BBV HS2 Area North

Streamlining Permit Processes with Digital Precision

Introduction‍

‍Maintaining the highest possible safety standards in large-scale construction projects is of utmost importance. Following a series of service strikes, BBV recognised that traditional paper-based methods for obtaining excavation permits were susceptible to errors and circumvention.

By transitioning to a digital platform, BBV not only expedited the permit issuance process but also elevated the safety measures drastically.

Background

Upon analysing their conventional 'Permit to Break Ground' method, BBV identified several inefficiencies:


• Excessive time consumption in drafting and distributing permits 
owing to administrative tasks.
• Lengthy 150-page documents discouraged thorough review. 
• Prolonged wait times often resulted in permits not being issued 
directly at the work site. 
• Ambiguities in specifying precise excavation locations due to 
inadequate on-site briefings.
• Circumvention of critical safety hold points like CAT & Genny readings. 
• An intricate and time-consuming paper system from permit
 initiation and approval to closure. 
• No audit trail and a deficiency in maintaining a comprehensive, 
searchable record of permits.

The Need for Change

To address these issues, BBV sought digital solutions to:

• Uniform the permit process across all sectors of the project.
• Introduce and enforce safety protocols, including photographic 
evidence, CAT & Genny scans, and geo-tagged briefings.
• Optimise engineer workflows, saving both time and financial outlays.
• Enable instantaneous monitoring and reporting, thus ensuring 
an unassailable record of operations, endorsing quality and 
adherence to regulations.

Collaboration with SiteAssist

BBV's platform of choice was SiteAssist. To cater to BBV's distinct needs, the platform underwent specific customisations. More than merely a tool, SiteAssist evolved into an integral partner, participating in workshops and weekly meetings, aligning with BBV's aspirations, and providing digital expertise.

Challenges & Adaptation

‍Transformation in construction, especially when centred around technology adoption, invariably faces hurdles. Migrating from traditional paper based processes to innovative digital solutions can be met with apprehension. Central to this transformation was BBV's need to modernise. While their traditional methods were well-entrenched, they were outdated and were lacking neccesary steps to ensure workforce safety. Integrating SiteAssist symbolised not only the acquisition of a new tool but a strategic move towards future readiness.

Impact & Achievements:

The results of the BBV and SiteAssist collaboration were noteworthy:

• Significant reduction in incidents: from 12 major incidents in a year to just 1 in the subsequent year following the implementation of SiteAssist.
• Engineers could reallocate their time to primary tasks, reducing paperwork.
• Real-time permit tracking became feasible, reinforcing BBV's dedication to quality and regulatory compliance.

Conclusion:

BBV's alliance with SiteAssist underscores the transformative power of proactive thinking. By embracing this digital shift, BBV has redefined its permit protocols, ensuring heightened site safety, and efficient operations, and positioning itself for sustained growth and innovation in the future.