Khansaheb Improves Communication and Reduces Snagging Administration by 60% with Autodesk Build

Founded in 1935, Khansaheb is one of the leading construction and facilities management companies in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Over its 85-year journey, the company has played a vital role in the development of the UAE and delivered a number of the country’s most iconic projects. Antiquated methods of document management led to operational inefficiencies and time wasted. With the implementation of Autodesk Build within Autodesk Construction Cloud™, Khansaheb reduced the time spent on snagging administration by 60%.

Operational Inefficiencies with Traditional Reporting Methods

With its heritage and longevity, Khansaheb took a traditional approach to construction processes but was keen to embrace the benefits of digitalisation for its business and clients. In 2018, Eoin Nield joined as the company’s first BIM Manager, supporting the transition from traditional CAD design to integrated delivery methods.

The company had relied extensively on paper-based processes for site management, making it difficult to ensure that everyone was working off the right document at the right time. The issues management process, in particular, represented an opportunity to introduce efficiencies; site managers would spend a large proportion of their time chasing subcontractors for updates by phone.

Eoin and the management team were eager to establish a common data environment to connect the business and support site-based processes. 

In June 2020, the Khansaheb team introduced Autodesk Build to connect teams, workflows, and data with one unified ecosystem.
 

“We wanted the reliability of a unified platform – and the confidence that our information was in one place.”

Eoin Nield
BIM Manager

Facilitating Seamless Coordination and Communication

Khansaheb decided to work with Accienta - an Autodesk partner - to support the implementation of Autodesk Build. “Having an independent person come in to map our workflows and lead the initial discussions was invaluable; people could re-evaluate everything with a fresh viewpoint,” Eoin explains.

Khansaheb ran an initial proof of concept programme over six months to implement the solution. And while the team introduced the software on a challenging construction project with a tight deadline, working with Accienta helped fast-track the process – even amidst the restrictions of the Covid-19 pandemic. Khansaheb team Champions also helped embed Autodesk Build quickly and encouraged colleagues to realise the benefits.

Autodesk Build helps connect the design, engineering and site teams at Khansaheb and supports communication with subcontractors on-site. Everyone can access the information they need when they need it and be confident that the data is accurate and timely.

The issues management function has been particularly valuable for Khansaheb. “It’s beneficial for tracking workflows,” explains Eoin. “We’ve found it especially helpful for addressing queries from subcontractors and the supply chain to get issues resolved more quickly.”

The team also benefits from greater certainty that follow up actions will be taken. “Once assigned, you can ensure that the inspection has reached the correct person,” notes one of the Khansaheb champions. “Document controllers are not required to chase up actions.”

Saving Time and Eliminating Stress with Trustworthy Information

For Eoin, the biggest benefit of introducing Autodesk Build at Khansaheb is reliability. “Having a unified platform means we can be confident that everyone has the most up-to-date, trustworthy information. It reduces stress – and means that we can all focus on our actual priorities.” Notably, the right person is now handling the right information.

The solution has delivered tangible time savings as well. Eoin estimates that the team has reduced the time spent on snagging administration by 60%. Engineers spend less time following up on issues; previously, 10-15% of an engineer’s time was spent following up with subcontractors for updates. With Autodesk Build, it’s possible to assign responsibility and due dates for individual fixes.

Importantly, introducing Autodesk Build has helped change people’s attitudes towards technology. “People are also much more receptive to other technological advances, like using laser scanning on site. Seeing the energy, acceptance, and enthusiasm about technology from the site team: that’s the pinnacle of what we’re trying to achieve right now,” says Eoin.

Looking forward, the Khansaheb team is excited by the prospect of further improving access to shared data by team members spread across the region on multiple projects.
 

“We are exploring the broader functionality of the Autodesk cloud platforms to drive further efficiencies for not just our direct site operational staff but for design, commercial and administrative teams as well.”

Eoin Nield
BIM Manager