The Laing O’Rourke and J Murphy joint venture (LM JV) working on HS2’s enabling works has improved site logistics with the use of PODfather software.
The fully automated system tracks and monitors deliveries and allows LM JV to book them in on a digital system, negating the need for spreadsheets and printed paper tickets, and reduces time lost waiting for processing as bookings can be managed efficiently in real time.
The system has also supported LM JV’s compliance with environmental controls as all vehicles that show up on site or travel between sites are monitored and tracked. Being able to monitor this has allowed for measures to be put in place to reduce unnecessary vehicle movements, reducing the impact on local roads and improving air quality.
Aaron Toon, LM JV’s logistics manager, said: “Traditional logistics management systems relied on spreadsheets and printed paper tickets. Our busy enabling works programme required real-time tracking of deliveries, with the ability to report directly each day, without waiting for paperwork to be sent in. Through the automated planning, tracking and ePOD system from PODFather, we’ve been able to manage approximately 20 contractors over 60 sites of varying size and scope, receiving around 90 reports a day, six days a week.”
PODFather is an SME based in Edinburgh, employing 40 people from the local area. Working on the HS2 project has meant that it has been able to create new roles and sustain employment levels through the covid-19 pandemic.
Colin McCreadie, managing director at PODFather, said: “The benefits of digital transformation experienced by LM-JV are not uncommon, and speeding the flow of data through an organisation, delivering it in a format required for the different users that need to consume it, saves time and improves quality. In the construction sector, it also improves safety.”
