The CEO of TerraQuest, the company operating Planning Portal, has welcomed the backing from the Chancellor at his Spring Budget for the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the planning system, but has said that high-quality data is crucial to its success. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, commended plans
One of the UK’s leading geospatial technology firms, MGISS, is enhancing its provision for major utilities companies, developing an integrated solution to support asset owners, operators and contractors to manage risks and minimise disruptions to gas and water supply. MGISS’s geospatial software platform enables its customers, which include Northumbrian Water
Leeds College of Building and leading technology firm Collsys have joined forces to pioneer a new software package for the further education sector. The Collsys ‘Academic Suite’ is designed to track knowledge, skills, and behaviours across all academic disciplines. It combines with their ‘Employability Suite’ to provide a comprehensive single
Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, is supporting eleven organisations across the UK to investigate how quantum computing could benefit key industrial sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, and engineering. The Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) assists companies in trialling novel use cases, to demonstrate the potential for
The digital mapping system is being implemented on projects delivered through the Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water Group. Esh Construction has showcased the latest in UK digital mapping innovations on site after helping to shape the technology’s development with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG). The National Underground Asset Register
Aston MBA students choosing cyber security as a pathway will gain critical, real-world insights by using BIT Group management as a working case study. Aston University has teamed up with a South West-based IT company through a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) to transform the business into a world-leading cyber security
ScaffPlan, the Australian startup that is revolutionising the scaffolding industry with innovativesoftware solutions, has secured a spot in Cemex Ventures’ annual list of the most promisingConstruction Technology startups globally. The prestigious list reflects a rich tapestry ofdiversity, encompassing various geographies, technologies, and maturity of the start ups included. ScaffPlan’s inclusion
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s
WORKFORCE management and access control solutions provider, MSite has announced a major update to its purpose-built online induction platform to improve everyone’s journey ahead of stepping foot on construction sites. By adding automatic content translation into more than 30 languages, some of the industry’s greatest challenges – including safety, compliance
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more
The CEO of TerraQuest, the company operating Planning Portal, has welcomed the backing from the Chancellor at his Spring Budget for the wider adoption of artificial intelligence (AI) in the planning system, but has said that high-quality data is crucial to its success. Geoff Keal, CEO at TerraQuest, commended plans outlined in the Budget Red Book, which accompanies the Chancellor’s speech, including commitments to use AI solutions to help planning authorities streamline local plan development, as well as implementing new software to streamline key processes for planning officers. “The further development of AI solutions and new software should be the biggest priorities for improving the planning system,” said Geoff. “Indeed, we have already delivered substantial efficiency improvements to the industry with the ongoing development of Planning Portal and the implementation of our modular KeyChain platform. “AI is extremely important to accelerating good decision making, as well as meeting wider housing and economic needs. However, the development and implementation of robust data standards across the sector is crucial to being able to maximise the impact of AI and new software solutions. AI tools need to be able to learn from robust and comprehensive datasets. If certain data is systematically excluded, biases will inevitably emerge. Data standards must ensure that information is collected and stored in ways that are up-to-date, consistent, detailed and interoperable across different platforms. “Planning Portal has already delivered huge improvements in the validation and standardisation of application data. Government policy should now build on this to ensure the availability of high-quality data that allows the industry to enjoy the full benefits of AI.” The KeyChain platform underpins Planning Portal, which TerraQuest operates as a joint venture with the Department for Levelling Up, Housing and Communities (DLUHC), and enables a streamlined online application system that integrates with the back-office systems of local planning authorities. As well as announcements relating to the use of AI and software, the Budget also contained a commitment to match industry-led funding of £3 million for planning capacity and resourcing. “This is an important step forward”, added Geoff. “But it is vital that local planning authorities are enabled to takeimmediate steps to deal with backlogs. Further support for that in a future Budget would be welcome.” TerraQuest is already supporting local planning authorities through its Planning Application Validation Service (PAVS), which helps speed up processes by validating new applications within just 24 to 48 hours. Meanwhile, its Planning Application Case Evaluation Service (PACES) offers an expert team of case officers to assist with the evaluation and determination of planning applications cases. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
One of the UK’s leading geospatial technology firms, MGISS, is enhancing its provision for major utilities companies, developing an integrated solution to support asset owners, operators and contractors to manage risks and minimise disruptions to gas and water supply. MGISS’s geospatial software platform enables its customers, which include Northumbrian Water Group, Severn Trent Water and Galliford Try, to capture the location of buried assets, such as pipes and cables, through transforming GIS data into real-time augmented reality displays. The firm, which was founded by Mike Darracott in 2014 and operates from Liverpool, has also supported the likes of the National Trust and South West Peatland Partnership to map heritage sites and monitor large-scale environmental projects, ensuring the capture of accurate site data. Now, as part of a major project match-funded by the European Space Agency (ESA), the firm is scaling up its support for clients in the utilities sector through the development of an eye-in-the-sky solution, utilising satellite data to identify and locate development risks in proximity to critical utility assets. The development of this new, innovative risk alert platform, coupled with MGISS’s core range of geospatial solutions, is driving the development of a predictive, integrated offering to clients, enabling real-time decision making, reducing costs, and enhancing the visibility of buried assets. The firm’s progress on the ESA-funded project is especially timely, given the planned roll-out of the government’s National Underground Asset Register, a digital map of underground pipes and cables, which intends to revolutionise the way buried infrastructure is managed. MGISS are taking this innovation further, using satellite services to link directly into other national, web-based data sources. Along with securing a €500,000 award from the ESA in 2023 to carry out the two-year project, last month MGISS received a further £600,000 in funding from NPIF – Mercia Equity Finance, which is managed by Mercia and part of the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (NPIF). Mike Darracott, managing director at MGISS, said: “Supply interruptions cost utilities companies billions of pounds each year, not only in trying to repair and restore supplies but also in paying compensation to customers. Construction work is a key cause of these disruptions and the situation is likely to worsen in the future if planning laws are relaxed. “Our systems help our clients to make the most of the available data, enabling a proactive approach to identifying and tackling hazards. This new platform will be the most integrated to date and will help companies to dramatically reduce downtime, regulatory fines and, in partnership with conservation organisations, their environmental impact.” Clive Surman-Wells, innovation partnerships manager at Northumbrian Water Group, added: “Driving forward innovations such as this one, in partnership with the European Space Agency, is fundamental in delivering value to companies within the utilities and construction sectors, and the customers and communities they serve. MGISS is an example of a technology firm operating on the cutting edge – developing unique solutions to reduce costs, minimise impacts on the environment, and improve visibility and decision-making.” Robert Hornby, venture capital investor at Mercia Asset Management, added: “MGISS has successfully pivoted from being a consultancy firm to a software business and has achieved impressive growth in recent years. The company addresses a key concern for utility providers, and we’re pleased to be able to support the development of this new solution, which we believe will have a huge global market.” Employing a team of 14 staff based at its headquarters in Brunswick Business Park, MGISS is in the process of expanding its team across product development, sales and marketing, following three years of high growth and a 300% increase in annual recurring revenue. The current NPIF investment phase has now completed, with the British Business Bank launching the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund II in March 2024. The Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund project is supported financially by the European Union using funding from the European Regional Development Fund (ERDF) as part of the European Structural and Investment Funds Growth Programme 2014-2020 and the European Investment Bank. For more information on MGISS and its geospatial solutions, please visit www.mgiss.co.uk Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Leeds College of Building and leading technology firm Collsys have joined forces to pioneer a new software package for the further education sector. The Collsys ‘Academic Suite’ is designed to track knowledge, skills, and behaviours across all academic disciplines. It combines with their ‘Employability Suite’ to provide a comprehensive single platform solution including work placement, enrichment, apprenticeships, and careers. The project began when Leeds College of Building reviewed its existing systems post-pandemic and asked for staff feedback. Increasingly complex requirements and software that was no longer fit for purpose meant that investing in a new college-wide system became a priority. Steve Connell, Assistant Principal at Leeds College of Building, said: “As a busy further education college, we deliver a host of construction specialisms from plumbing, carpentry, and brickwork to civil engineering and transport planning. As such, we needed software that could not only track student work placements and enrichment, but also monitor progress, hold Individual Learning Plans (ILPs), link well with maths, English and support areas, hold student reviews and exam results and monitor attendance and punctuality. “However, little is available to the FE sector which can manage data for both employer placements and student progress, and which is also user-friendly. Market leaders tend to offer solutions for one or the other but not together and can also be difficult to retrieve the correct information. We needed software that would be a one-stop-shop and present data quickly and consistently. “Our old systems were labour intensive and lead to silos or pockets of good practice, so I began talking with one of our existing software suppliers, Collsys. Their CEO, Brian Varley, was keen to explore this further and use expertise in his team to expand existing Collsys software parameters.” The College Work Based Learning and Employer Engagement teams already used Collsys modules for tracking work placements, enrichment, and employer engagement data. The aim was to extend this to a bespoke management platform used by all Leeds College of Building staff. Brian Varley, CEO Collsys, said:“This project has been a great opportunity to enhance our existing Employability Suite offering. Together with Leeds College of Building, we designed the Academic Suite to be easy to use with additional options for tracking ‘Knowledge Skills and Behaviours’ of vocational courses. This means staff can monitor if students are on track at any point in the year and put in earlier interventions. “We also included a joint training plan and review system that is not readily available on the market, given products are often not specifically designed with colleges in mind. A benefit of our system is that because we offer our Employability Suite alongside the Academic Suite, all data is in one place. Tutors can easily look at all aspects of a student’s data without having to switch between systems for reports.” Over the last 12 months, a joint project team spent time researching, developing, designing, testing, and eventually rolling out the Academic Suite project. The new system is now live at Leeds College of Building and manages all aspects of students’ learning. Users can drill down to faculty, departmental, course, or individual student level data. Staff can quickly access vital data, generate reports, and view insights using a RAG (Red, Amber, Green) rating to quickly identify at-risk students, monitor progress, and tailor interventions. Adam Sharpe, system super-user and Leeds College of Building carpentry and Joinery lecturer, said:“The new system has great potential. The fact that Collsys has been made to suit our needs as a college is really pleasing, as this means that people like me and others within our organisation can make this new system the best it can be. Working with the Collsys team has been a pleasure; they have been so responsive when we have had technical issues and very patient when delivering training.” Work is now underway on the next phase of development. The project team has hosted drop-in staff training sessions, created champions and super users, and helped with data transfer to the new system. Plans also include a portal and mobile app to allow employers, parents and carers to monitor a student’s attendance, progress, results, and staff feedback.Steve concluded:“This was an ambitious project, but it paid off. We’ve never had this level of data before! It’s fantastic to have everything in one place and quickly access data in real-time. It’s very user-friendly and is a much more efficient use of precious staff time. This bespoke platform will be crucial for external assessors moving forward as it ties together all aspects of apprenticeships and study programmes. Thanks to Collsys for listening to our needs and building a bespoke system for us. ”Visit www.collsys.co.uk to find out more about Collsys Academic and Employability Suites or email customerservices@collsys.co.uk to learn how Collsys can support other Further Education providers… Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Digital Catapult, the UK authority on advanced digital technology, is supporting eleven organisations across the UK to investigate how quantum computing could benefit key industrial sectors, such as energy, infrastructure, and engineering. The Quantum Technology Access Programme (QTAP) assists companies in trialling novel use cases, to demonstrate the potential for quantum technology to transform critical parts of the UK economy. The programme results will soon be shared with broader industry to promote a deeper understanding of quantum’s commercial applications. Marking a paradigm shift for the participants, the programme’s focus extends beyond theoretical understandings of quantum technology, to successfully investigate illustrations of real-world business applications for leading corporations including Arup, Airbus and the Port of Dover. These industrial applications range from Frazer Nash demonstrating the potential of quantum computers to optimise the UK energy grid to meet demand for electricity, to Tees-Valley-based SeerBI building a quantum machine learning model to predict shipments that were at risk of late arrival. Rolls-Royce aims to build small, autonomous nuclear reactors that could operate safely in remote mining colonies, the moon and on Mars. During the programme, the company used data from the Fukushima nuclear event to investigate the feasibility of a quantum machine learning model to quickly identify potentially hazardous situations; enabling the reactor to operate safely and be shut down if necessary, with minimum human involvement. Delivered in partnership with Riverlane and ORCA Computing, QTAP provides participating companies with access to the ORCA PT-1 quantum photonic computer, a team of quantum experts and ongoing technical support, establishing a first-of-its-kind commercially neutral ecosystem for businesses interested in quantum technology. Paving the way for ongoing industrial collaboration and knowledge-sharing between the participating companies, Digital Catapult’s programme exemplifies the value of a community committed to exploring industrial applications of quantum, as the technology evolves. Digital Catapult and partners supported triaging and framing relevant use cases, delivering education and training on theoretical and practical aspects of quantum computing and providing ongoing technological assistance, as well as enabling opportunities for knowledge sharing between participants. This has increased the quantum readiness of leading UK companies and SMEs, such as Oxford Sigma, Neptune New Space and UKAEA, empowering them to embrace quantum technology, as new use cases emerge and capabilities increase. The programme has three streams: two on optimisation and quantum machine learning with ORCA Computing, involving simulating and running small-scale industrial challenges on the ORCA PT-1 quantum computer. The fault-tolerant stream, delivered with Riverlane, investigates the Quantum Singular Value Transformation, an algorithm that will run on the large, fault-tolerant quantum computers available in the future. During a demonstration day, participating companies including DNV Services UK Ltd, and Bahut tested their challenge on the ORCA PT-1 quantum computer, as part of the optimisation stream. The quantum computer successfully solved industrial problems, demonstrating the potential to solve more complex and sophisticated challenges in the future. Director of Innovation Practice at Digital Catapult, Katy Ho said: “The remarkable success achieved on QTAP underscores the increasing interest in quantum computing within industry. From its inception to the showcase, participating companies have consistently shown commitment to enhancing their understanding of quantum technology. At Digital Catapult, our mission is to demonstrate the value of embracing quantum-enabled solutions, and this programme will undoubtedly sharpen participating companies’ competitive edge, as quantum computers evolve and present substantial commercial opportunity.” Richard Murray, PhD, Co-founder, and CEO of ORCA Computing comments: “The results of the QTAP programme have been impressive. Participating companies have showcased exceptional dedication and commitment to exploring use cases that not only enable them to explore the potential of quantum computing technology for their businesses but also help drive progress in key sectors. For ORCA, partnering with Digital Catapult, industry experts and leading UK companies in the programme has enabled us to understand how near-term quantum devices can enhance a wide range of business use cases across different industries.” Jonathon Adams, Assistant Chief Engineer at Rolls-Royce said: “The Novel Nuclear team at Rolls-Royce is very future focussed, seeking to develop revolutionary new technologies and explore energy efficient applications for nuclear power on Earth and in Space. Quantum technologies, including quantum computing, will be an enabler for this over the next 15 years. It’s important that we develop an understanding of how and when we can adopt this technology. “The Digital Catapult Quantum Technology Access Programme has been a timely boost to this effort, and I’m delighted that Chris completed the programme, including using an actual quantum computer for a machine learning test case relevant to the nuclear industry.”Owain Brennan, CEO of SeerBI said: “The QTAP programme has proved invaluable for our team so far, we have been able to pick up new skills and interact with technology which at the start of the programme we didn’t even know existed. Applying this technology to our problem area of logistics and on time delivery classification using quantum binary classification opened our eyes to a different way of looking at problems, we would like to give out thanks to the digital catapult team for their support and Orca Computing for access to their systems and SDK throughout the programme.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
The digital mapping system is being implemented on projects delivered through the Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water Group. Esh Construction has showcased the latest in UK digital mapping innovations on site after helping to shape the technology’s development with Northumbrian Water Group (NWG). The National Underground Asset Register (NUAR) was created by the Geospatial Commission to digitally map data on underground power cables and utility services across the UK. Clive Surman-Wells, Innovation Partnerships Manager at Northumbrian Water Group, initiated the concept during the firm’s Innovation Festival in 2018. Esh Construction was the initial contractor to trial the system, and has worked collaboratively with the water company to develop the technology since 2018. Norman Barnett, Framework Director at Esh Construction, said: “NUAR will be a game changer for health and safety in the construction industry, which all those that have been involved with it so far within Esh are in agreement with. Being able to access this information around the clock, and to also capture unchartered service information, is a huge step forward. We are proud to be one of the first contractors nationally to have been involved with the development of NUAR, from conception, through the trials and now at the go live stage.” With upwards of 60,000 accidents recorded owing to accidental damage to the network annually, NUAR is identified as not only reducing the number of accidents, but innovating timesaving and health and safety enhancements to working conditions. HSEQ Advisor at Esh Construction, Ash Dunn said: “As a delivery and framework partner for Northumbrian Water Group, we were at the Innovation Festival in 2018 and we’ve been involved with it since – the health and safety benefits are huge. “The team on the ground can see more than they’ve ever been able to see before regarding restrictions and hazards, and the clarity of the system beats anything that has been available before it. When you can easily understand the hazards that are there, it eliminates one element of danger, which is immensely important within a construction environment and in line with our ‘Everyone Safely Home’ campaign.” Dunn has been heavily involved in rolling out the system among the Esh Construction team and said the change from cross-referencing and plotting out multiple maps in back-end administration prior to starting on site to the new NUAR system, which provides instant access when you insert the co-ordinates, offers a monumental shift. Dunn and his colleagues showcased how Esh operates the system, where Groundworker and foreman John Ridley said it has been really beneficial. He said: “NUAR allows us to respond to emergencies and mobilise on site almost immediately without the need to wait for multiple utility drawings to be issued. Seeing as many assets visible on a single view as possible makes it easier to understand what utilities are in the area and where they are. Having 24/7 access to a live system is a major benefit as we regularly work around the clock and carry out excavations overnight.” NUAR is a system that has the capability to provide detailed underground maps from over 700 utilities providers, with asset owners like Northumbrian Water being responsible for granting access to its contractors. While the UK Government’s intended rollout across the UK by 2025 continues to be developed, Esh will gradually implement the system through the Runway 1 Repairs and Maintenance Framework with Northumbrian Water, but it is envisaged that it will go across the business’ wider divisions when it becomes available to all contractors. Clive Surman-Wells, Innovation Partnerships Manager at Northumbrian Water Group said: “We’re convinced of the many benefits of NUAR: helping keep our people safe when they are excavating and minimising our impact on services to customers being just two. NWG have rolled-out NUAR more extensively than any other company and in the North East region there is increasing uptake across both utilities and local authorities. Throughout the development process we have worked collaboratively with Esh, the Geospatial Commission and other asset owners to design a really usable system.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Aston MBA students choosing cyber security as a pathway will gain critical, real-world insights by using BIT Group management as a working case study. Aston University has teamed up with a South West-based IT company through a knowledge transfer partnership (KTP) to transform the business into a world-leading cyber security education, training and technology solutions provider, with a focus on managing outsourced cyber security services for its customers. BIT Group is a multi-award-winning information technology company offering high-quality IT, cyber and information security services and digital apprenticeships. A KTP is a three-way collaboration between a business, an academic partner and a highly qualified researcher, known as a KTP associate. The UK-wide programme helps businesses to improve their competitiveness and productivity through the better use of knowledge, technology and skills. Aston University is a sector leading KTP provider, with 80% of its completed projects being graded as very good or outstanding by Innovate UK, the national body. The KTP will develop new income streams by enhancing and growing the range of cyber security services, training and apprenticeships and technology platforms offered through its Security Operation Centre. This involves adapting and streamlining how BIT Group operates, and embedding skills so the company’s growth and future profitability can be sustained. The project is led by Professor Vladlena Benson, an industry-recognised expert in cybersecurity risk management and director of Aston University’s Cyber Security Innovation (CSI) Research Centre, who is a member of the UK’s Cyber Security Council. She is joined by Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, deputy director of the CSI Centre and a senior lecturer in cyber security management, who has delivered multiple research and consultancy projects aimed at supporting the cybersecurity sector. For Aston University, the industry partnership will enhance academic knowledge of cyber security management by adding depth and applied learning. In addition, Aston University MBA students, who have selected cyber security as a pathway, will have access to the BIT Group management KTP as a working case study, gaining critical, real-world insights into cyber security that will enrich their learning experience and prepare them for their future careers. Michael Dieroff, CEO of BIT Group, said: “As CEO of BIT Group, I am immensely proud of our partnership with Aston University through the knowledge transfer partnership. “This collaboration not only enriches our company with cutting-edge business insights but also marks a significant milestone in our journey towards industry leadership. “By integrating Aston University’s advanced research capabilities and our innovative spirit, we are setting new standards in cyber security solutions and redefining our market approach. “This partnership is a testament to our commitment to excellence and our dedication to delivering unparalleled value to our clients and stakeholders.” Dr Anitha Chinnaswamy, deputy director of the Cyber Security Innovation Research Centre at Aston University, said: “This management KTP allows us to leverage Aston University’s critical mass of expertise in cyber security management from our industry-aligned research and consultancy to enhance BIT Group’s services, business delivery model and go-to-market strategies.” Kumara Swamy, KTP associate and Aston MBA alumnus, said: “Having worked across a range of large businesses, and recently completed an Aston University MBA, this management KTP gives me the freedom to apply my skills, industry knowledge and creativity to develop and deliver solutions that will drive transformation in a small business.” You can find out more about the KTP here. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
ScaffPlan, the Australian startup that is revolutionising the scaffolding industry with innovativesoftware solutions, has secured a spot in Cemex Ventures’ annual list of the most promisingConstruction Technology startups globally. The prestigious list reflects a rich tapestry ofdiversity, encompassing various geographies, technologies, and maturity of the start ups included. ScaffPlan’s inclusion in the list is a significant affirmation of the company’s pioneering role inthe Contech sector. It highlights the company’s position as a critical player in the broaderstartup ecosystem, proudly representing Australian and regional innovation. The recognition received from Cemex Ventures is a major milestone for ScaffPlan, indicating thatthe company’s efforts to revolutionise the scaffolding industry are paying off. This validationserves as a powerful motivator, inspiring ScaffPlan to keep pushing the boundaries, drivingpositive change, and advancing the progress and technology of the temporary works sector. Commenting on the recognition, ScaffPlan’s founder Simon Boyes states, “To be listed as one of thetwo Australian companies on Cemex Ventures’ Top 50 Contech Startups 2024 is a source of immensepride for us. This acknowledgment validates our achievements and underscores the impact ofinnovation within the construction sector. It inspires us to drive positive change, and activelycontribute to advancing progress and technology in the scaffolding industry.” ScaffPlan’s innovative solutions are revolutionising the scaffolding industry, enablingconstruction companies to complete projects faster, safer, and more efficiently than ever before.As the construction industry continues to evolve,ScaffPlan is leading the way. As ScaffPlan and other Contech startups continue to develop innovative solutions that transform theconstruction industry, the industry will become more efficient, safer, and environmentallyfriendly. The future is bright, and ScaffPlan is leading the way. To view the report Top 50 Contech Startups 2024 | Cemex Ventures
3D modelling will enable the creation of more stable and efficient networks Amrax, a 3D modelling and spatial data capture company, has announced a strategic partnership with network planning solution provider Ranplan Wireless. The collaboration will enable designers to use 3D modelling to create ultra efficient wireless networks. Through Amrax’s Metaroon, Ranplan’s customers can visualise, experiment with and optimise the design of networks to ensure seamless connectivity and operational efficiency. Metaroom enables users to 3D scan environments to create 3D models of rooms, floors, or entire buildings. Over 7,300 users, including key players in the lighting, wireless planning and AEC industries, have registered through the Metaroom app and joined the Amrax B2B ecosystem dedicated to spatial design and 3D modelling. Notable new additions to the customer base include Siemens, Tulux, LTS and Voglauer. Key benefits of the collaboration between Ranplan and Amrax include: Time Efficiency:Metaroom eliminates the need for tedious drawings and CAD imports, ensuring a streamlined process and saving valuable time in the critical planning phase. Future of 3D Modelling:Representing the future of modelling the physical environment, Metaroom® sets a new benchmark for the industry by offering fast and precise 3D scanning. Seamless Data Transfer:The integration ensures a seamless data transfer between Metaroom® and Ranplan Wireless, enhancing the overall user experience and operational efficiency. Martin Huber, CEO of Amrax, said: “This strategic partnership with Ranplan Wireless marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of wireless network planning. By integrating Metaroom’s cutting-edge 3D scanning capabilities, we are not just streamlining workflows but setting new industry standards. Our technology eliminates inefficiencies and opens up new possibilities for businesses and telecom operators alike.” Per Lindberg, CEO Ranplan, said: “The alliance between Ranplan Wireless and Amrax transcends a mere partnership; it’s a fusion of technological expertise. Our collaboration is designed to empower businesses, telecom operators, and enterprises with state-of-the-art wireless network solutions. We’re paving the way for enhanced network reliability, scalability, and sustainability, ensuring that businesses remain connected in our rapidly evolving digital landscape.” Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
WORKFORCE management and access control solutions provider, MSite has announced a major update to its purpose-built online induction platform to improve everyone’s journey ahead of stepping foot on construction sites. By adding automatic content translation into more than 30 languages, some of the industry’s greatest challenges – including safety, compliance and efficiency – are being combatted. Already used by leading contractors including Morgan Sindall and Lendlease, the purpose of the online induction platform is to ensure individual compliance with the requirements set by each contractor, incorporating induction material based on construction site, job role and company specific information. The latest update rolled out by MSite makes the induction platform more user friendly for both site managers and workers by enabling the integration of existing onboarding content and automatic translation – catering to the linguistic diversity of the modern UK construction workforce. While hugely improving the off-site worker journey, platform users include anyone who wishes to gain access to a construction site – such as supervisors, administrative teams, corporate personnel and visitors. Simon Meyer, digital strategy director at MSite, said: “It’s in our DNA to develop technology solutions that are easy to implement and offer a multitude of benefits. Our inspiration is twofold; tackling the main pain points experienced by businesses across the industry and bridging the gap between management and workforce. “We have used the workforce data we have available and relationships with some of the construction industry’s biggest players to identify where inductions can be simplified and clearer for the multicultural UK labour force. The constant monitoring and reviewing of workforce diversity and journeys is a core part of our business, so this update is to improve understanding, efficiency and safety for all.” Providing comprehensive safety training and awareness programmes, online inductions can enhance the understanding of safety protocols – reducing the likelihood of accidents which are still commonplace within construction, based on reports from the Health and Safety Executive. The ability to regularly update training modules to reflect the latest safety regulations and best practices also ensures that all workers are always up to date with current standards and regulatory requirements. Automatically recording who has completed training, when it was completed and what the training entailed enables digital record-keeping to simplify compliance auditing and reporting processes. Online inductions are also more time-efficient and resource-friendly as workers can complete inductions at their own pace and convenience, reducing downtime and the need for physical training resources. Stuart Ware, senior customer success manager at MSite for Balfour Beatty and John Sisk & Son, said: “The induction platform is just one solution within our blended workforce management suite, which works seamlessly alongside pre-registration software and site access hardware, providing greater insight that will move the industry forward. As with all our solutions, the induction platform intends to offer greater consistency and heightened standards, benefitting both workers and management alike. We’re very excited by the latest update to an already popular platform and look forward to the feedback from customers.” Part of the Infobric Group, MSite has operated in the construction industry for more than 20 years with values based on embracing challenge, achieving together and doing the right thing. With an end-to-end workforce management solution ranging from pre-site registration and inductions through to access control, site briefings and workforce management, MSite is trusted by leading names such as Balfour Beatty, Morgan Sindall, Sisk and BAM across all construction levels and sectors including commercial, housebuilding, infrastructure, refit and utilities. For more information about MSite, visit www.msite.com. Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
Siemens Smart Infrastructure is launching a new version of ‘Fire Manager’, its dedicated web-based SaaS (Software as a Service) fire app that offers service providers and fire safety managers the capability to have all fire safety sites in one view. The status of buildings can be easily monitored, with more information available by clicking on a site of interest via a fully encrypted connection that ensures the safety of the data. The move is part of the ongoing development of Siemens Building X, a digital building platform that supports customers in digitalising, managing, and optimising their building operations (Energy, HVAC, Security and Safety). It enables remote monitoring and intervention, real-time notification, and efficient and predictive maintenance. Fire Manager offers a range of benefits, including a status overview of a site/sites, both live and historical events, customisable notification via SMS and/or email, and data that assists with maintenance and planning. Included in the data that Fire Manager provides from a fire safety system is the potential for disturbance free testing (DFT), which allows detectors to be tested automatically, with the results recorded in the portal. Alongside Fire Manager, which automatically transmits notifications of the fire system status to service providers, notifications can also be sent to their customers by Fire Connect, a native iOS and Android app. Fire Manager and Fire Connect work easily with Siemens fire safety solutions such as Cerberus PRO, the company’s comprehensive EN54-13 approved fire alarm system. For those that want to maintain their own dashboards, Fire API provides the opportunity to integrate the data into their own dashboards. All three offerings – Fire Manager, Fire Connect and Fire API – are part of a new licensing model which paves the way for increased customer flexibility by offering choice regarding which data and app bundle best suits a specific need. The Fire Apps and API are designed to digitalise the customer workflow for fire safety operation and maintenance. This saves time and resources while improving safety and minimising the disturbance of building users. It enables service providers to monitor all sites at any time remotely and connect directly to the fire panel. This transparency allows for maintenance activities to be planned, carried out and documented efficiently. The enhanced solutions not only drive digital transformation, but also yield sustainability benefits. By offering maintenance options and a fire system status remotely, it is possible to save CO2 emissions related to yearly site visits. For further information on Siemens Fire Products www.siemens.co.uk/cerberus Building, Design & Construction Magazine | The Choice of Industry Professionals
