O&Ms: The problem with procuring late
On a typical construction project, the main contractor has between 30–40 subcontractors to procure and manage. Procurement is largely driven by the construction plan which means an O&M provider is often appointed late in the project.
This creates a problem as the time it takes to collate and review 30–40 O&M submissions should not be underestimated. Condensing this activity into a few weeks or months before PC gives the contractor, supply chain and O&M provider little time to manage the task properly.
Ultimately, this can lead to project delays or the risk of incomplete O&Ms at PC.
Issues with late O&M engagement
- Added cost for O&Ms not previously budgeted for
- Trades already left the site and fully paid
- No standardisation across O&M submissions
- Increased pressure on-site teams close to PC
- Risk of missing or incomplete O&M submissions
- Unhappy end client
“Through early integration and involvement with the project team, Zutec understood clearly both the Client aspirations and the scope of the sub-contract packages allowing them to manage the whole process. Early involvement with the project team facilitated the development of a solution to integrate the O&M database with the 3D model and meet Client aspirations.”
Why procuring O&Ms early makes sense
Procuring the O&M package early in the project, makes everybody’s life easier, as the dedicated O&M provider can manage the supply chain in line with the construction plan.
O&M templates can be included in trade contracts to ensure a standardised format is followed. Managing trades as they start on-site gives enough time to conduct a thorough review process and makes sure a complete and accurate set of O&Ms is delivered at PC.
The end result is less stress for the main contractor at handover and a happy client with all the information needed to run and maintain their building safely and effectively.
Benefits of early O&M engagement
- Cost certainty — a realistic budget for O&Ms in the cost plan
- O&M templates in contract documents
- Free up valuable site resource
- Trades managed as and when they start on site
- Plenty of time to conduct a thorough O&M review
- Smooth, pain-free handover at PC
- Happy client with a complete and accurate as-built record
Conclusion
At Zutec, we avoid working on projects with less than three months until practical completion. Why? Because it is a near-impossible task to manage a full supply chain in such a condensed time frame.
Appoint an O&M provider at the start of the project and gain the full benefits of early engagement — a fully managed process delivering a complete and accurate as-built record at PC.