Confidence in system sets marker for the future

Many of the country’s biggest retailers are turning to an online construction information management system to assist with the project management of their new developments.

The ICON system has a range of utilities to help with the management and collation of data for large building projects.  It’s designed to ensure that all necessary steps are taken and recorded in the project management process, including surveys, health and safety, and CAD libraries.

When Sainsbury’s cast its net to find the best system available, it did so knowing that what was needed was a solution that provides a seamless link throughout a project; from the roll-out phase to ongoing property management.

And the solution needed to include a robust and reliable communication system as well, given the number of people – internally and externally – that need access to major projects.

So Sainsbury’s criteria for a management information system was one that would create confidence in the accuracy of the information being shared by a myriad of stakeholders, both in terms of day-to-day management of stores and the rolling out of new developments.

The company went through an exhaustive evaluation process of 10 systems before short-listing three.

“We finally selected the ICON system, explains former Standards Manager, Richard Barham, “not only because we found it to be the most intuitive, but also in view of the fact it was a cost-effective solution.

“It was critical that the new package wouldn’t be restrictive but would allow flexibility in both design and usage.

“The ICON system has made it faster and easier to update vital information. It has simplified publishing and enabled us to keep track of inputs and changes. We can be 100% confident that accurate data is being used throughout the process.

“Throughout the process ICON demonstrated a willingness to work with us rather than for us, and that is a key strength of the company. Its people are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated,” adds Richard.

“We wanted a system that would give us greater confidence in the accuracy of the information being shared, both in terms of day-to-day management of stores and the rolling out of new developments.

“The ICON system allows us to trial various new store designs, while only allowing those stores and users involved in the trials to share the information. This not only provides security, but eliminates confusion that could arise between existing and new sites.”

The ICON solution allows the management of construction information during the three key stages of a building’s lifecycle:

The design and specification of buildings
The project roll-out of new builds and refurbishments
The ongoing management of built properties (comprising planning, construction, maintenance and disposal) 

Developed in conjunction with design standards and project managers, it provides access to accurate, real-time information for all members of the project delivery team, resulting in improved confidence, communication, safety, efficiency, product quality and budgetary control.

ICON managing director Chris Lovelock says that the company not only strives to provide a standard system that’s flexible and reliable, it works with clients to resolve unique issues: “We listen closely and create a system that overcomes concerns and provides real benefits.

“The sheer size of the Sainsbury’s organisation demands that a system is intuitive enough to eliminate the need for excessive training. It has to be designed for use by operators at all levels. We provide ongoing support.”

The Sainsbury’s system is now being used more than 1,200 people, both within the organisation and its supply chain.

Internal departments using the system include using the system include Procurement, Development, Health and Safety, Property and Store Design.  Contractors, architects and equipment suppliers are among the external users with access to parts of the Sainsbury’s site.

Richard Barham adds: “Everyone using the system in Sainsbury’s believes that the reliability and flexibility of it, backed by the support of ICON, will enable us to successfully manage the effective expansion of our stores long into the future. 

“What’s more, we can do this whilst delivering significant cost savings.”