PlanRadar

It’s no secret that COVID-19 brought unprecedented challenges to the facilities management industry, changing the way companies work and communicate with one another on an extraordinary scale. But whilst some are more adaptable than others, and continue to work effectively, for the vast majority of businesses, the pandemic has left significant gaps in efficiency and productivity. Ibrahim Imam, Co-Founder, and Co-CEO of PlanRadar explains how digital technology is nudging the needle for the future of facilities management. Impact of COVID-19 The events of 2020 need little introduction, but it’s fair to say that the impact of COVID-19 has had an immeasurable impact on the way industries work and operate. For facilities management, the past year has been challenging, with the pandemic highlighting its dependence on more traditional ways of working. Yet in times of crisis, innovation often emerges, and greater digital adoption now helping to transform the industry. The Learning Curve One of the most revealing aspects of 2020 for the facilities management sector was that digital infrastructure One of the most revealing aspects of 2020 for the facilities management sector was that digital infrastructure and processes are yet to be fully realized. With a heavy reliance on a ‘paper and clipboard’ approach, it highlighted the need for 24/7 digital access to important documentation. Strict lockdown measures meant information such as product service history, building information, and health and safety protocols remained out of reach. Without the right technology in place, the interaction between teams was also inhibited, reducing work rate efficiency. Connecting The Dots But 2020 also presented another lesson: the need for a more informative approach between those involved in the construction journey and those they hand over to. It’s not uncommon for facilities managers to have limited knowledge of a building’s specification, more often than not, they are unable to access a building’s blueprint or make sense of differences they see between plans and the building they’re responsible for. Maintenance Knowledge sharing is key to best practice and an accurate timeline, record of a building should be available to all This situation puts building users at significant risk. After all, how are occupants to know if certain products remain safe by changing guidelines and legislation? This joined-up approach is an idea that Dame Judith Hackett presented at Construction Leaders’ Summit in October 2020. Labeled ‘The Golden Thread of Information’, Hackett hammered home the message that knowledge sharing was key to best practice and that an accurate timeline and record of a building should be available to all, from the materials used, through to design and occupation as well as its ongoing maintenance. Digital Solution With the pressing need for a solution, the market has responded. Technology exists that allows mobile apps to replace paper records, allowing facilities professionals to review project information, or work order status, instantly from their smartphone or tablet. For facilities managers that are overseeing multiple business locations, this technology also provides them with a birds-eye view of projects without the need for unnecessary or time-consuming journeys to the site. digital recordkeeping Digital recordkeeping can enable facilities managers to forecast historic trends and patterns, giving them access to predictive analytics What’s more, digital recordkeeping can enable facilities managers to forecast historic trends and patterns, giving them access to predictive analytics, and helping them effectively manage maintenance schedules and budgets. Whilst having the right tech in place will streamline workflow efficiency should another lockdown situation occur, it’s also best business practice. Fundamentally, it removes reliance on face-to-face meetings and allows team members to receive instant in-app updates through the use of photo documentation or replica worksheets. implementing digital tools With a greater policy focus (and pressure) on the wider construction industry to go further and deeper in implementing these digital tools, it’s only a matter of time before laws and legislation reflect this approach. Yes, there are some growing pains inevitable from rapid adoption, but this short-term squeeze will be worth it when businesses soon start seeing the ROI. So, facilities managers should seize this opportunity to improve their methods of working, not just for end-user safety but for their peace of mind and their employer’s bottom line.

Digital technology is transforming the way the house-building industry is doing business, from making day-to-day on-site processes more efficient, to helping manage asset information, in order to ensure compliance. The question now is ‘what next?’ To answer this question, some of the sector’s renowned content providers offer their key insights about the main motivators behind the latest innovations. AI, IoT-backed devices PJ Farr, Managing Director of leading construction connectivity provider, UK Connect, said “As AI, IoT-backed devices and big data applications start to become common-place on site, so too will the latest standards in connectivity. One of the main reasons the industry has been relatively slow in the race towards digital adoption is down to the network capabilities, during the construction journey.” PJ Farr adds, “However, the advent of 5G and Wi-Fi 6, two landmark wireless broadband standards, are changing the rules of the game. With these two innovations in place, think of the benefits: no lag time, live collaboration without buffering, and automated systems and machinery which can work almost intuitively, operating efficiently and saving their own energy when not in use.” Collation, management and presentation of accurate data End clients as asset owners, are waking up to the monetary value of digital twins and robust data logs" Tom Boland, the Head of Digitalization - Building Lifecycle Information Management Software at Zutec, said “End clients as asset owners, are waking up to the monetary value of digital twins and robust data logs, which detail how buildings have been constructed, maintained and adapted. This digital record is set to become essential, as the regulatory landscape changes.” He adds, “The collation, management and presentation of accurate data looks set to become a preoccupation, even an obsession, for contractors and developers nationwide, as they seek to comply with new regulations and de-risk property.” Transparency, responsibility and quality Tom Bolland further said, “This will apply whether they ultimately own the asset or not. Positively, it will drive up transparency, responsibility and quality. That’s no bad thing.” Ian King, the Chief Operating Officer - Innovative Fire Protection Technology at Zeroignition, said “The construction industry needs to learn from other industries, such as automotive and aviation, which focus on a checklist approach to reduce harm to passengers. When people rely on memory, mistakes happen, and the simple action of checking off points can prevent fire planning elements being missed.” Digital footprints to ensure right building criteria adherence Ian King adds, “The digital ‘revolution’ that the construction industry is experiencing can create ‘digital footprints’ that prove the right building criteria has been adhered to. This will become essential if we’re to successfully implement watertight fire safety checks before a building is handed over to the occupant or end user.” Siôn Bellis, the Chief Residential Officer - Structured Data and O&M Specialist at Createmaster, said “Post-Grenfell, fire and emergency systems and protocols have been thrown into the spotlight. While many will see the physical solutions from fire doors and smoke alarms, to sprinklers and extinguishers, the operation and maintenance information which underlies them is less appreciated but equally important.” Data storage in the Cloud Technology’s changing that, and storing this vital data in the Cloud will start to become the norm" He adds, “As the new planning gateways start to take effect, contractors, developers and asset owners will be keen to ensure the fire and emergency information they have, matches what’s been specified, and complies with the law. This information was previously stored in a nebulously inconsistent physical or rudimentarily digital file, making it easy for vital information to be mislaid.” Siôn Bellis further said, “Technology’s changing that, and storing this vital data in the Cloud will start to become the norm, particularly as asset owners begin to understand the vital importance of having this information at every stage of the building lifecycle.” Building Safety Bill Matt Ryan, the UK Country Manager - Defect Management Expert at PlanRadar, said “The role of construction technology is becoming synonymous with compliance. As we’ve seen through recent legislation changes, such as the Building Safety Bill, residents’ safety is a top priority and businesses can no longer bury their heads in the sand when it comes to improving standards.” Matt Ryan adds, “Instead, house-builders must act quickly to introduce ways of preventing potential mistakes, to improve build quality and reduce end-user risk. This is where technology comes in, helping businesses to take action now, and future-proof for later. Investing in the latest digital quality assurance and project management tools will avoid any action being taken by the regulators and provide answers to claims from homeowners, while raising general building standards across the board and offering residents maximum protection.” ‘Safety’, ‘Quality’ and ‘Compliance’ ‘Safety’, ‘Quality’ and ‘Compliance’ appear to all be words synonymous with our contributors’ approaches and attitude towards the role technology will have in improving not only the house-building sector, but the wider built environment. What’s clear is ConTech is enabling better practice across the industry, driving up quality across the board and, most importantly, helping to de-risk the residential property sector. Looking forward to the year ahead, which will be heavily-focused on the new regulatory framework, we can no doubt expect digital adoption to be further embraced across the house-building community.

The past 18 months have been transformational in many ways. Events such as the COVID-19 pandemic, increasing safety legislation, and a squeeze on profit margins have been a catalyst for change, thereby leading to significant investments in new software. It’s also put the spotlight on productivity and efficiency. According to ONS figures, productivity levels in construction have remained consistently below the UK average, until more recently. New digital strategy However, civil engineering is well placed to make adjustments, having consistently been the most productive sub-industry within the sector. But, if a new digital strategy is to truly take hold and be embraced by its workforce, then it’s essential to be aware of common barriers to success – and how to overcome them. Matt Ryan, the UK Country Manager at PlanRadar, explains. Supporting not replacing staff For some, the news of incoming innovation can raise questions around job security For some, the news of incoming innovation can raise questions around job security – will they eventually be replaced, will they need to get tech-savvy or even retrain? Yet, it’s simple to see where so many go wrong and it’s about tackling this human, culture-driven factor head-on. Here, communication is critical and it’s about talking to the workforce and pinpointing where uncertainty or apprehension might lie, before a full roll-out begins. Take the time to show how each business area can improve and develop specific examples of how it will help and not hinder their day-to-day functions. Importantly, staff will want to know how it can benefit them directly. They’ll want to know that their voices are heard. Train with the experts It’s likely that in some cases, workers who have made their way through the ranks are more familiar with an analog approach and the idea of working with tech tools daily is a worrying prospect. But, as it is known, it needn’t be painful – most modern con-tech tools have been explicitly designed with that functionality in mind, using existing hardware, such as phones or tablets for ease of use. Asking the supplier or provider to train the workforce directly will help deliver the best results and increase the likelihood of full adoption. It’s vital to retain patience and compassion, during this process, as inevitably, speeds at which people learn vary, no matter how user-friendly the tech may be. Ambassadors to spearhead change ‘Ambassadors’ or dedicated teams responsible for pushing the use of new tech within organizations can also drive success. Staffs then have ‘go-to’ contacts for queries, thus maintaining momentum. This was seen in practice with Geoffrey Robinson Ltd, which has 220 staff. It successfully used a specialist team to coach staff and ensured they had access to the latest plans, forms, documents and other necessary information. A phased approach Having a plan to roll out a new digital strategy can prevent headaches further down the line Having a plan to roll out a new digital strategy can prevent headaches further down the line. If springing new technology onto a busy workforce without proper prep, it won’t go well, so use time-based project management. There is proof of this in practice. National Highways in its ‘Digital Roads 2025’ strategy is doing just that. Splitting into three core themes, ‘Design and Construction’, ‘Digital Operations’ and ‘Digital Customers’, the strategy plans to revolutionize its working practices through digital means, in order to reduce the need for time consuming and costly on-site inspections, prevent unnecessary delays and reduce emissions generated by roadworks. The ongoing process Finally, this is not a single, one-off moment; implementing new tech is ongoing. Once the technology is in play, take time to review it and ask for honest feedback from users, in order to find out where the sticking points are. Work with the supplier to iron out any issues – because after all, everyone wants to achieve maximum value.