DISRUPTIVE TECH
INTELLIGENT PLANNING AND SCHEDULING USING MATHEMATICAL MODELS CAN IMPROVE BUSINESS PERFORMANCE BOTH IN PRODUCTIVITY AND IMPROVED DELIVERY .
• Many processes are manual and inconsistent .
• Use of Excel is labour-intensive , provides inaccurate data that is not real-time and can be manipulated , leading to uninformed decision-making .
• Standardised , repeatable best practice processes cannot be implemented .
• Difficult to change strategy and diversify by acquiring new businesses or offering new solutions .
• Impossible to measure performance and drive continuous improvement .
• Poor project and business performance , resulting in reduced future pipeline .
Kenny Ingram , Vice
President , Construction and Engineering , IFS
Chris Knight , Global industry Director , Construction and Engineering , IFS
Asset design
When contractors are involved in the day-to-day operations and maintenance activities , they have valuable insights into its performance . These insights can be fed back to the engineering function to inform future designs and improvements – a mutual benefit for both the asset owner and the contractor .
Safety and compliance
When the contractor takes responsibility for all stages of the asset ’ s life , they are exposed to how the asset is performing in terms of safety and compliance . This increases their knowledge and allows for continuous improvement , again benefitting the asset owner and end user community .
Construction and engineering companies are involved in designing , building , operating , and maintaining complex assets . To facilitate these complex business processes , companies have traditionally invested in a wide variety of specialised software applications for individual departments , and then attempted to integrate these systems together to provide efficient business processes .
Due to the complexity of integrations , implementation is almost impossible to execute . As a result of inconsistent data structures many organisations resort to Excel spreadsheets to link processes and provide accurate management information .
Legacy inhibitors
To face these challenges , companies need to become more efficient , agile , and resilient . What is holding them back ? A disjointed business system landscape constrains companies and has many disadvantages .
• Expensive to maintain and increases business risk with unsupported software systems .
• Cannot move to a cloud-based , open platform architecture .
An effective digital strategy needs to be implemented , led by senior leadership . It should not be seen as an IT or even a tactical business project , but as a strategic , high-level business initiative . This transition needs to be part of a continuous improvement plan that aligns with business goals for significant value improvements . A phased approach is necessary and would typically be split into two overarching phases to get control and transform and innovate .
Get control
In this stage , the main objectives include :
• Consolidate and simplify systems and processes
• Reduce business risk , siloes and the use of Excel
• Empower management through full transparency of information
• Drive more predictable revenue and margins with project financial control
Transform and innovate
Here , the business can now grow and innovate without risk .
• Grow business and make it more resilient through acquisitions .
• Diversifying into new business streams such as offering operations and maintenance services , asset rental , offsite manufacturing .
• Innovate by adopting digital enablers such as BIM , AI , IoT , Robotics , Automation .
• Exploit new trends across industrialised construction methods .
As we look ahead , it is clear the construction and engineering industry must prioritise the integration of digital technology to create new revenue streams and streamline operations . Through the implementation of AI and automation and the adoption of a servitised business model , the industry can address challenges like the labour shortage , cut project costs , improve efficiency , and enhance customer loyalty . p
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