Operational excellence in high-quality fit out projects – Insight article by Harry Tettinger
Harry Tettinger, Director of Operations in Germany, and Luxembourg, brings a wealth of experience in real estate and facility management as well as engineering and consulting. In this Insight article, he discusses the added value ISG offers clients as a general contractor, highlighting the importance of harnessing modern construction methods to achieve operational excellence in delivering fit out projects, especially for clients in the technology sector.
The necessity of operational excellence in the construction industry
In today's dynamic construction industry, operational excellence is no longer an option, but an absolute necessity. Building owners and project developers are facing challenges such as money, time, and planning capacities. Improving efficiency over the entire life cycle of a property is a decisive factor for effective, sustainable, and economical property operation. As a general contractor, we can help clients to improve the efficiency, quality, and sustainability of their buildings by introducing modern construction methods and innovative processes.
Challenges and opportunities for implementing modern construction methods
Modern Methods of Construction (MMC) are an essential part of operational excellence - but we also must be capable of feasibly implementing them. Choosing the right procurement approach is essential for this. A traditional procurement cannot accomplish this because the original design concept does not work for MMC. Ultimately, this results in a hybrid building - part traditional, part MMC and a 100% missed opportunity.
Problems of traditional procurement models:
- A lack of a holistic view of the project
- Separating planning, construction, and end-user behaviour
- Insufficient consideration of operating costs after handover to the operational phase (usually higher resource costs)
- Lack of cost certainty due to planning documents that have not always been fully developed
- Frequent missed deadlines due to subsequent modifications and change requests
Potential of integrated procurement models to prevent cost explosions and missed deadlines:
- Consolidating planning, construction, and operational expertise
- Life cycle cost approach for well-founded decisions
- Functional service specifications and design & build for innovative solutions
- Partnership-based risk distribution
Value-adding approach for fit out projects in the technology sector
Early collaboration and agreement among all project participants lay the foundation for realising successful projects. Through Customer Excellence and by identifying the client’s motivation and expectations at the earliest stages the path to success can be clearly defined. What are the key project drivers and their relative importance - speed, energy efficiency, outstanding sustainability features, flexibility, social value outcomes? In particular, companies in the technology sector place great emphasis on these aspects when designing their offices. A holistic understanding of the project enables an effective design and planning phase, which forms the basis for all further decisions, including construction methods, materials, and operational factors. Our expert teams work in complex infrastructures and operational environments, supporting our clients with comprehensive planning, open communication and proven dynamic solutions, as seen in the fit out project for Microsoft in Berlin.
A holistic understanding of the project enables an effective design and planning phase, which forms the basis for all further decisions, including construction methods, materials, and operational factors.
Effective project management for maximum efficiency and quality assurance
Effective project management is critical for delivering projects on time and on budget. Our fit out expertise is completely customised to meet the client's needs, and includes diligent planning, efficient project management and the right use of technology and processes. As a general contractor, ISG offers in-depth specialist knowledge in project management, experienced and competent project management teams with a hands-on mentality, bespoke and project-specific solutions, and technical expertise of the highest standard. Lean construction focuses on maximising work efficiencies, minimising risk for the client and reducing waste in the construction process. Lean construction methods can reduce costs and material waste, ensure certainty of deadlines, increase labour productivity, and enhance construction quality.
Sustainable construction in every phase of the building life cycle
Sustainable construction is a vital issue and will be an essential priority in the coming years. There is no plan B when it comes to sustainability. By adopting sustainable practices, the construction industry can help mitigate the effects of climate change and create a better future for coming generations. Selecting sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and using innovative technologies are key aspects for sustainable construction projects. This includes assessing the environmental impact of materials at every stage of the building life cycle. For instance, in the construction and procurement phases this would involve energy and water consumption during manufacturing, transport emissions, the potential for recycling or reuse, and later impacts during occupancy. As a general contractor, we consider opportunities for collaborating with suppliers, manufacturers, and other project stakeholders to identify and source new and innovative sustainable materials.
Innovative construction software: How information management systems make the construction process faster, more efficient, and with greater cost efficiency
In recent years, construction software has been significantly evolving and has revolutionised the way the industry works. From project management to quality control and safety inspections, an effective information management system makes the construction process faster, more efficient, and more economical. Cloud-based solutions, 3D scanning, and digital visualisation technologies Building Information Modelling (BIM) are but a few examples of some of the advanced technologies that are enabling more sustainable and efficient construction.
Overall, modern construction methods and innovative practices are essential for realising operational excellence in fit out projects. By integrating MMC, effective project management, lean construction and sustainable building, construction companies can increase efficiency and reduce costs – all while making a positive contribution to the environment. At ISG, we offer value-adding and sustainable solutions that help owners and landlords to efficiently manage their properties and remain competitive over the long term.
Selecting sustainable and environmentally-friendly materials and using innovative technologies are key aspects for sustainable construction projects. This includes assessing the environmental impact of materials at every stage of the building life cycle.
ISG’s study “Sustainable Buildings Monitor: Redefining value”
Why should we establish a new, purpose-driven framework to measure the true value of property?
ISG’s Sustainable Buildings Monitor looks to create a new framework to identify untapped areas of development opportunity.
