| DDC confidently expect to show a growth of £110,000
in productivity and benefits in 12 months as a direct
result of using IQ.
Diamond Drilling and Cutting Ltd (DDC) was founded
in 1998 by its managing director, Ken Ward who has
over 15 years experience in the industry and has a
strong focus on reliability, quality and cost effectiveness
and is now widely recognized as one of the most reputable
diamond drilling and sawing contractors in the UK.
Since then, the company has built up its reputation
and become the largest in its field in the North East
of England, The companies client list includes some
well known National and local building contractors
and construction companies, local authorities and
utility companies.
- Concrete Drilling - Including Diamond Drilling,
Dry Drilling & Stitch Drilling
- Sawing - Including Ring & Chain, Wall &
Track and Wire & Floor
- Concrete Crunching
- Concrete Bursting
- Brokk Robotic Demolition
- Concrete Floor Preparation
- Wall and Floor Chasing
What were the issues?
As with many growing businesses, DDC reached a point
in its evolution where its
administrative processes were beginning to creak under
the strain of the sheer volume of work being generated.
Ken Ward picks up the story:
“With 20 operatives out on the road, and over
a hundred jobs to allocate every week, our paper diary
system was becoming a real challenge. If anything
in the schedule had to change, it caused us a few
problems.
Ensuring that the right man, with the right equipment,
arrived at the right place at the right time meant
a lot of time spent on the phone. Because the information
was not immediately to hand, sometimes drillers would
have to travel back to the yard to pick up equipment,
then get back on site, when later we found that we
had someone 20 minutes away from the site with the
required kit.”
These types of issues are not uncommon in the construction
industry. However, finding a cost effective solution
aimed at sub-contractors like DDC can prove to be
a challenge too far. That’s where iQ comes in.
Ken became aware of the impact that iQ was having
on Clyde Valley Drilling Ltd in Scotland. He was introduced
to Craig Robertson from Quarterback Systems and an
agreement was quickly reached for DDC to become a
pilot site for iQ.
The system is now fully implemented and has had a
dramatic impact on the company as Ken explains:
“We have seen many benefits from using the new
system. The most significant ones would have to be:
Reduction in administration costs
We have been able to reduce our admin staff by 1½
posts as a direct result of the efficiencies brought
about by the system. Our paper costs have also reduced
by replacing the paper systems with electronic equivalents.
Control of equipment
Diamond drilling equipment is expensive. The Part
Tracker module gives us a clear picture of where our
equipment is at any given time. This industry is practically
minded and so the ability to scan equipment in and
out is preferable to a paper based system. I have
not seen any other asset system as good as Part Tracker
Control of equipment and consumable
costs
We are now able to exert greater control over our
equipment and consumable costs. The system has enabled
us to analyse them better to identify issues, which
we are now able to address through training, alternative
suppliers, etc.
Better management information
We now have a range of up to the minute management
information, which was previously unavailable or time
consuming to generate.
Released management time
Before the system was in place a lot of management
effort went into sorting out administrative problems.
That effort has now been redirected into growing the
business.
The cost of putting in iQ has been money well spent.
It paid for itself immediately in direct cost savings
and, along with the other benefits identified, has
proved to be extremely good value for money.”
At the end of the first year, DDC confidently expect
to have added £110,000 to their profits as a
direct result of using IQ.
The software is only one part of any system implementation.
As important, if not more so, are the people who actually
do the implementation.
Business is littered with examples
of good software, implemented badly. Quarterback knows
the value of meeting the needs of its customers. Some
of the words used by DDC to describe Quarterback throughout
the project are:
“Proactive” “Good to deal with”
“Always very helpful”
When asked if they would recommend Quarterback Systems
and iQ, Ken Ward answered “Undoubtedly, yes”
What next?
DDC are planning a “controlled progression in
line with the overall business plan”. iQ has
given the company a stable platform to cope with the
planned for increase in business and, alongside a
responsive supplier in Quarterback Systems, the future
is looking good for Diamond Drilling and Cutting.
Diamond Drilling & Cutting Limited
Bladen Street Industrial Estate
Jarrow
Tyne & Wear
NE32 3HN
www.diamonddriller.co.uk |
