Oahu Metal & Glazing Experiences 75% Time-savings in Project Kickoff with Autodesk Build

Oahu Metal & Glazing (OMG) specializes in glass and glazing for Hawaii-based commercial projects ranging from luxury high-rises to financial institutions. With multiple software solutions in place, OMG was looking to consolidate its construction management solutions to standardize data capture and improve consistencies in document management. By adopting Autodesk Build within Autodesk Construction Cloud™, OMG streamlined operations and standardized processes, reducing rework and realizing 75% time savings in kicking off new projects.

Consolidating Software Solutions to Drive Consistency in Project Documentation

Since 2014, OMG has provided Hawaii with specialty glass and glazing services and has the goal of becoming the go-to provider of glass installations on the island.

Inconsistencies in documentation across its projects created inefficiencies and gaps in communication and reporting. To improve documentation and standardize deliverables for their clients, OMG wanted to deploy a holistic construction management solution.
 

“We didn’t have a standard way to document and share project information, which created a lot of guesswork and uncertainty. We knew we needed to move from being reactive to proactive on projects, so we’d have more control. This would also create uniformity in our reports distributed to clients.”

Alvida Surpia-Jones
Operations Manager

Evaluation, Adoption, and Creating Standards for Success

After thoroughly evaluating potential solutions, OMG chose Autodesk Build to create a central repository to capture information and connect key office and field workflows.

“We wanted a customizable solution that was easy to use and supported our workflows. And while we evaluated solutions like Procore, we found it was cumbersome and lacked features that we needed. With Autodesk Build, we could customize the solution to suit our needs and give our teams the collaborative solution they wanted,” says Surpia-Jones.

First, OMG developed standardized operating procedures. This brought uniformity to core processes — like RFIs and submittals — making it easier and faster for teams to start a new project.

“With standard folder structures in place, we can document, and capture required information the same way every time, so we don’t have to recreate the wheel,” says Surpia-Jones. “This has allowed us to kick off projects 75% faster.”

Not only is the kickoff more efficient, but communication has improved between the office and the field. Now that teams can log information directly from the field, reporting is completed the day of, instead of waiting for the next day — which ensures that the project manager gets a notification of any issues immediately.

“Using Autodesk’s mobile app, our teams can document information in real-time and work off the latest model, saving time and eliminating rework,” says Surpia-Jones.

The team started with a user-based licensing model. After quickly experiencing the solution’s benefits, OMG switched to an unlimited licensing model to provide everyone with access to Autodesk Build.
 

“We wanted a customizable solution that was easy to use and supported our workflows. And while we evaluated solutions like Procore, we found it was cumbersome and lacked features that we needed.”

Alvida Surpia-Jones
Operations Manager

Streamlined Workflows and Standardized Checklists Creates Time and Cost Savings

With Autodesk Build as its common data environment, OMG can easily document and track the status of an RFI or submittal from one centralized location. Previously, all communication around RFIs and submittals were handled through email, with tracking done in a spreadsheet.

“With Autodesk Build, we can assign RFIs and submittals directly and make sure issues are handled immediately, ensuring projects stay on schedule and budget,” says Surpia-Jones.

Having structured operating procedures has also helped OMG identify other areas of improvement. For example, materials were previously not checked until on the jobsite, so if assets were damaged or the wrong size, the team wouldn’t know until installation. This led to cost overruns and schedule delays. Using Autodesk Build, OMG developed a standard checklist for material receiving, which is used across all projects to ensure accuracy.

“Documenting materials on delivery saves labor costs and improves communication with owners and general contractors,” says Surpia-Jones. “If something is damaged, we can proactively identify and mitigate problems to keep the project on budget and schedule.”

With standard operating procedures for project management and field collaboration, OMG is expanding its use of Autodesk Build to focus on cost management, integrating with its accounting system to have a more comprehensive view of projects. And as the first specialty contractor in Hawaii to receive Northern American Contractor Certification accreditation, OMG uses Autodesk Build to easily adhere to annual audits through consistent documentation of requirements like safety checks, quality assurance, and project closeout.
 

“The biggest benefit of Autodesk Build is creating consistency across all projects. We have more transparency to see what’s working and where we can improve. The data we’re gaining from Autodesk Build is invaluable and will help us be more competitive as we scale and win new work.”

Alvida Surpia-Jones
Operations Manager