Press Release, June 2009

Online and secure – ICON paves way for information option

A handheld PDA used to record vital information about building projects and properties is the latest development in the lifecycle of an online solution from information management specialists ICON.

Developed for the construction industry, the ICON System reduces the need for paper-based data collection and allows instant updates to be made on building projects, so that all aspects remain on target.

This includes health and safety reports as well as other legal obligations that must be accurately recorded and managed.

"We've been working on ways to improve the way that construction and building maintenance projects are managed," explains one of ICON's content managers Rob Wylie.

"The added value of a mobile PDA to upload data means that personnel can be onsite and enter data directly to the system, wherever they are in the world," continues Rob.

The PDA connects to the system via 3G and in areas where there is no reception, data is stored within the device until the signal improves.

The PDA can also record and upload photos to the master system for later analysis and review.

"Architects and contractors, and other consultants, have many issues that need to be addressed efficiently to ensure the successful delivery and ongoing management of a construction project.

"Our system enables all the data relevant to a building project to be brought together in one place with access only granted to authorised personnel".
ICON works with clients to identify particular needs and then advise on those areas for which the ICON system can provide a solution.

“To achieve this we’ve recruited a team with a wide range of expertise, including construction, architecture, civil engineering and IT,” adds Rob.

The company’s experience in implementing both large and small systems means it can identify opportunities for improvement, targeting specific areas of value, and helping to integrate the system so that it delivers to expectations.

One of the many applications of the ICON PDA solution is the ability to capture building progress and conditions information at all stages of construction.

Following a pre-determined pro-forma, a surveyor can log the condition and status of any aspect of the construction work. This process can be undertaken by a number of surveyors across an entire property portfolio, each following the exact same format.

The results are synchronised back with the ICON system where the data can be analysed and reports generated for future expenditure, by region, property type or repair type etc.

“It’s a secure web-based product,” explains Rob. “It’s so comprehensive that it allows the management of information during the three key stages of a building’s lifecycle: the design and specification of a building; the project roll-out of a new build or a refurbishment; and the ongoing management of built properties.

It has been 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.

The system is made available on a SAAS (Software as a Service) model. This means there is no upfront investment in costly hardware and software by the customer. It alleviates the burden of hardware maintenance, ongoing operation and support and is provided ‘on demand’, the customer only paying for the elements in use.

ICON is unique in offering a dedicated content management team for each client. Each team specialise in the management of client information, providing an invaluable level of support and expertise.