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Press Release, March 2009
Online information working for you
An ICON product story
The ICON system has a range of utilities to help with the management and
collation of data for large building
projects.
Many of the country's biggest retailers are turning to an online
information working for you system to
assist with the project management of their new developments.
The ICON system is designed to ensure that all necessary steps are taken
and recorded in the project
management process, including surveys, health and safety, and CAD
libraries.
When Sainsbury's cast its net to find the best system available, it did
so knowing that what was needed was a
solution that provides a seamless link throughout a project; from the
roll-out phase to ongoing property
management.
And the solution needed to include a robust and reliable communication
system as well, given the number of
people - internally and externally - that need access to major projects.
So Sainsbury's criteria for a management information system was one that
would create confidence in the
accuracy of the information being shared by a myriad of stakeholders,
both in terms of day-to-day management
of stores and the rolling out of new developments.
The company went through an exhaustive evaluation process of 10 systems
before short-listing three.
'We finally selected the ICON system, explains former Standards Manager,
Richard Barham, 'not only because
we found it to be the most intuitive, but also in view of the fact it
was a cost-effective solution.
'It was critical that the new package wouldn't be restrictive but would
allow flexibility in both design and usage.
'The ICON system has made it faster and easier to update vital
information.
It has simplified publishing and enabled us to keep track of inputs and
changes.
We can be 100% confident that accurate data is being used throughout the
process.
'Throughout the process ICON demonstrated a willingness to work with us
rather than for us, and that is a key
strength of the company.
Its people are enthusiastic, knowledgeable and dedicated,' adds Richard.
'We wanted a system that would give us greater confidence in the
accuracy of the information being shared, both
in terms of day-to-day management of stores and the rolling out of new
developments.
'The ICON system allows us to trial various new store designs, while
only allowing those stores and users
involved in the trials to share the information.
This not only provides security, but eliminates
confusion that could arise between existing and new sites.' The
ICON solution allows the management of construction information during
the three key stages of a building's
lifecycle:
- The design and specification of buildings. - The project roll-out of new builds and refurbishments. - The ongoing management of built properties (comprising planning,
construction, maintenance and disposal).
Developed in conjunction with design standards and project managers, it
provides access to accurate, real-time
information for all members of the project delivery team, resulting in
improved confidence, communication, safety, efficiency, product quality and budgetary control.
ICON managing director Chris Lovelock says that the company not only
strives to provide a standard system that's flexible and reliable, it works with clients to resolve unique
issues.
'We listen closely and create a system that overcomes concerns and
provides real benefits.
'The sheer size of the Sainsbury's organisation demands that a system is
intuitive enough to eliminate the need for excessive training.
It has to be designed for use by operators at all levels.
We provide ongoing support.' The Sainsbury's system is now being used
more than 1,200 people, both within the organisation and its supply chain.
Internal departments using the system include using the system include
Procurement, Development, Health and Safety, Property and Store Design.
Contractors, architects and equipment suppliers are among the external
users with access to parts of the Sainsbury's site.
Richard Barham adds: 'Everyone using the system in Sainsbury's believes
that the reliability and flexibility of it, backed by the support of ICON, will enable us to successfully manage the
effective expansion of our stores long into the future.
'What's more, we can do this whilst delivering significant cost
savings.'.
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