How SAM Drylining Reduced Losses with Cloud-based Construction Management

Why Eliminating Paper with Cloud-based Construction Management Is the Right Move

Relying on paper-based workflows for on-site documentation created a breakdown in communication between the head office and the field. Site drawings, change notifications, compliance records, and health and safety information was printed, delivered to the sites, and completed or annotated by hand.

With data not being documented clearly, information gaps had severe financial implications on the business. Quantity surveyors were left with gaps in their information and were not always able to inform clients of changes to projects in the timeframe agreed in their contracts meaning the business was frequently losing its entitlement to be paid for work when it was completed.

At the end of a project, key documentation, including health and safety records, did not always get back to the head office for the necessary compliance checks. This could leave SAM Drylining exposed in the event of any dispute with clients or employees.

“We were constantly running into difficulties where issues on sites were reported too late or not at all. It could take days, weeks, or even months to pass the necessary information between individual sites and the head office, creating a real divide between project teams and the head office.”

–Kyle Spiller, Director and Shareholder

Implementing the Right Cloud-based Construction Management Tool

After an extended 12-month search, Spiller saw a sales demo of PlanGrid and realised that the cloud-based construction management platform delivered every aspect of data and quality management that the business was looking for. With the ability to store site documentation in one location, project managers can easily record and communicate changes on the site using an iPad. At the same time, the head office can access the latest information on a project at any time.

“Previously, our project managers complained that they were constantly bombarded with paperwork and important information could take months to pass between the project site and the office. Now that information can be shared instantly, no matter where they are in the country, our project managers could immediately see how it would help them to improve efficiency on the jobsite.”

–Kyle Spiller, Director and Shareholder

Improving Field Collaboration and Communication with Greater Transparency

PlanGrid has changed the mindset throughout the company and created a culture of transparency. Since implementing PlanGrid, teams are encouraged to be open and upfront about work status, while management can check the progress on projects. With a greater focus on collaboration throughout the business, project information is shared instantly, leading to issues being identified and resolved more quickly.

PlanGrid has also helped improve communication with clients, which is critical to SAM Drylining’s success as a subcontractor. With PlanGrid, all parties have access to digital copies that can easily be checked to resolve any queries. Project teams feel more confident reporting changes to the client and can report on projects in a timely and productive manner.

Cloud-based construction management tools like PlanGrid can improve field collaboration and communication by improving field productivity, construction quality, and timelines. For SAM Drylining, implementing PlanGrid eliminated common causes of revenue loss and skyrocketed their field productivity.

“The transparency that PlanGrid has brought to the business is absolutely priceless. We can see everything that’s been done in just a couple of clicks. It’s transformed the mindset on jobsites and has definitely boosted our field productivity.”

–Kyle Spiller, Director and Shareholder