Offsite Innovation for Local Authority

EMCBE and SCAPE System Build - developers of strategic procurement arrangements and construction management services to Local Authorities are partnering in a new 2 year knowledge transfer project with Loughborough University. The project will develop a transparent mechanism for demonstrating best value in Local Authority project delivery through the effective use of offsite methods of construction. The project aims to improve the delivery and efficiency of Local Authority construction procurement through better understanding and use of system build and offsite methods of construction. It will remove wasted effort by establishing efficient procurement operations for public sector clients in the East Midlands and the UK. In addition, the project intends to raise the profile of offsite solutions thereby increasing the awareness of the benefits and opportunities for the use of offsite innovative methods of construction to extend market share in the delivery of offsite.

Objectives

• Investigate existing uses of offsite within Local Authorities, and map suppliers of 'offsite' systems
• Investigate the understanding of offsite within existing supply-chains and identify existing cultural barriers to the adoption of offsite innovative methods of construction
• Investigate the skills required for offsite (both in terms of fabrication and installation) and the capacity of such technologies to offset skills shortages within the region
• Develop a strategy of best value through the use of offsite

Deliverables

• Develop and implement a tool to facilitate decision making by clients, architects and designers in Local Authorities as to the possibilities of using offsite in their projects
• Develop and implement new working and engagement models to help implement a culture change to encourage the adoption of offsite innovative methods within Local Authorities
• Develop and implement KPI's in the use of offsite

Decision support tool

Overloaded with complex construction choices?

If so............. 

A tool is now available to help resolve complex procurement, design and construction challenges at an early stage..........

A simple web-based, spreadsheet tool is now available to help quickly establish the best approach for a particular project based on the information you have available.

IMMPREST-LA is a decision support tool developed by Loughborough University and the East Midlands Center for Constructing the Built Environment (EMCBE).

By considering drivers such as cost, time and quality and project constraints such as procurement and site environment, the web-based tool helps decision makers to take the first step towards choosing a project design and construction strategy.

The tool delivers a project-specific report for clients or other interested parties to demonstrate that all the options have been considered.  It has been designed so that an answer can be produced within a short period of time.

To access the Decision support tool go to

http://immprest.lboro.ac.uk

To further develop the strategy identified by IMMPREST-LA, you should instigate a facilitated workshop using the industry-tested IMMPREST value tool.

Contact

Dr Christine Pasquire 01509 222895
C.L.Pasquire@lboro.ac.uk

Download the flyer here

Follow the link to download a Case Study

SCAPE System Build Limited

The SCAPE system and potential increase in offsite content to improve efficiency and value in Local Authority projects

IMMPREST is a cost and value comparison tool for offsite construction.

In the simplest terms, it is a comprehensive check list of considerations, set within an interactive spreadsheet environment, enabling detailed costing evaluation and analysis.

What are its main features?

Can be used as a decision support tool or a project evaluation tool.

Identifies the factors that need to be considered in a benefit assessment, the data required to assess the effect of these factors, and where the required data resides within the supply chain.

Enables the management of risk and constraints, highlighting factors that affect the ability to achieve aims.

Encourages consideration of life factors, sustainability and people issues.

What is happening with IMMPREST at the moment?

The developments to the IMMPREST Toolkit over the last year or so have culminated in the release of IMMPREST 2007.  The Toolkit has seen many enhancements, primarily improvements to the cost and time worksheets, broadening their use for estimating and feasibility studies .  Enquiries are welcomed from existing IMMPREST users regarding obtaining a copy of the new Toolkit.

IMMPREST has been used in the production of a number of case studies, the first two of which, on pipe modules in an office building and a hospital extension, have been published by Buildoffsite.  The third, on a modular corridor product for airports, should be available shortly.

For further details please go to the Case Studies section, or contact .

What’s next?

The development of a multi-project interface is underway, the aim being that data collected over a number of projects will be analysed collectively, and used more effectively in planning new projects.

Link to the Immprest Web site:  here