Building SMART –The ArdmacWay
2.0 Issues in Construction Productivity improvements in the construction industry have been historically modest. It is a well-known fact that when compared to other industries, the construction industry does not perform well in terms of innovation, the use of technology and improvements in productivity. In recent years, the use of Lean Construction (LC) principles and Building Information Modelling (BIM) have become more popular. There is significant research demonstrating that organisations that adopt these platforms either independently or in tandem observe significant benefits. Hence, we started our journey to adopt Lean, BIM and other digital technologies in order to streamline workflows and improve productivity. Ardmac leverages technology to support lean construction principles.There is such an abundance of technology today that it can be overwhelming. There are trends such as Pharma 4.0, Artificial Intelligence, Automation and the Internet of Things to name but a few that are already reshaping the construction industry and changing the way in which we all do business. At Ardmac, technology is implemented to improve processes that add value to customers, improve efficiencies and solve specific problems. In order to do this, there is a big focus on gaining customer insights, understanding needs, and reframing those into desired outcomes. Once these desired outcomes are validated, solutions are delivered that address these unmet needs. We call this approach Building SMART. 3.0 Lean 3.1 Productivity Tracking - Digitally We were introduced to Lean 2015 and have adopted several lean initiatives across the company since then. We have been particularly successful with the adoption of Last Planner. Last Planner allows the proactive sequencing of works and setting of productivity targets. The targets are set using crew size and labour norms. The targets are tracked daily, and any deviations are monitored.
Ardmac have been tracking field productivity for many years, Building by Numbers is terminology used across the business and is a simple but effective concept. Up until 2020 field productivity was monitored using a bespoke excel tracker. Site Managers would track progress daily. This data was inputted to a master tracker to highlight any trends and create a forecast at completion based on current production rates. This system, while relying on paper-based information and double data entry, worked adequately for many years. Recently the process was digitalised by working in conjunction with some software vendors. Using a function of the fieldmanagement software platform - progress, timesheets and productivity can be monitored using any mobile device. Site teams can now track the progress of crews in real-time in the field. The tool then provides instant feedback to the site team on their daily productivity.This data is also visible to management. Any downward trends can be analysed, and steps taken to resolve any issues. 3.2 Safe Deployment of Labour Managing labour on a project can be a significant challenge using traditional processes. Paper- based timesheets, inductions, logging credentials, maintaining training registers can all take significant administration time, are prone to human error and result in downtime which could have otherwise been used productively. Eliminating individuals arriving on site, either unannounced or without the necessary paperwork is a significant time saving benefit for construction companies. Using time and attendance hardware and a software it is now possible that a New Start on site will receive a link to an online induction for both safety and quality that are site specific in advance of their start date. To complete the induction, all essential credentials are first uploaded by the inductee. The system also logs the expiry date of each credential. The process also includes also includes reading and signing any specific Risk Assessment, Method Statements (RAMS) relative to their role. The person is then issued a QR code that allows them access to site. There is, of course, a need for a site tour and familiarisation meeting with all New Starts upon
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