Innovate or fail
Now is not the time to stop improving and innovating. The construction industry is going through a challenging time. Nearly all projects are facing a high level of disruption and delay. Physical delay to activities and general progress - sites shut, material deliveries stopped, working under social distancing measures, and greatly reduced labour on site.
Freeform work mostly with contractors, creating and developing 4D models with project teams. To recent events, we’re seeing two reactions:
Option 1 – Continue to improve and innovate
Some project teams are updating, refining, and using their 4D models. They’re finding that 4D planning is especially useful to determine the current project position, understand and share the impact from recent events, and to manage sites to minimise delay and disruption. The 4D models are being used to bring visibility across the project team and prepare for the next 6-12 months. We’ve had calls from projects wanting to use 4D models to specifically manage through this turbulent time.
Option 2 – Stop all innovation and cut spending
We’re seeing the opposite reaction from some project teams - cancelling updates to their 4D models, and for some of our future projects, have cancelled our commission. An understandable reaction to cut as many direct costs as possible. Even though the benefits of good planning and visibility far outweigh the costs involved, both directly and indirectly.
It will be interesting to see which projects succeed in navigating these times, and which fail.
(James Bowles, Freeform)
“Business as usual” is a great ‘call to arms’ statement to make in times like this - it allows our minds to focus on stability and continuity. However, as a community, we should also think about how our industry can change the way business is conducted when we restart. That is more important and lasts a lot longer, with stronger foundations for growth and sustainability.
Construction was desperate for change before this situation developed and it likely needs to look at its inefficiencies even harder now that this pandemic - and the effects on us all - is in play. Yes, we should organise around supporting customers, clients, staff, communities in the best way that we can to ensure that there is no drop off from what we deliver as professionals – that is the responsible and pragmatic thing to do in uncertain times. However, there is an opportunity for Construction to rethink itself again and digital tools and workflows should be at the heart of this movement. Our industry and its people deserve it.
(Tom Dempsey, Bentley Systems)
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Article written following a conversation between Tom and I about the options available to construction companies in these unusual times.
We're keen to hear from others. How should companies act? Should we lockdown our innovation or work harder to improve?
One of the main issues here is that majority of contractors dont want to use a new technological tool or dont to innovate, even though when individuals are present in their firms who can help. They dont want to see the long game. They only see the current benefit. Thus they dont employ the new technology available or even if they apply its just a facade. A compulsion by the client. I have worked using synchro in multiple projects. I do believe that in the coming future 4D can be used in intricate project management from initiation to close-out. But it needs the moguls of the industry to make it into a norm,
Construction & Engineering Director
4 年Hi James, great challenge: I think the optimum opportunity for a 'new normal' is to instil the right use of tech with process and people that drives better behaviours. Your platform offers a great environment for collaboration across all levels within a project or portfolio, breaking down the selfish silo's that block collaboration and innovation is as much a challenge as adopting the tech #integratedprojectteams #integratedprojectdelivery
?? Cutting dispute resolution from months to weeks ?? Raising investment to take the business forward ???? Artist
4 年time for a Catch up James
Commercially Orientated Planning and Project Controls | Delay Analyst | Adjudication Party Representative | Accredited Mediator | Planning Director - ViViAD
4 年If one can't clearly and visually explain the chain of events and the impact of delays, it may be difficult to substantiate their delay and disruption claims to their client. Employing 4D even only for that purpose is a cost that will be returned tenfold in a short period of time. Those who understand costs associated with claims know what I'm talking about. Thanks for sharing James.