Article by David Dawson, Executive Director – APAC at DBM Vircon
In today’s construction industry, terms like ‘Collaborative Delivery’, ‘Integrated Design’, and ‘Integrated Delivery Workflows’ are frequently tossed around. However, all too often, these concepts become more about ticking boxes than unlocking their potential value. It’s time to delve deeper into the advantages of multidisciplinary integrated design and detailing teams, and the careful planning required to assemble them effectively.
Knowledge Amplification
At its core, multidisciplinary integration involves bringing together experts from diverse backgrounds. It’s not merely about different engineering disciplines working collaboratively; it’s about building a team that encompasses engineers, designers, and fully integrated detailing experts who understand the project’s needs from fabrication to construction. Their collective knowledge enriches projects, leading to proactive solutions and optimized workflows. This integration bridges gaps between engineering, architecture, and construction, ensuring a holistic approach to project development.
Efficiency Redefined
One of the primary advantages of multidisciplinary teams is their ability to work faster and more efficiently. By engaging detail-oriented resources earlier in the process, teams can tap into expertise and accumulated knowledge from the fabrication and construction phases of past projects, pre-empting issues that typically arise during these later delivery stages. This proactive approach not only speeds up the process but also reduces risks and enhances project outcomes.
Evolution of Integration
The integration of engineering and detailing is not a new concept. Over the past two decades, various industries have explored and evolved workflows to leverage these skills with varying degrees of success. Historically, different disciplines have adopted integration at different rates, influenced by factors such as perceived value and risk. Engineering and detailing teams delivering structural steel have a long history of delivering projects as an integrated team. By contrast, concrete and rebar engineering processes have typically been delivered separately from rebar scheduling. However, with advancements in software, technology, and changing market conditions, there’s a growing trend towards more integrated and 3D-centric workflows across multiple disciplines.
A great example of a changing market is the concrete and rebar market where historically it was seen as limited value gained and limited risk avoided by integrating engineering and rebar modeling and scheduling activities. In recent years many markets are adopting far more integrated and 3D centric rebar delivery workflows to suit market conditions and capabilities.
Looking Ahead
While futuristic technologies like construction robots and 3D printing are on the horizon, there are immediate opportunities to enhance project delivery by applying integrated workflows across multiple disciplines concurrently. Whether it’s creating multidisciplinary preconstructed modules or ensuring seamless material integration on-site, the benefits are significant, albeit with some added complexity to workflows.
Making Multidisciplinary Integrated Delivery Successful
Successful implementation of multidisciplinary integrated design delivery requires careful planning and execution. Below are three key aspects from my perspective:
1. Commercial Alignment:
- Achieving commercial alignment among all stakeholders is crucial for the success of integrated delivery. This involves aligning both commercial and technical aspects to ensure that the project’s objectives are met while delivering value to all parties involved.
- It’s essential to establish a delivery model that recognizes and rewards the contributions of each party appropriately. This could involve developing a shared commercial strategy where cost and time savings are shared among all stakeholders.
- In practice, this means open and transparent discussions to establish fair compensation and risk-sharing mechanisms. It’s about creating a collaborative environment where success is mutually beneficial.
2. Clear Communication:
- Clear, concise, and comprehensive communication is essential for effective multidisciplinary integration. Before detailed design commences, roles and responsibilities must be clearly defined and understood by all team members.
- This goes beyond merely knowing what each team member is responsible for; it involves understanding how each part of the team’s work interacts with and impacts others. Detailed project workflows should be established to minimize rework and streamline project delivery.
- There is no ‘one size fits all’ when it comes to getting the right workflows and processes. Each project is different and the delivery methodology should reflect that.
- Establishing communication channels to facilitate ongoing collaboration and information sharing throughout the project lifecycle is crucial. Regular meetings, status updates, and documentation are essential tools for maintaining clear communication.
3. Timing and Engagement:
- Getting the timing right is critical in multidisciplinary integrated delivery. Each party should be engaged at the appropriate stage of the project, with continued involvement as needed.
- Early engagement is vital for setting the right course for the project and ensuring that all perspectives are considered from the outset. However, it’s equally important to balance early engagement with efficient resource utilization.
- Defining the extent and timing of each party’s engagement is essential. While some parties may only need to be involved during specific phases of the project, others may require ongoing engagement. Striking the right balance ensures that resources are utilized effectively and that the project benefits from the collective expertise of all team members.
By harnessing the collective expertise of diverse teams and embracing integrated workflows, projects can be delivered faster, more efficiently, and with fewer risks. As we continue to evolve and innovate, the opportunities for multidisciplinary integration will only grow, paving the way for a more collaborative and sustainable future.
Learn more about DBM Vircon‘s experience in working in collaborative multidisciplinary teams.
