Leveraging Digital Transformation for Enhanced Productivity and Safety in Construction.
The construction industry is increasingly recognizing the value of digital transformation, as seen in two case studies involving Boustead Projects and Hwa Seng Builder, who have successfully integrated the Novade platform into their operations. By embracing digitalization, these companies have unlocked improved productivity, traceability, sustainability, and, crucially, heightened safety standards.
Streamlining Construction Workflows with Boustead Projects
Boustead Projects, an integrated real estate solutions provider established in 1996, has faced substantial administrative work due to manual site processes. The company had to deal with countless paper forms, which took administrative time away from more value-adding work. This challenge highlighted the need for a more efficient system.
Recognising the value of the data they were collecting, Boustead Projects decided to adopt Novade’s digital platform. Implemented on over 14 projects in Singapore, the digitalisation process has allowed the company to increase productivity, traceability, and sustainability, greatly improving their workflow and decision-making capabilities.
“Novade has that ability to provide the flexibility to suit each customer’s requirements.”
– Thomas Chu, Managing Director, Boustead Projects
Novade’s software streamlined and digitalised Boustead Projects’ critical site processes. The result was real-time data access, providing insights to make better decisions both on and off the field. Key projects include Alice@Mediapolis, a smart and eco-sustainable business park, and JTC Kranji Green @ Sungei Kadut Eco-District, Singapore’s first multi-storey recycling facility.
By digitalising all site processes, the company saved significant time and resources. The digitisation of over 28,000 quality forms helped identify and rectify over 13,000 defects, creating more than 67,000 tasks. This implementation not only boosted the company’s productivity but also enhanced their quality assurance, control, and overall project visibility.
“Everything is captured and uploaded to the platform, and stakeholders can act immediately. This helps to increase our productivity.”
– Steven Koh, Deputy Managing Director, Boustead Projects
Prioritising Safety with Hwa Seng Builder
Hwa Seng Builder (HSB), a leading civil engineering and construction provider, prioritizes safety in their construction process. The company partnered with Novade to digitalize site processes for the Sungei Serangoon Bridge project, leading to improved site safety and productivity.
Before the integration of Novade’s Safety-HSE module, the company struggled with massive amounts of data to track. The process of submitting paper-based checklists, Permits to Work (PTWs), and Non-Conformance Reports (NCRs) took over two hours. However, with Novade, HSB streamlined their site operations and significantly sped up the construction process.
The implementation of Novade’s construction app helped HSB manage safety procedures on-site more effectively and eliminated manual paperwork. The time taken to process ePTWs was reduced from over two hours to within 5 to 30 minutes. In addition to this, the real-time tracking of site safety performance and updating and verifying site safety data became possible via mobile devices. This enhanced the overall project visibility, improved remote collaboration and communication, and increased on-site productivity.
“We believe that embracing this technology will help to improve the workflow in terms of productivity, and more importantly, make the site a safer place for everyone.”
– Alan Nah, Executive Director (Projects), Hwa Seng Builder
A Future-Ready Construction Industry.
Embracing digital transformation has become essential for modern construction companies like Boustead Projects and Hwa Seng Builder. By leveraging technology, these companies have streamlined their processes, improved productivity, and enhanced safety measures, proving that the integration of digital solutions like Novade into the construction industry is not just a possibility, but a necessity for future-ready operations.
With the current new safety measures implemented by the Singapore government, it’s clear the next step in construction after digitalisation is the importance of safety on-site and the safety of workers. Non-compliant firms can even find themselves losing out on key development projects or even fined for hazardous working conditions. All due to lack of safety on the job-site.
Comprising a network of cameras, monitors or display units, and recorders, the video systems will – apart from surveillance – be used to identify workplace safety and health risks, facilitate incident investigations and deter unsafe behavior.
As we look towards the future, the impact of these advancements in the industry is clear. Digitisation is revolutionising construction, leading to safer, more efficient, and more sustainable projects. The evolution of the construction industry is truly underway, with companies like Boustead Projects and Hwa Seng Builder leading the charge.