Bentley has been a long-term supporter of Constructionarium Australia, providing essential software services and training to Constructionarium Australia’s Brisbane and Melbourne build programs. Each build cohort utilises Bentley Synchro Perform to schedule their program of works and manage their cost controls, utilising the system to generate daily progress and budget reports for the client and, fingers crossed, to make a profit at the end of their build.
And not only is profitability important to the entire industry, but the profitability of each build is also important to the cohort, as their end-of-build celebrations are reliant on profitability. Make a profit, there is a part, make a loss, and everyone goes home early. It hasn’t happened yet, thanks to the diligence of Bentley’s team of Luke Read, Christine Knappstein and Mark Harper, as well as the simplicity and accuracy of Synchro Perform. We think that means the future financial sustainability of our industry is in good hands. We caught up with Bentley’s Mark Harper to learn more about Bentley’s support of Constructionarium Australia.
How important is it for Bentley to be involved in programs like Constructionarium Australia?
Extremely important as it helps give real life skills to the cohort members and gives them insight, as future leaders in the industry, on all aspects of a project, from tender through to delivery.
How do the Bentley team enjoy being part of each build?
I think I can speak for everyone when I say we all get caught up with the excitement of the participants. After each build we come away saying how the future of the industry is in good hands.
What changes do you see in a cohort as they progress through their build?
This does change slightly depending on where the participants have come from, either client or contractor side. You can see there are generally a few ‘A-ha’ moments as they get an understanding of what each role within the build entails. Also, at the evening standups/handover meetings, you see their communication skills improve and the understanding of the importance of accurate record keeping.
The next generation of engineering leaders has a thorough understanding of technology; what does this mean for the future of the industry?
With all the challenges our industry is facing, especially resource shortages and skinny profit margins, the importance of increasing productivity across construction is paramount. Working harder or longer is not the answer - the technology is already there to help do ‘more with less’. Having this new generation of engineers that are not only comfortable with, but are starting to expect, the use of technology in the field means that hopefully we can start making progress in this space, along with making construction an industry of choice for more future engineers.
What is the most important piece of advice your teams pass on to each cohort?
Always know your costs! Knowing how much you spent today against budget is crucial to managing your project. Delivering on time is great, but if you don’t make money, you are not going to be in business for long.
What impresses you most about the next generation of engineering and construction leaders?
The excitement and knowledge they bring to the table. It has been a rough couple of years in the industry and seeing how excited this new generation are to get involved in delivering projects and the different perspectives they bring to just about every aspect of the business is impressive. The future of the industry is in very good hands.
For other organisations wanting to participate in a build program, what would you say to them?
Do it! Every participant I talk to cannot speak highly enough of the experiences, and contacts, they get through their time at Constructionarium. From an organizational level, the skills that the cohort bring back with them to the job can only improve the value they bring to your business.
