Backed by ground-breaking research

Two research projects – Process Protocol, and ISoCCCrates – helped inspire the solution. Salford University's Process Protocol project developed a generic design, construct and maintenance process and specified the need for a project database – an 'information channel' – to enable the whole supply chain to communicate and archive what was done and when. This was the origin of BIW Information Channel – today BIW: Collaboration.

In the ISoCCCrates supply chain communications research project, a key issue was that 90% of a construction project team could not view electronically issued drawings. Tim Aikin (for two years head of research and design at BIW) investigated ways to view drawings through a web browser while providing interaction and smart navigation. The result was the UK’s first project 'extranet'.

Combining the notion of a project database with new web-based browser programs, a SaaS solution evolved and was tested on two projects, for BAA and Sainsbury. Internet technology provided the means to enable coordination and integration, to improve efficiency and communication, and to reduce costs and risks, to the benefit of the industry. The BIW system creates a central repository of information about the built asset, and allows users to access information exactly tailored to their needs.