Translating cold hard numbers into meaningful information through analysis

As construction asset management looks to a digital and data-driven future, there are two challenges faced by stakeholders when it comes to turning data in action.

The first is the information management trap, where data is captured throughout the planning and construction process but ends up living in information ‘pockets’ or siloes, failing to be analysed or translated into anything of real value to a project.

The second challenge is the sheer volume of information that is generated and whether ‘good’ or useful data is being collected. Big data has the ability to generate endless figures, graphs or models, but if it’s not answering your questions – or giving you deeper insights to drive decision-making – then it’s of little or no use to a project.

In fact, research from FMI found that construction professionals are struggling to know what data to collect or understand how to manage it. As a result, decisions made using ‘bad data’ are estimated to be costing the industry over £63 million in rework alone.

Data gathering and capture

There are a host of complexities which could be seen as barriers to digital adoption for the construction industry, such as the fragmented nature of projects, siloed tasks and the fact that every project is different. A solution to this is asset information management software, which has the ability remove those barriers by ensuring data is captured seamlessly and is easy to manage.

Not only that, but onsite or field data management has the ability to connect the more fragmented elements of a project. Field productivity means managers can improve site assessments through the monitoring and tracking of data in real-time, which eliminates human error and also ensures only ‘good’ data is being captured from the outset.

Document management

It’s not unusual for a build project to use a range of different reporting and data analysis tools or platforms to monitor project status and outputs. However, if they fail to synchronise or give you a more holistic perspective, then they are working in isolation and therefore not delivering any value.

Using a centralised platform ensures there is one point of information, a single source of truth, from which data can be captured and transferred into information that delivers real insight. A single reporting dashboard pulls the data into one place giving every stakeholder the same view, information and actionable insight across a build.

From data to meaningful insights

Construction tech is a huge growth market but with so many potential data points, there is a risk of overwhelming the people using it. It’s no surprise construction professionals sometimes struggle to know what data to collect. However, a single source of truth through a building asset management solution, will give stakeholders that clarity and understanding.

Done well, and working within a clear understanding of requirements, real-time data and analysis can bring huge financial, environmental and safety benefits:

• More effective project management: A single source of truth across a project improves collaboration and reduces construction time, which not only means better resourcing, but also saves time and money.

• Reduces waste: In the UK alone, we produce 100 million tonnes of waste every year. This is partly due to a more generalised ‘finger in the air’ approach to materials supply. Better data analysis looks at each project in isolation, pinpointing more exact material requirements resulting in more accurate ordering.

• Reduces carbon emissions: Construction is one of the biggest polluters on the planet, but the industry is rapidly addressing this issue in order to be carbon neutral by 2050. Integrated BIM technologies mean architects, planners or specifiers can better identify where more energy-efficient products or solutions can be used as an alternative to traditional methods.

• Improves build quality and safety: Stakeholders get a clearer picture across all aspects of a project, which means structural issues can be detected early on to avoid rework and any safety concerns can be flagged from the outset, not midway or at the end of a build.

There is so much more to effective asset lifecycle information management than data capture and storage. Having all the stats and figures you need at your fingertips is one thing, but it’s also about translating that into meaningful and actionable insight.

Zutec for effective data and information management

We are specialists in asset information management. Our flexible, cloud-based solutions give you a single source of truth for real-time data capture, management and reporting.

For more information on how Zutec can support your project, why not get in touch or request a live demo.

It shouldn’t take a tragedy to drive change, but sadly Grenfell and the subsequent Hackitt Review, highlighted a catalogue of failings that has shaken the building and construction industry to its core.

The Building Safety Bill and Fire Safety act aim to ensure we never see the likes of Grenfell again by not only improving overall safety in high risk residential buildings, but also improving compliance through the tracking, processing, and management of information and assets.

Lifecycle asset management for improved safety

One area that is considered critical for success across the industry, and at the core of the Building Safety Bill, is the need for widespread adoption of digital technologies. Improved data visibility, traceability and building asset management – a golden thread of information – throughout the building lifecycle will be essential.

Our latest e-book, The golden thread, digital tools and golden opportunities, is a deep dive into the golden thread and looks at what it means for the industry, how to comply and how it can be upheld across your business and your assets.

Understanding the Golden Thread

With digital transformation key to the golden thread, our e-book explains why it is so important to avoid any future tragedies like Grenfell. We also explore ways in which it can deliver numerous benefits, such as improving communication, increasing efficiency and reducing rework.

A single source of truth, from BIM to Handover

For any business or building with legacy systems or processes in place, data management can be complex and challenging. However, by adopting a single source of truth, via a common data environment, means ease of access for all parties throughout the entire lifespan.

Compliance with the Building Safety Bill is critical for the future of the construction industry, and any measures that saves lives and improves safety is understandably a priority. However, with change comes additional benefits, such as the ability to automate processes, which not only improve fire safety but also reduce human error, deliver greater accuracy – from BIM to construction – not to mention more effective logging and reporting.

How Zutec supports the golden thread

As experts in digital construction tools, we can help you comply with new safety regulations and improve quality, efficiency and productivity. We understand the importance of managing construction data in ways that can guarantee improved accuracy, accountability and accessibility.

Download our free e-book, The golden thread, digital tools and golden opportunities, to gain a deeper understanding of the golden thread and its importance for building safety compliance.

For more information on how Zutec can support your business, get in touch or why not request a live demo.

Digital twins are fast-emerging as a crucial model for the construction industry, but what is it and how can it deliver long term value?

Building Information Modelling (BIM), asset management and lifecycle information management have given the construction industry access to a wealth of data-rich technologies that reduce planning and build times, whilst also improving the health, longevity and safety of a build.

We now have the ability focus on more effective scenario planning and modelling across the entire spectrum, from design to handover and beyond. At a time when safety, economies of scale, supply and demand and waste reduction are serious priorities for the industry, the need for a single source of truth – providing a deeper understanding of an asset – is more important than ever.

While data helps with planning and project management, it can also be used for mirroring a build. Having a digital duplicate or ‘digital twin’ running alongside a project gives you a permanent representation of the true physical status of a building.

This gives key stakeholders the ability to gain a deeper understanding of a development, not just from a design or engineering perspective, but also of building performance and condition.

A digital twin for value-add and compliance

The relationship with the physical asset, and its ability to instantaneously reflect any changes, is where the digital twin proves invaluable. Especially when it comes to having a multi-dimensional view of a property that’s not just a specific engineering model. For any architects, specifiers or managers wanting to analyse the asset in more detail, a digital twin lets them view it as a whole or deep dive to assess any faults or adjustments that need to be made.

A digital twin adds value across the entire lifecycle. It increases efficiencies throughout the design and construction process, whilst also improving safety and compliance standards.

• Regulatory compliance
  The incoming Building Safety Bill will mean the digitalisation of all projects, assets and processes throughout the life of a building. As part of this, there will be a requirement for consistent monitoring and reporting with a clear and traceable chain. A digital twin supports that transparency of information and also…

• Improves safety
  The ability to drill down and get a multi-dimensional picture of an asset to identify any potential safety issues or flaws adds another layer of rigour to the health and safety process. Not only that, but it can also lead to cost-savings in the long term and eliminate the risk of having to carry out complex retrofits or renovations further down the build process.

• Lowers carbon emissions
  A digital twin gives architects and designers a clearer picture as to where they can increase energy efficiencies and make a building more sustainable. In addition, it gives them the opportunity to discover more ways to save energy during the development stage.
  Moreover, the ability to access a single source of truth means more accurate materials ordering, which, in turn, leads to a reduction in construction traffic and volume of deliveries, therefore generating less waste and emissions.

• Increase the value of your asset
  Having a clear history and access to unlimited data and analysis via an asset’s digital twin makes valuation a lot easier. In this respect, it can be viewed as similar to a car log book. This information makes the asset a more attractive proposition to buyers or leaseholders.

The digital twin concept is rapidly gaining momentum across the industry and proving its worth as a model that can deliver significant benefits to projects, at scale. The city of Las Vegas has announced that it is using a digital twin to evaluate how it can reduce emissions and drive down costs for building owners.

At a time when the industry needs to be more resource-efficient, reduce its carbon emissions and improve on safety reporting, can you afford not to embrace a more digital future?

Zutec for a single source of truth

From BIM to handover, we have a range of solutions that can help you improve all aspects of project and asset management.

For more information on how Zutec can improve compliance and reporting, get in touch or request a live demo today.

Book a free demo

On the surface, the idea that the information relating to a building could have the same bearing on fire safety as the actual physical properties of that building might sound far-fetched. But scratch beneath the surface, and it quickly becomes apparent that information management matters. It matters a lot.

In the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire, the Hackitt review cited a number of critical failings that combined to bring about such tragic loss of life. ‘Ignorance’, ‘ambiguity surrounding responsibilities’, ‘misinterpretations of guidance’ and ‘inadequate regulatory oversight’ were just some of the key issues that were flagged in the damning report – all issues which have at least some basis in the way that information was (or was not) processed and recorded at Grenfell.

Unsurprisingly then, one of the key recommendations of the Hackitt Report, and arguably the cornerstone of the resulting Building Safety Bill, is the Golden Thread Initiative. Stitching together the complex tapestry of asset safety with robust controls over how information is captured, reviewed and applied, the Golden Thread can be likened to a car’s logbook. It should outline a building’s entire history, including its as-built design, full details of all the products that have been used, records of key decisions that have been made and digital fingerprints of the people who have contributed to the asset’s completion.

So how exactly does the way we process asset information result in a safer built environment?

Firstly, proper information management brings about proper process management in design, construction and operation. And with proper process management comes safer buildings. For example, a cloud-based CDE can help to ensure accurate version control of project drawings; digital Quality Assurance software can provide records and controls over installation; while Digital O&Ms can ensure that a finished asset is properly and safely managed throughout occupation.

“There needs to be a golden thread for all high-risk building projects so that the original design intent is preserved and recorded, and […] any changes go through a formal review process involving people who are competent and who understand the key features of the design.”

Dame Judith Hackitt

In some respects, you can argue that the ‘digital twin’ – the data version of a physical structure – is equally as important as the actual building itself. Without it, true, reliable and demonstrable build quality simply isn’t attainable.

Tom Boland, our very own Head of Digitisation and a bona fide expert on construction handovers, believes that few things are more essential to building safety than asset lifecycle information. Not least because accurate digital records can help to highlight project substitutions and mitigate against value engineering, whereby cheaper but inferior products may be swapped for those initially specified. He says, “it’s very easy to take a good product that performs well and to apply it in such a way that it’s registered useless or even dangerous.” He adds that such errors are something he has observed “repeatedly” throughout his career.

Even if we are to assume that a building has been built properly – to the right spec, without any substitutions and with all the necessary Quality Control measures observed – if proper information management is lacking, the building will still be rendered unsafe. This is because information management is essential to ensure adequate ongoing maintenance and risk management, as well as emergency procedures that will protect residents and emergency responders in the event of a fire.

“There needs to be a detailed project inspection regime which provides a digital record of what’s been installed, when, how and by whom,” says Tom. “Are the right products being used? Has the right person signed off the work? Are they qualified to do so? Are the correct criteria being checked?”

With Zutec’s Asset Lifecycle Information Management software, you can make sure that you have all of this information available, any time, anywhere, at the click of a button. This provides peace of mind and compliance for you, and safety and security for the people who occupy your building.

Take control of your asset data throughout the entire construction lifecycle and help deliver better, safer assets. Talk to Zutec about booking a free demo today.

Book a free demo

Choosing an appropriate data management platform for your company can be tricky. It is equally challenging deciding on the features your business will actually need. Getting this decision right will reduce costs, increase efficiencies and better position your company. So it is important to understand what you should consider and to be sure your investment will yield a good return.

Here’s our top pick of 5 things you should be aware of when choosing a data management platform.

1. ISO 19650 Support

BIM exchange information requirements have been clearly set out with ISO 19650, the new International Standard for secure, functional and resilient construction data management. So when sourcing a data management platform you should be clear on what goals you want to achieve by using a system. You should also think strategically about how people will use the technology and what processes should be prioritized, to gain maximum advantage.

Tip: Finding a platform that has been awarded the BSI BIM Software Kitemark is a bonus as it means a business can be confident of its objectives in achieving ISO 19650 standards.

2. CDE / Document Management

The effects of choosing a platform that allows the digitization of documents can only lead to businesses reaping the awards it has to offer. A cloud-based data management platform promotes collaboration across the entire project team allowing more control over documents which helps prevent costly mistakes that can delay a project. And it doesn’t end there: scanning and digitisation of architectural plans, invoices, contracts, and other important documents will save a lot of time looking for them when you need them.

Tip: A platform that enables digitization of documents means you have easy access to them at any time even when your project ends. Finding a platform that allows you to extract data from scanned documents is a plus as it allows you to gain deeper insights and make better decisions.

3. Mobility – Anytime, Anywhere Access

A cloud-based data management platform can offer many benefits for the Construction industry, with mobile access being one of the main advantages. One of your top priorities when considering a data management platform is that it comes with mobile capabilities, allowing employees and managers access to the system when either on-site or off-site and on the road. Essential Data can then be accessed through a smartphone, laptop, or tablet, via an app or website.

Tip: Since many sites do not have WiFi or mobile reception throughout, various project management tasks need to be achievable offline. Best-in-class mobile software offers offline access to project data and syncs all changes made offline once back online.

4. Security

Using an on-site server allows you to keep critical data in-house and give you physical control over your server. SAAS platform providers invest much more into security, maintenance and backups; more than any other firm, providing you with the highest degree of service including security, availability and data privacy. Ensure that the data management platform you choose has documented and implemented policies and procedures based on the NIST cybersecurity and Risk Management Frameworks.

Ask them how they address the processing of customer data including transmission, storage, and access. Make sure their policies comply with all applicable laws, rules, and regulations. Confirm they also engage 3rd parties to review their Information Security Program (Penetration and Vulnerability Testing); as well as audit and ensure compliance with a number of industry standards.

Tip: It is best to loop in your IT department when you’re ready so the experts can weigh in on all the necessary system requirements.

5. Data and Analytics

An integrated data management platform will allow you to control, isolate, compare and utilise your project data so that you can gain deeper insights and make better decisions. When you integrate these solutions together you are able to seamlessly create custom reports specific to your project using one application.

A platform with these capabilities will allow you to save time and reduce the potential of human error when cutting and pasting or the risk of double-entry that occurs when using spreadsheets. With data flowing freely across all of your projects on one platform you have real-time access to the latest information allowing you swift and simple collaboration.

Tip: Finding a platform that allows you to upload PDF forms that can extract data without manually having to import it will allow you to save a vast amount of time, allowing you to streamline and extract all of your business intelligence.

If you would like to find out more about how Zutec can help you manage your projects end to end book a live demo today. 

On March 1st 2014, the Irish government introduced the Building Control (Amendment) regulation typically referred to as BcaR. The introduction of this regulation was to implement the lessons which have been learnt by the construction industry following a poorly regulated housing boom by increasing the levels of accountability for professionals signing off on new buildings.

This has since provided assurance to existing property owners and to future parties interested in purchasing properties that all work and restorations are in full compliance with regulations.

A call for change

Since the introduction of BcaR for the built environment sector in Ireland many countries have begun to follow suit.

The Independent Review of Building Regulations and Fire Safety was announced by the UK government in July 2017 following the Grenfell Tower tragedy and was led by Dame Judith Hackitt. She called for changes to the building management control process and new information management requirements, recommending a “Golden Thread of information” for buildings.

The Hackitt Report led to a Building Safety Bill, which also includes central principles for the maintenance of a golden thread of information. This bill serves as an alternative if the golden thread of information is not provided to the Building Safety Regulator at the three key gateways (planning application, construction, occupation).

From paper to digital

Like many construction companies across Ireland and with the upcoming legislation in the UK, people are beginning to follow suit and are transforming the way they work.

There has been a rise in the number of companies employing digital systems since building regulations have begun to come into law. These digital systems allow the recording of photographic evidence something that isn’t easy to do manually. Neither is going back in time three or four years after a build. You can still find companies that are scanning through paper trails in order to find a signed document or to figure out who is responsible for a certain installation, this kind of process eats into time.

The use of digital platforms permits end to end information to be digitized from the design process right through to handover and even beyond. It makes the whole process streamlined and permits site teams, supervisors, project managers, developers and owners easy access to information at the touch of a button.

In a recent fireside chat hosted by digital construction live Raymond Fee, Quality Systems Lead for Cairn talked about their journey from paper to digital and how they used Zutec as their platform of choice in that transformation.

“ If you were to look at where we were 2 years ago compared to now. We have a system installed that all of our consultants use. We are using it across all of our projects. Our sub-contractors are now using it. We have digitized a lot of our sub-contractors checklists. They are now completing checklists for us online, on our platform, that feeds into our BcaR timeline so that we can achieve BcaR compliance because that is one of the fundamentals of this entire process…”

Transforming for the future

Digital transformation within the building sector continues to pick up the pace. Information regarding building safety needs to be promptly available.
The process of storing and managing information and staying compliant with requirements without a purpose-made system will likely be complex and time-consuming for many.

A system like Zutec’s building lifecycle information management platform is the perfect way to ensure you capture all the data you need to maximise productivity and meet every new compliance requirement.

Let us show you how you can digitize your process. Book a demo today.

If you are a part of a project team, then you understand how important it is for all stakeholders to properly understand the software that everyone is using. But not all software is easy to understand and use. 

If you are wasting time on training people on the same basic software issues, then you’re not spending time on more critical tasks.

To solve these challenges, we’re thrilled to announce our new interactive training tool – a critical part of our strategy to empower our users and make Zutec as easy as possible to use.

Learn relevant modules at your own pace

Become a Zutec Pro User by utilizing our interactive, step-by-step tool to guide all users through the modules relevant to them on your Zutec project. Receive the most up-to-date training in the fastest and most effective manner and ensure everyone is getting the most from the system

An example is the ‘Using the Drawing Manager’ module, where users are guided through how to access the project drawings, as well as upload new or supersede existing drawings.

“We’re really excited to announce this new tool – it will bring tremendous value to our users and reinforces our commitment to providing top-level training and support to all of our valued and diverse customers in the best ways possible…” Emily Hopson-Hill, COO, Zutec

With the Announcements feature, not only will the new tool allow for a deeper understanding of the system, but everyone will be kept up-to-date with the latest Zutec updates and announcements. You will also be able to search all articles within our Help Centre within the tool, as well as access our support portal.

Get started today

If you’re an existing Zutec user, you will see the new training tool appear in the bottom-right corner when you next log in to Zutec. Discover the range of topics available today, with more modules to be added soon.

If you experience any issues with the tool, feel free to reach out to our support team here. Learn more about our new interactive Learning tool below. 

Fire Safety Act: Your key questions answered

The Fire Safety Act is a relatively short, but hugely significant, piece of legislation.

It came into force in April 2021 – not without controversy – and will have far-reaching ramifications for organisations in England and Wales responsible for managing fire safety risks.

As with any legislative change, the Act raises pressing questions for those affected. Which is why we’ve created a helpful e-book that spells out: The who, what, where, when, why and how of The Fire Safety Act.

It’s free to download and provides insights into what the Fire Safety Act includes, when the legislation will start taking effect, where new rules are applicable, who will be responsible for taking action, and how those involved can be sure they comply.

Managing digital documentation competently and collaboratively will be essential for carrying out the necessary assessments, reporting to the relevant authorities and organising remediation work. With this in mind, our e-book sets out seven practical steps that will help you get ready to meet compliance requirements quickly and professionally.

What are the specific provisions of the Act?

The Fire Safety Act 2021 amends the Regulatory Reform (Fire Safety) Order 2005 (the FSO) with the aim of improving fire safety in multi-occupancy domestic premises. It includes the following provisions:

• Those responsible for the fire safety of a building will be required to share information about its external walls (including cladding, balconies and windows) with the local fire and rescue service.
• Building owners or managers will have to inspect flat entrance doors annually and lifts on a monthly basis, notifying the local fire and rescue service if there are any faults.
• Building owners or managers are responsible for providing residents in buildings with two or more flats with evacuation and fire safety instructions.

A public register of fire risk assessments will be established.

Let digital building asset management take the strain

The provisions of the Fire Safety Act raise the bar for fire safety, and therefore necessitate the implementation of up-to-date fire risk assessments.

Assessments and resulting remediation work must be conducted by a demonstrably ‘competent person’ so it’s vital that adequate documentation is gathered and stored to provide evidence of due diligence. Digital asset management systems provide a perfect solution for managing such documentation, and keeping the golden thread of building and Health & Safety data intact.

A digital building lifecycle information management platform like Zutec will provide a basis for operational compliance, and make audits a much simpler task. Our user-friendly technology fully  supports compliance with the new fire safety regulations, while improving organisational efficiency and productivity.

Download our free e-book, The who, what, where, when, why and how of Fire Safety Act, for everything you need to know about the new legislation or book a demo today to find out how Zutec can help you improve decision making, guarantee compliance and ensure safety. 

Alternatively you can access the first e-book in our series which looks at the Building Safety Bill and what this means for the build environment.

Are you ready for the Building Safety Bill?

The UK Government published its much-anticipated draft Building Safety Bill in July 2020. Hailed by the Housing Secretary as the “biggest improvements to building safety in nearly 40 years”, the Bill seeks to bring forward a clearer regulatory system, with residents’ safety at its heart.
As of the 1st August 2021, the first changes to building safety regulations will become law with the introduction of planning gateway one. Gateways two and three will follow over the coming years, giving stakeholders and authorities time to adapt and implement the necessary measures.

Change is coming

But what exactly does the new Building Safety Bill mean for the built environment sector? Where might there be challenges and pitfalls for construction professionals, developers and asset owners? Does the Bill present opportunities? And crucially, what can be done now to prepare for the legislation coming into force?

We’ve created an explanatory e-book Get Ready for the Building Safety Bill, to answer all these questions, and more.

Time for the golden thread to shine

Our e-book explains the ins and outs of the Building Safety Bill, including timeframes for implementation, a summary of gateway system and details about the pivotal role of Duty Holders. We also explore the importance of the golden thread of asset data in this new regulatory landscape.

There’s no denying that stakeholders will need a rigorous digital information management system to comply. Firms that work digitally on a collaborative platform, ideally one that is ISO 19650 standard approved, will already have slick, transparent processes in place to comply with the golden thread element of the new regulations.

Conversely, paper-based systems and siloed teams and phases are a sure-fire way to allow the golden thread to unravel.

Get compliant with digital construction asset management

At Zutec, we are experts in digital construction tools. We understand the importance of managing construction data in ways that can guarantee accuracy, accountability, accessibility and completeness.
With the Building Safety Bill now upon us, a system like Zutec’s building lifecycle information management platform is the perfect way to ensure you capture all the data you need to maximise productivity and meet every new compliance requirement.

Download our free e-book, Get Ready for The Building Safety Bill, for everything you need to know about the incoming legislation, or for more information on how Zutec can help you with building safety compliance, get in touch or request a live demo.

Alternatively you can access the second e-book in our series which looks at the Who, What, Where, When and How of the Fire Safety Act.

The Grenfell tragedy proved to be a pivotal moment for so many industries, not to mention fire safety. Outdated regulations, as well as a lack of transparency across the construction supply chain, meant change had to happen, fast, to ensure, as Lord Greenhalgh says; “a tragedy like the Grenfell Tower fire never happens again.”

Lessons have been learnt and change is happening. The Fire Safety Act received royal assent this year and The Building Safety Bill is going through Parliament to become law. This legislation will ensure fundamental improvements are made across building and fire safety standards and regulations.

What came out of the Grenfell inquiry was a lack of accountability and reporting, which has brought into relief a need for more transparent and connected processes. Outdated systems, filing and paper trails has meant that digitisation is a crucial next step for the industry, making it easier to access documents, certificates and gain a clear understanding of a building’s history.

During the second phase of the Grenfell inquiry, namely The Hackitt Review, Dame Judith Hackitt found that the handover of fire safety information was either not happening or going into an information ‘vacuum’, clearly showing a real need for a ‘golden thread’ of connected information and data.

It is clear that, when it comes to building, construction and fire safety, digitisation is key to change.

BS 8644. An overview

A key factor that has become clear throughout the fire and safety process is that, to date, digital adoption in the fire safety sector has been low to non-existent. However, digital technologies and data can provide critical information and frameworks, which is where the BS 8644 standard comes into play.

In response to the Hackitt inquiry, a new standard, BS 8644, has been created and is currently in open consultation.

Spearheaded by fire safety expert Aman Sharma, BS 8644 aims to provide a digital ‘golden thread’ of fire safety information throughout the lifecycle of a building and dovetails with ISO 19650. Essentially, it is a digital framework, which includes the use of BIM frameworks, to manage fire safety information.

What the standard will achieve

BS 8644 will set out to provide a set process for gathering, storing and handing over fire safety information digitally. This British Standard aims to produce a single document, a code of practice, to manage the digital workflow and presentation of all relevant fire safety information.

BS 8644 will ensure all fire safety data is easily captured, accessed and used by all parties throughout the lifetime of a project, and by those responsible for each stage – from design, construction, handover, soft-landing phase, occupation and maintenance, right through to emergency response.

In summary, BDO’s, asset owners and developers will have access to current and historical data to get a more holistic view of a building’s fire and safety record. Crucial data that, it emerged, was lacking and unaccounted for when it came to Grenfell.

‘BS 8644 aims to provide a digital ‘golden thread’ of fire safety information throughout the lifecycle of a building’

BS 8644 will also address all parts of the built environment, including existing stock, which allows a user of the standard to access relevant information or documentation at any stage in the life cycle of a building.

The big picture

BS 8644 is without a doubt a vital standard for the industry, but it’s also a single element of a bigger asset management picture. We all agree BS 8644 should be more than a box ticking exercise and it will help BDOs comply with tightening regulations, but we shouldn’t just focus on the digitisation of one part of the whole asset management cycle.

‘BS 8644 shouldn’t be a box-ticking exercise. Ultimately, the industry has to do the right thing and comply to standards’ Tom Boland, Zutec

From BIM to construction, right through to handing over to operations, having access to all documentation, certification and ‘as built’ records is vital in order to get a holistic view of a building. Automating and digitising the lifecycle process means that, should there be a change in asset owners or FM teams, information is easily accessed and stored across one central location.

As important as BS 8644 is for the industry, what will be key is the ability to make the capture, storage and handover of all building data as easy and seamless as possible. As we’ve learned with Grenfell, information can be compromised or lost, therefore leaving significant knowledge gaps over the life cycle of a building.

Asset Lifecycle Information Management (ALIM), is designed to address and close the information gap, ensure clearer reporting lines and accountability, as well as create workflows, capture, store and ensure collaboration across all your asset data.

The Zutec platform, manages your asset data and information and captures that digital thread. Our tools enable end-to-end digitisation from design to handover and beyond. Why not book a demo and learn more about our ALIM platform?

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