VanMeijel Automation builds a new construction site module with input from VolkerWessels executives

VolkerWessels companies KWS and Van Hattum en Blankenvoort are two leading companies in the infrastructure sector. Where one is big in building sustainable and future-proof infrastructure, the other builds ingenious concrete artworks, infrastructure and civil concrete structures of the outer category. Both companies have long worked with Metacom, the all-in-one ERP system for digital construction from VanMeijel Automatisering.

Digitization

"Digitalization is enormously important within our division," says Hugo van Haaren, project manager at VolkerWessels Infrastructure Division. "After all, we want to make our work faster, more efficient ánd more error-free." Hugo explains that an earlier analysis showed that the implementers in particular spend a lot of time on administrative tasks. "That can definitely be done smarter. So with the input from that study, we started working with VanMeijel to see where we could improve the process and what we could digitize." Well, the Dutch construction industry is quite traditional and then digitizing is quite a thing, Hugo knows. "So we thought it was very important to develop it not only for the workers, but especially by the workers. They ultimately have to use it on a daily basis."

Strong group of key users

KWS and Van Hattum en Blankevoort (VHB), both organizations that are organized quite decentrally with branches throughout the country, therefore put together a strong group of key-users. "From each branch of KWS and of VHB, we added an executor to our project team. The project team also includes two functional application managers who manage Metacom and are involved in this new Construction Site Online project. In addition to me as project manager, the team also includes a business analyst and ERP consultant from the division and a consultant from VanMeijel. For a year, we met one morning every two weeks. Together we determined how the software should work. As a starting point we used the standard construction site module from the Bizzstream application of VanMeijel Automatisering. Based on the input of the contractors we then started to develop the software further together with a consultant of VanMeijel. The backlog of wishes and requirements from the key-user group was then implemented in Construction Site Online on a priority basis."

Construction site module

Hugo explains that every few weeks a new functionality became available in the construction site module. "This was then tested and then used by the implementers from the key-user group and so the software was developed further and further. The result was that before the summer there was a module that was good enough to roll out and be used by other colleagues. We organized training sessions per branch, both physical and online, during which the functional application managers explained how everything works. People then get to work with it themselves in daily practice." VolkerWessels has a digitalization program (NEXT), with the adoption team helping to remove any resistance and assisting with communication and training. "After all, it's quite a traditional industry we're in, so we make sure everyone is slowly but surely converted from the old Construction Site module in Metacom to the new Construction Site Online. Fortunately, both applications can co-exist and we see that it's running well. We expect that by the first quarter of 2024 everyone within KWS and VHB (about 600 people) will have implemented it in the daily work process. For the questions that are there, we have set up a low-threshold support organization: everyone can ask their questions there and both the questions and answers are shared, so that knowledge sharing is easy." Hugo emphasizes that the key users played a major, decisive role in the end result. "We facilitated it, with help from VanMeijel, but they basically came up with it. By prioritizing together, being sharp and remaining critical, we now have an excellent new building site module."

Simple, fast, efficient and clear

The benefits of Construction Site Online for the contractor are many. "The look and feel of the software is much better, making it a lot more accessible to get started with and it's easier to work with. Construction Site Online is available through the browser, so it can be used from any laptop, tablet or phone. One of the biggest advantages is that more information is available, which greatly simplifies the process from entry to approval. This allows for simple, fast, efficient and orderly work." Hugo indicates that a nice foundation has been laid to further develop on. "The big wish is also to expand it further and to start tackling time registration as well. The great thing is that we have made a start here by standardizing a number of processes within two companies, each with their own culture and way of working. Within Construction Site Online we now work in the same way, which is beneficial for the entire group. We will therefore continue to implement the standardization gradually and we need VanMeijel Automatisering again for that!"