BIW updates supply chain

As construction’s computer revolution finally seems to be getting started, one of the leaders of this change, Building Information Warehouse (BIW), has had a shake up. No, the leadership remains intact – the revamp has taken place on its website, which could be called the manifesto of the change.

Now under the name BIW Technologies, version three of the project collaboration tool has been unveiled. It is a website that is primarily aimed at the supply chain of large construction projects. The ideal is for everyone in this chain to work to the same information, with all data recorded in an almost paper-free environment.

At project completion, this data will provide the client with a list of everything that happened, and an audit of who said what to whom and when. Operation and maintenance manuals, and health and safety documents can be created during the project, instead of after.

So far, clients that tend to use the BIW format fit into three categories, dependant on size and type of project. “It can be an ultimate client, for example Sainsbury’s.” says BIW chief executive Colin Smith. “Training would be provided by ourselves and the information distribution controlled by itself or by a nominee.

“Another client could be the construction manager, for example Mace, which would then be trained and would control the information. Alternatively it could be a main contractor, say Willmott Dixon, which would then enforce it in the same way,” Once the system has been set up, all that a member of the supply chain needs is a computer with access to the Internet. Then, each member logs on to a home page, which is now more user friendly than version two. From this page a user, for example the steelwork contractor, can access all the drawings that have been issued by either the design team or project manager.

All revisions of drawings and links to related drawings are available. Despite temptation a user cannot edit these drawings, only comment upon them. No additional software is needed and the steelwork contractor could query drawings by making notes on the drawings and sending it back to the project manager.

The date and time of the query are logged and other relevant members of the supply chain, for example the cladding contractor, will receive a copy of the enquiry on its home page. Hopefully the question is answered, again the date and time logged, the problem solved and work continues.

Version three is available in five languages. All correspondence between members of the chain is stored and can be used to solve problems at an earlier stage on future projects.

“There has been a change in industry with regard to technology and standards,” says Mr Smith. “It’s less about remedying after completion and more about getting things right in the first place,”

The project programme is available to subcontractors and lists of up to date costs are available to the client. Meetings can be co-ordinated, setting the date and sending out invites.

It is when the BIW is re-used on projects that Mr Colin Smith feels it comes into its own. “On an Asda project £30,000 was saved, and the time taken to construct a store was 30 per cent less than previously,” he says. “By using BIW, ASDA is aiming to reduce its construction costs by 10 per cent per annum.”

The biggest fear for many is the vision of lengthy training courses. But BIW claims that training can be done in a day. Expect future revisions, and bear in mind that some changes could be down to the user. On the latest version there is a section for user feedback where the user can comment on the tool and offer opinions to BIW Technologies.

Future versions may include 3D and 4D modelling and even bills of quantities, updated directly following amendments to drawings.

First public sector win

BIW Technologies has won its first public sector contract for the £41 million redevelopment of the Ministry of Defence Andover North site. Contractor Citex, which will run the project until 2009, will be using the supply chain management tool, Information Channel. The 14ha site will see 26,000sq m of building work carried out. Information Channel users will be able to access to drawings, photographs, comments, team member details and virtual reality walk throughs.