The Swansea-based construction arm of The Premier Group, a national specialist in high-spec construction and maintenance work, has been announced as an award winner at the 2015 CBRE & Shell UK supplier of the year awards.
The innovation award was presented to the company for its Premas1s software platform. The software was recognised for its technological advancements, enabling improved management, efficiency and best value.
It was recognised that the innovative use of IT would not only be a solution to streamline parts of its business operations, but it also gives The Premier Group’s customers an unrivalled management, reporting and budgeting information system. This enables them to have up to the minute property and equipment information via web based access.
Benefits of The Premier Group’s award winning Premas1s software include real time information for clients and company; integration to clients system, one-point log in/access; site by site information, site data and photos; mobile applications; HSEQ audits; client handover reports; link to clients’ management systems; client defect projection for future budgeting; and client defect analysis.
One of the major applications of Premas1s is centred around it mobile applications, designed to capture, collate and manage information relating to a specific project and integrate with an android App accessible on any portable tablet. Stored in the cloud, this gives the user access to a comprehensive electronic resource planning system, which also incorporates photographic evidence-based usability.
The Premier Group initially rolled out the bespoke system to all staff involved in a UK-wide project it is working on for Esso, which involves re-branding and refurbishing all the company’s CORS & Alliance Petrol Stations nationwide.
The system ultimately replaces a compressive but time-consuming and inefficient system of databases and spreadsheets The Premier Group previously used.
Frustrated by these antiquated systems, The Premier Group initially experimented with off-the-shelf products before commissioning BSS, a software development specialist acquired by SA1 Solutions in 2014, to build a bespoke system designed specifically for its unique needs.
Steve Evans, managing director of the construction arm of The Premier Group, said:
“We are extremely pleased to have won an innovation award for our Premas1s software system. Premas1s has assisted us in gaining more work and developing our relationship with clients.
“We had been using a dated and time-consuming system for many years and knew there must be a better alternative. There was a lot of repetitive work in the beginning to get the software exactly as we wanted it and to make sure it could be integrated with any handheld device. SA1 Solutions were very efficient in developing the system to our specifications and as a result, has created an award winning system.”
The Premier Group partnered with SA1 Solutions, a South Wales-based IT and communication company, to develop the bespoke software platform designed specifically to manage the challenges of the construction industry.
Simon Ahearne, managing director of SA1 Solutions, added:
“Being recognised as a company that can develop award winning software in such a specialised sector is something myself and the team are really proud of. There is so much scope with this platform and the app that has been developed with it. It integrates every element of a project in a seamless manner and can also be adjusted for different uses.
“It is perfect for large, specific projects with great repetition across many sites. It can also be adapted to cover maintenance contracts where visual evidence can be used to back-up quotes and work done in relation to faults or dilapidation on properties in a client’s portfolio.”
