced by automation.
The digitised water safety inspection process enables the council to act more proactively, addressing safety concerns before they escalate. This not only improves public safety but also frees up valuable time for Sunderland City Council staff to focus on other tasks.
Across both use cases, the council is demonstrating how smart city innovation can drive public sector productivity, improve service delivery, and create safer, more resilient communities. By leveraging data effectively, Sunderland is better equipped to make informed decisions and explore new opportunities for digital transformation.
The Sunderland Smart City programme is committed to ensuring that no one and nowhere is left behind. To learn more about our range of projects and pilots, visit our Innovation Challenges page.
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