Creating an innovative information platform

Friday, 3 July 2009

Nic Williams, of JS+P Architecture, explains how working with buildings information specialists has helped his company create an effective project management process

Our mission was simple - develop a management information system that would create confidence in the accuracy of the information being accessed, amended and transferred by everyone involved in any project at any time.

We wanted a system that made it faster and easier to update vital information and keep our customers constantly informed.

What we now have is the JS+P Information Exchange, which enables viewing and transfer of detailed material for specific projects. Anyone with internet access and an approved ‘log on’ code can use it and we provide it as a complimentary service to clients on appropriate projects.

The Information Exchange helps the design team collaborate more easily, share information, and keep administration to a minimum, so there are significant benefits around cost control.

Other key benefits include improved communication, updated information, round-the-clock accessibility for everyone concerned, reduced risk, audit trails and improved delivery timescales.

The system was developed in conjunction with ICON, a company based in Market Harborough. It provides an online system that ensures that design development and construction management information is accurately recorded, including surveys, health and safety, and CAD libraries.

In fact, our Information Exchange has been developed from an online system used by many of the country’s biggest retail chains, such as John Lewis, Boots, Waitrose, Sainsbury’s and ASDA.

It was almost a ready-made solution. The ICON system has a range of utilities to help with the management and collation of data for large building projects, ensuring a seamless link throughout a project; from the roll-out phase to ongoing property management.

So it was an ideal platform upon which to build our Information Exchange. We have made amendments, such as directory structures, but it’s incredibly versatile and we can use the system as we would like it.

The danger for us would have been in buying a system with the intention of adapting it, and still being at the mercy of the supplier as regards how much bespoke work was really possible.

ICON provides a standard system that’s flexible and reliable, and ICON staff worked with us to resolve unique issues. They listened to our needs and created a system that overcomes concerns and provides real benefits.

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