3 Jan 2023 | Blog

Built to last – 5 reasons why 2023 will be the biggest year yet for ConTech

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

16 Dec 2022 | Blog

5 tips to streamline any project with Construction Management SaaS

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

5 Dec 2022 | Blog

Prepare for Project Success – Why Quality Management Matters

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

22 Nov 2022 | Blog

The importance of digitising data to support cladding remediation and facilitate safer housing

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

4 Nov 2022 | Blog

Zutec launches new interface across its platform to enhance the experience of its users and increasing useability

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

25 Oct 2022 | Blog

Part L compliance – A tailored platform gives you the right tools for the job

Venture capital investments in ConTech increased from €2 billion in 2020 to over €3.5 billion* in 2021.

 

And this investment will continue to increase, driven by continued solution innovation with massive potential for growth, as the construction sector digitises to overcome obstacles and battle the head winds of the current climate.

The construction sector, particularly the residential sub-sector, is adapting to an influx of changes right now – recently updated or new building regulations, such as the Regulation 40 Part L amendment, the Building Safety Act 2022, and the upcoming Fire and Safety Act 2022 – mean working practices and processes are evolving to ensure compliance.

And then there is the constant challenge of squeezing more efficiencies and productivity out of every project and workday – which are driving transformation on sites and offices across the world.

These obstacles require solutions, and ConTech is being developed to support safety and regulatory requirements, enhance sustainability and deliver more productivity, to match the drive toward net-zero, and to optimise projects to protect them against rising costs.

Construction technology or SaaS provide answers to problems that everyone in the sector faces. And so the still-rising star of ConTech indicates that businesses are looking to digital solutions to ensure that teams have the tools they need to be more effective and efficient to achieve targets that can lead to faster project completion.

Read on to find out 5 reasons why a digital answer to your project can not only solve your issues – but yield more benefits.

 

1 – Be ready for more change

As the above suggests, the construction sector is no stranger to a moving playing field. And despite the industry turning toward digital methods, the construction sector is still the second-least digitised sector in the world. Outdated processes and working methods that the sector still believe in, result in inefficiencies, which leak costs.

When changes are inevitable then bad data is the last thing needed when managing a multi-million or billion pound project.

By integrating a configurable, digital solution to your project, bad data can be significantly reduced through standardisation of process, workflows, templates and rules, alongside clear dashboards providing visibility of what data you do and don’t have. If data is missing or inaccurate, as an example, team members can spot the issue before it becomes a problem that leads to delays.

And with a SaaS platform that is adaptable, regulatory changes and amendments on the horizon can be prepared for well in advance with updated templates and forms aligned with any new requirements,  ready to go when enforced and saving you precious time and resources.

 

2 – One process for all

Construction companies are averse to risk, with relatively low profit margins making every decision pivotal to the bottom line. And it fits nicely with the old adage, ‘if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.’ Which is why digitisation in the sector is still in its infancy and is an ongoing transformation, with businesses reluctant to change processes and workflows that have got them this far.

Another common strand in the industry – a multitude of stakeholders for each project at each stage – means that there can also be clashing processes that result in one thing for everyone. Delays.

Something has to give.

With a digital – and bespoke – platform at the heart of your project, managers, site operatives and external stakeholders can be guided by common workflows and milestones to ensure critical and accurate data is collected, stored, shared and made visible to those that need to see it, so the whole project moves forward. This negates lost time suffered thanks to documentation needing to be completed or stakeholders not aware of certain processes and tasks. Everyone, working toward the same goals, at the same time.

Sounds ideal – and with one dashboard displaying all relevant project information, with workflows chosen and designed by you, a SaaS solution isn’t just a fancy gimmick.

It promises to be a project lifesaver.

 

3 – Instant communication

A ConTech tool can mean the difference between project completion and going past the projected completion date – potentially leading to fines for the contractor, dependant on the contract.

The perfect example is found in the recently uplifted Part L regulation.

An SAP assessor will attend every project site and they require photographic evidence throughout the construction phase to prove that each plot or building is in line with the new 31% reduction in emissions from prior standards and required to be compliant.

A SaaS platform like Zutec is not only the best way to send over all relevant plot photographic data to the SAP assessor for review ahead of an inspection, but the SAP assessor can be given access to the platform – so they can instantly add any comments, feedback or requirements they have in order to get the evidence they need to issue sign off and the BREL Report you need.

Your team can also share data easily, and by displaying data in a visual way with a tool that includes a notification system, all stakeholders are clued in as soon as information is added to ensure the right decisions are made along the way.

 

4 – Your office, in your hand

You’ve collected your data from the site, but it’s no good sitting on your clipboard or siloed on your device.

You need to upload it so the next part of the process can continue.

Cue a rapid dash back to the office so you can load it up to the computer.

This needs to stop – and a cloud-based digital approach saves you more than vehicle emissions.

The number one cause of data loss is human error, and according to a recent IBM report, the average cost of a data breach in the construction industry was nearly $5 million in the US alone.

The cloud offers the most secure contingency plan to data loss, with all collected data sitting securely and with less risk of data loss, compared to manual data capture with unspecialised tools such as an Excel sheet and analogue methods.

A cloud-based SaaS tool allows you to work offline across many devices too – so if your wi-fi connection on site is sketchy, you can carry on regardless, and upload your information as soon as a connection is re-established.

 

5 – Data, as standard

There are plenty of ways that data is collected, but for collaboration to be at an optimal level, the data needs to be standardised.

3D drawings, geographical data and much more can be created using a wide range of metrics – but confusion can occur if data is in two or more different forms.

Not only this, but ineligible or incongruous data will be a big blocker to progress.

It’s something that ConTech firms have seen and addressed, with some platforms offering standardisation for data, so regulations can be complied with swiftly and stakeholders can know the parameters before work begins, avoiding do-overs that take too much time.

It’s clear why ConTech has seen so much heavy investment and continues to do so – issues that have blighted the industry can be eradicated and projects can protect their margins, while ensuring their teams have everything at their disposal to progress efficiently and effectively and reach project completion quicker and better than before.

You can see for yourself – click here to get a whistlestop tour through our innovative, configurable solution.

It could be the most rewarding thirty minutes for your next project.

*Figure applies to Europe

 

 

10 Dec 2021 | Blog / Insights

Digital Construction Week 2021 – Round Up

There was certainly a buzz in the air at this year’s Digital Construction Week 2021. After a difficult 18 months, 125 exhibitors came together at ExCeL London showcasing the latest technological advancements in the industry that will no doubt continue to shape the construction industry for years to come.

If you didn’t get the opportunity to attend this year event. Here is a quick round up from our speakers.

 

Digital Construction on Europe’s Biggest Project
Speakers: Ray Mc Caul, Project Manager, Zutec and Dr. Anita Soni, Deputy Head of BIM, Skanska

 

Dr Anita Soni, Deputy Head of BIM, Skanska

Zutec’s Ray McCaul was joined by Dr Anita Soni, Deputy head of BIM, Skanska in a very special session to share lessons from phase 1 of the HS2 project. Uncovering key findings and showcasing the collaborative approach which was adopted between SCS and Zutec to configure a platform suitable for the unique requirements of the project.

Dr Anita Soni explained the benefits of using Zutec for the HS2 project. “Zutec gave us better visibility of quality issue trends through real-time reporting, the system is already ensuring success, right-first-time and customer satisfaction.”

Ray also commented on the collaboration “It has improved performance and efficiencies through streamlining site inspections with automated workflows, notifications and PIN-secured signatures in a common data environment (CDE). Zutec enables us to package the final handover documentation almost instantly and provides an ideal environment for designers, engineers, architects and suppliers to input into our digital twin.”

The audience where then shown a short video of Zutec in action followed by Dr. Anita Soni sharing the key learnings :

BIM connection and set up was really easy

Project management
• BIM- Zutec weekly drop in session
• Forward thinking plan to pre- empty what could happen before it was fully agreed
• Open communication between Zutec and BIM
• Test/Pilot and trials put in place to ensure integration works
• Agreed at project inception that data was going to be structured based on assets
• Pragmatic approach to defining data structure, didn’t go to n’th degree. Able to deliver quicker as result
• A defined plan was put in place and followed through.

Users engagement
• Use a variety of channels to brief users on how the data was going to be structured on assets
• Engage SME at revision, e.g. NCR form revised 6 times circa with users
• Engaged the right people, not everyone. Had discussions and then executed
• Quality/Technical assurance teams are advocates of solution and key in pushing adoption

Vendor
• Brain storming sessions to answer queries and provide feedback to SCS on what it was possible
• Engaged at the start of the project, normally further down the line with poor data already in place
• Collaboration in Zutec, came across as clearly understanding and most prepared
• During solution option selection it was evident Zutec was the most prepared and aligned with SCS
• Embedded team members (project manager, developer) with SCS BIM to aid collaboration.
• Senior managers involved during the trial. Having access to CTO was very helpful to bring vision to life.
• Project manager knows construction so able to have ‘intelligent’ conversation with site engineers

Data
• Data structure set up in advance and based on assets
• Data in SQL database from start (not usual in construction)
• All data structure is standardized, making it simple to connect and work with
• Structured Data around assets
• Getting data Structure right at the start was key
Documentation
• Screen views to showcase how things worked (light)
• Document output of the brainstorming to show what if was possible (Zutec)

Technical / IT
• BIM team has control of the data where eg AssetWise is through third party vendor so challenge in relationships
• API was easy to set up (set up over the weekend) and it still works. Only one connector rather than multiple as in Assetwise
• Clear requirements from the start that allowed identification of what development was needed

Training
• Training with all relevant stakeholders
• Easy to train as only one solution
• Having specialist product owner (Zutec) was key in developing and implement training

 

Putting People at The Heart of Your Digital Transformation
Speaker: Emily Hopson- Hill, COO, Zutec

 

Emily Hopson-Hill, COO, Zutec

Emily Hospson-Hill, shared her extensive knowledge and expertise of digital transformation implementation at this years DCW. Talking through common reasons why digital transformation stalls or even fails she took the audience on a journey through change in the industry that’s making digital transformation increasing necessary and prevalent.

Emily put forward how to approach high level stakeholders to get them onboard with digitization and how to get your champions buy-in. Speaking then about adaption Emily said: “You need to plan time and activities and measure success on both. And remember that no plan survives contact with the enemy or as Mike Tyson put it ’everyone has a plan until they get punched in the mouth’.”

Rounding off her speakers session Emily left the audience with this summary – “Technology is there to ensure we’re all speaking the same language, with the same amount of detail.”

 

Digital Management Software—Open Workshop
Speaker: Jeslin Joy, Head of Sales Engineering, Zutec
Host: Rahul Shah, Sector Development Director, BSI

 

Jeslin Joy DCW 2021

Host Rahul Shah, BSI opened the session with a discussion around how the BSI kitemark certification helps to align software to the highest usability standards and provides guidance on both robust and resilient BIM Developments.

Asked about the future of construction within the built environment Jeslin emphasised how data plays an important role in shaping the processes used within construction. Enabling transparency and helping companies achieve compliance on their projects.

Lastly, Jeslin highlighted the importance of the BSI Kitemark he pointed out the importance it has for building trust in the construction industry between customers and vendors and insuring a high standard of quality in SaaS platforms inline with best practices.

 

Didn’t get a chance to catch up with us at Digital Construction Week? No worries, if you would like to find out more about Zutec, you can talk to one of our consultants by booking a demo here.

Join the Zutec mailing list

You may unsubscribe from these communications at any time. For information on how to unsubscribe, as well as our privacy practices, please review our Privacy Policy.