P r o m o t e d C o n t e n t
W A L E S M C L E L L A N D
calls for design-build, construction
management, due diligence support or
sophisticated process and constructability
advice. However, there's something
distinctly different about the company's
collaborative approach in 2014, and it all
has to do with high-tech communications.
It's not just a sign of the times that
president Doug Scott's ofice and ield
staff are equipped with iPads, or that the
Burnaby headquarters boasts flat screen
monitors with a real-time, interactive
dashboard that automatically cycles
through all project data. The technoloy is
the latest result of Scott's goal to improve
operational eficiency, and provide clients
with a new level of transparency.
Although the flat screens impart a
dynamic vibe, their real value is to clients.
Starting this year, Wales McLelland
installed the screens in clients' place
of work; via proprietary software, they
can, at a glance, check how construction
on their building is progressing. "The
images and data regarding each project
are updated constantly by the site
supervisors using their iPads," explains
Scott. "This fosters a true partnership that
increases trust, provides peace of mind
for the client, creates a positive working
relationship overall and provides true
transparency to all members of the team."
The system is estimated to save
Wales McLelland over 100 hours a week
in administrative duties alone, and it's
an ambitious undertaking—especially
considering this software did not exist
until Wales undertook the design and
implementation.
Moreover, the system fulills another
one of Scott's long-held ambitions:
eradicating the negative perception
of general contracting that lingers in
some sectors. "Throughout the years an
inherent mistrust has evolved between
owners and contractors," he says.
"Popular how-to television shows like
'Holmes on Homes', in which certain
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