Digitalisation in construction: working towards our digital ambitions

Digitalisation in construction:

working towards our digital ambitions

With digitalisation one of the key priorities for reaching our business ambition, we continue to strengthen our digital capabilities and have been rolling out a number of initiatives to support this. Many of our people have been working remotely throughout the pandemic, whilst others have been working in an agile manner – blending their time between the office, sites and home.

For communication and engagement to remain effective, we had to quickly adapt to the use of Microsoft Teams and SharePoint and have continually monitored how we use these platforms and how we can utilise them better. An outcome of this has been rolling out training on these systems across the entire team so that we get the most out of this opportunity for digitalisation that we may have previously overlooked. On our path to digitalisation, as well as embracing new technology, we’ve also been modernising a lot of our existing software, security, policies and data protection. We’re also continuing to develop a range of bespoke apps focusing on areas that typically hold up projects and looking at ways we can use apps that will ultimately make our processes more seamless. Additionally, we have been working with Digital Construction Skills to get further support, funding and training as part of our digital growth plans. In the past, we’ve relied heavily on paper-based communications, using computers only as a way to access files. However, over the past five years, and particularly over the previous year, we’ve seen a huge change in attitudes and a willingness to embrace new technology. As a result, digital skills have improved across the business, data is easier to access, and overall operations are becoming more efficient. Looking at the industry as a whole, it’s impressive to see the progress being made, from smart technology to new software platforms like 5D BIM. We’re fortunate to have experienced collaboration and knowledge sharing with our industry peers but commitment to this is crucial for facilitating digital innovation and further progress in the sector.

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UK water sector growth for Mackenzie Construction

Having worked within multiple frameworks for a range of industry bodies across the water sector, over many years, Mackenzie Construction has built strong industry relationships and a reputation for safety and quality. In 2021, Mackenzie Construction was awarded a four-year framework contract with Northumbrian Water Ltd (NWL) which includes repair and refurbishment of service reservoirs, water towers, raw water retaining structures, aqueducts, river structures and water and sewage treatment works process tanks.

In recent years, Mackenzie Construction’s structural repairs division has grown to a team of around 100, covering both Scotland and England, who have invaluable industry knowledge and experience in the water sector. Team capabilities include all aspects of concrete repair and protection, confined space working, specialists in live asset repairs, liquid applied roof waterproofing, application of protective coatings to metalwork, resin injection and the application of waterproof renders. Contracts Manager at Mackenzie Construction, Mark Brown, said

“We are very pleased to share our recent tender success with Northumbrian Water Ltd and to be growing our customer base across England. Building on our extensive experience of working as a SR15 Tier One Framework Delivery Partner with Scottish Water and as framework partner to Severn Trent and Hafren Dyfrdwy, Mackenzie Construction is well positioned to continue to serve the water industry across the UK with a focus on quality work, safety and building a more sustainable future for the communities in which we live and operate.”

Recent project successes have included the repair of a key strategic asset for Severn Trent in Shropshire as part of the Live Working and Minor Works Framework – an asset which could only be offline for a limited period. In addition, the ridged design steel tank had limited options in terms of DWI Repair Materials. Several options were costed and considered by the client, and ultimately an internal liner was chosen. Foam inserts had to be installed internally to allow for the new liner to be applied on a flat surface. All material was bespoke