By digitising the manufacturing modus operandi, namely though Building Information Modelling (BIM), this two-year project looks to merge existing production methods of vanity units, toilet cubicles and integrated panelling systems (IPS).
Given the UK government’s mandate for implementing technologies such as BIM on all their projects, digitisation is set to revolutionise the construction sector.
The benefits of digitisation are countless but include: elimination of building design errors, optimisation of construction costs and time savings on the building’s scheduled programme, improved collaboration between all project stakeholders and a reduction of contractual disputes.
Most industry practitioners, including architects, designers, engineers and construction contractors have predominantly focused upon using advanced digital technologies during the design and construction phases of a building’s development for these reasons and many more. However, there has been a lack of extension of such practices in the construction supply chain.
Therefore, Birmingham City University’s School of the Built Environment digital design and construction experts Professor David Edwards and Erika Pärn have teamed up with Excelsior to streamline the digitalisation of the construction sector’s supply chain.
Project findings that can inform and aid construction supply chain SME’s will be published in peer reviewed scientific journals and shared with practitioners via industry white papers. Findings will also be distributed into the University’s curriculum, ensuring that its teaching is informed by both industry practice and research innovation.
Richard Gallagher, operations director of Excelsior, said:
“This is a very exciting development for Excelsior. We are enjoying our 40th anniversary year and the KTP is timed perfectly to set us up for the next 40 years. This collaboration will allow us to learn, share and progress within the construction world and lead the way in washrooms for years to come.”
Excelsior is integrating digital design technologies throughout the entire product life cycle, from design and manufacture, to facilities management during building occupancy. This is with a view to become the leading construction supply chain manufacturer of washroom products.
Steve Sanders, contracts manager, Excelsior, said:
“This is our first involvement in a KTP programme and our experience to date has been excellent. From initial contact with Birmingham City University right through to the planning, candidate interview, selection and placement, it has proved to be a seamless flow and a true development of the partnership side of the KTP. We are excited as to what the future holds as we see the Knowledge Transfer start to embed itself within our company.”
Dr Yahya Al-Saeed will now lead Excelsior to help revolutionise design and manufacturing processes after being recently appointed KTP associate for the project. He will do so by implanting geometric (3D design data) and rich semantic data (specifications) into their ‘downstream’ manufacturing processes using BIM.
He said: “KTP is a great opportunity to transfer knowledge from academia to the industry and vice versa. This project offers a great opportunity for researchers to test innovative solutions in practice. I have thus far gained many new insights into manufacturing procedures in the construction supply chain and the current challenges. The aim of the project is to improve Excelsior’s performance through the implementation of BIM.”
Dr Al-Saeed will also play an active role in the company team, with the task to not only acquire new knowledge, but transfer said knowledge to colleagues within the company and university.
Erika Pärn, Birmingham City University’s knowledge base supervisor, said:
“This is an exciting opportunity for both the University and the company to converge new ideas and processes to innovate in the construction supply chain sector. We hope this project will uncover new insights into the ways in which construction suppliers can better streamline the information requirements of BIM implementation and help improve existing manufacturing and installation processes in return.”
