BAE Systems won a five year contract to provide information services vital to the successful operation of the entire surface fleet for the Royal Navy and Royal Fleet Auxiliary in Portsmouth. The Configuration Accounting Service involves the management of a huge central information system, known as the Surface Ship Definition Database, which contains over five million records relating to Royal Navy ships. The company’s engineers work to ensure all data, including technical documents, design change guidance and spares lists for each ship, are accurate, up to date and easily accessible. Crucially, this information is required to coordinate all maintenance, repairs and upgrades to the fleet effectively.