JJ Rhatigan Case Study: 8 Real-World Benefits of Construction Document Management | Innovation

It’s not every year that a large construction company has the opportunity to achieve major productivity gains in one big leap. But for JJ Rhatigan (JJR), with the help of construction document management software, this was that year.

JJR, one of Ireland’s leading contractors, boasts over 65 years of experience, more than 380 employees, and serves a wide range of sectors. They are known for their innovative approach to saving time and money while improving safety and quality for their workers and customers.

In 2016, they implemented BIM 360 on all of their projects, and saw massive gains as a result.

Journey to BIM 360 Docs

Michelle Fahey, BIM Implementation Manager at JJR, says that they made the decision to move to BIM due to increasing demand from clients “to provide greater collaboration and clarity throughout projects,” as well as BIM’s inherent benefits to their team.

“It’s clear,” she says, “that BIM is an integral part of the future of construction, and we want to be leading the way.”

They wanted an integrated, cloud-based technology platform that could handle both 2D construction drawings and 3D models from end to end of the project lifecycle. They explored a range of BIM platforms, and narrowed the options to those that showed the most promise in terms of working well for their teams, and providing ROI.

Then they sent each technology into the field and put it into the hands of engineers. Autodesk’s BIM 360 was the clear winner.

Why BIM 360

BIM 360 provided future-ready functionality that included:

• Both 2D and 3D capability
• Integration across the life cycle
• Powerful collaborative function
• Familiarity of use, as the team already used some Autodesk products
• Seamless integration with existing and new technologies in use

“Then they sent each technology into the field and put it into the hands of engineers. Autodesk’s BIM 360 was the clear winner.”

Fully Integrated Construction Document Management

JJR’s team uses all aspects of the BIM 360 portfolio, with a common data platform at the heart. This means that everyone can access the latest data no matter where they are, in a seamless manner that integrates with all other data technologies in use, throughout the project cycle.

JJR says the implementation was an enormous success with users.

“They love it. It saves them time and aggravation at nearly every stage of the process. It’s just working great for us.”

Benefits of BIM 360

JJR’s construction projects have enjoyed up to 75% time savings, plus a host of other benefits. Here are their top 8:

1. Faster, Better QA/QC

With BIM 360, engineers and field personnel take QA/QC notes directly on their iPads and attach them into the related sheets. It takes mere minutes, relieving them of end-of-day admin work, while delivering information to all relevant stakeholders instantly.

2. Simpler Markups

Markups and RFIs are done in the field directly inside the drawings. Each markup is assigned a number and is communicated to the designer immediately. When the designer opens the files, they quickly sort markups and RFIs to see the most recent and relevant ones, and create an RFI schedule in minutes.

3. Fewer Record Keeping Errors

Placing drawings, documents, and communication into a unified platform reduces opportunities for errors to be introduced at each stage of the project.

4. Cost Savings

The use of BIM 360 results in fewer mistakes, faster resolutions, faster communication, greater visibility, and greater efficiency, all of which means fewer dollars wasted. “Everything is faster and sharper,” says O’Connor.

5. Greater Confidence

Greater visibility and communication also means that everyone on the project has higher confidence that they’re doing the right work at the right time.

6. Better Workflows

Permission settings inside BIM 360 ensure that every subcontractor and trade on the site has access to exactly what they need at all times. Notifications ensure that everyone knows as soon as a change is made to any relevant document. Improved RFI and markups processes mean that designers and field personnel can respond quickly and efficiently to conditions as they change.

7. Better Collaboration

O’Connor says, “With all the project data available at the click of a button, collaboration is made easy between stakeholders involved in the build, from the design teams and contractors, to subcontractors and consultants. This has helped us reduce bottlenecks, streamline project coordination, and improve overall project delivery.”

8. Greater Safety

When everyone can see what is going on at each stage of the project, it’s easier to see where hazards may arise. Everyone on the project can mark potential hazards, and see the hazards that others have marked.

Conclusion

JJR’s success with BIM 360 and other integrated technologies has garnered significant media attention, in addition to the concrete benefits they enjoy. But it’s not just JJR and their customers who have gained from it.

“Everyone on the project benefits. Precast concrete companies and other suppliers are more confident in our drawings, and each trade and subcontractor and consultant who works with us is more confident in the project data. It’s a benefit all around.”

Want to start seeing results like JJ Rhatigan? Try BIM 360 for yourself!!