 iQ software Saved £200k -
payback in 1 year.
Diamond Drilling and Concrete Cutting experts, Clyde
Valley Drilling, have revolutionised their business
with the introduction of a bespoke IT system –
‘Quarterback IQ ’ – which is increasing
overall efficiency and service levels to the tune of
around £200,000 annually.
Like many construction industry organisations, CVD
realised that its manual paper-based systems were
proving to be a real barrier in the development of
the company.
CVD had reached a level where dated administrative
systems were unable to cope with the organisational
growth and the demands of clients requiring faster
response, accuracy of delivery and evidence of tight
job control.
CVD reviewed the entire operation, starting with
issues being encountered on a daily basis. Most issues
had evolved over time but as the company grew, had
became more significant.
- Resource allocation used 3 'write on - wipe off'
boards
- Existing correspondence, task and quote management
software was creaking at the seams
- Losing track of equipment
- Administration processes were labour and time
intensive
- No immediate access to information
- Consumable and machine maintenance costs were
significant, uncontrolled and could not be analysed
 “All
information was there - but stored in a combination
of paper and spreadsheet format, possibly located
in the third filing cabinet on the left or, 'ask the
Store-man’,” commented Owen Barrett, Managing
Director of CVD.
“Any significant data mining involved an archaeological
expedition to arrive at accurate and meaningful outputs,
which were out of date before the report was printed.”
CVD management consulted with staff to develop a
strategy on the way forward, with the objective to
provide efficiency, transparency and control for the
growing business.
Three years on, that use of IQ technology and business
process re-engineering has delivered significant savings,
without changing the way the company operates.
CVD conservatively estimated that the benefits due
to reductions in overheads and better control of assets
would be in the region of £200,000 per annum.
However, this was exceeded in the first year due to
increased productivity and gaining new work through
using time and information more effectively.
A post implementation assessment of the 1 year project
revealed that, the system delivered almost 100% of
the key requirements, with the added bonus that the
design and implementation process also refined the
company’s thinking and the final solution delivered
far more than was initially envisaged.
CVD now enjoys digital 'drag & drop' job allocation
whiteboards, electronic job sheet reconciliation and
integrated billing.
This is supported by a comprehensive document management
system, quote tracking and extensive 'one click' management
reports on all aspects of business performance.
Quarterback geared the IQ software specifically for
a diamond drilling company and implemented with a
minimal training requirement.
Critically there was no need to have operatives trained
in new technology as all the functionality takes place
at administration level.
The digital whiteboard display by itself reduces the
administrative burden of job allocation from approximately
3 man hours per day to 5 minutes.
Accurate Real Time Reports:
Key reports provide real time access to management
information to enable better control of the business,
including missing job-sheets, valuation report, shift
return and comprehensive historical
information on which operative attended each job.
Improved Cash Flow:
The impact of the iQ system on CVD's business cannot
be underestimated. The cost savings generated are
significant and the ability to invoice jobs based
on real time information has had a significant impact
on cash flow.
Greater Customer Satisfaction:
Instant access to an e-mailable electronic image of
the job-sheet with a customer signature, combined
with accurate satellite navigation information, reduced
the number of customer disputes often associated with
large sites involving a number of sub-contractors.
Higher Service Levels:
Information on equipment maintenance has enabled the
company to target the training budget more effectively
towards operatives who cause the most wear and tear.
This has had a knock on effect on the quality of service
provided to customers.
Increased Management Efficiency:
Management have more time for business planning and
development as they were released from some of the
administrative tasks previously required. Staff morale
increased as the workflow became more efficient and
the progress enabled the company move forward on a
number of fronts.
Increased Profitability:
These developments place the company in a strong position
to achieve its ambitions of doubling turnover and
profitability within the next three years and further
raising standards within the industry.
“The IT system has taken the company’s
entire business strategy and performance to a higher
level,” said Owen.
The state-of-the-art, pioneering system integrates
plant tracking software, financial systems, satellite
tracking, job control, and a bespoke CRM and task
management system to maximise efficiency within the
company.
We are on track to save around £300,000 this
year through the controls and systems introduced by
the IT system.
This means we can offer our customers a more competitive
and efficient service that can be measured by our
web based customer satisfaction tool,” finished
Owen.
- E-Business Award, Scottish Enterprise Lanarkshire
- E-Business Award, Scottish Enterprise
- The Orange Best Use of Technology in Business
Award, in The National Business Awards for Scotland
- Scottish Chamber of Commerce Technology award
- Microsoft Award for Innovation through Technology
in Scotland, UK Chamber of Commerce Awards
CVD website: www.cvdltd.co.uk
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