Strategic Partnership with Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
Strategic Partner
Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB)
Industries
Government and Public Sector
Introduction
Operance and Rider Levett Bucknall (RLB) have established a successful strategic partnership over the past two years. Together, we have provided a range of software and services to support RLB’s projects across the UK, delivering exceptional value and driving efficient digital workflows.
Scope of Services Provided
As a joint developer and contractor, Higgins Partnerships required a partner to assist with compliance with the Building Safety Act and the development of accurate O&M, Health and Safety files, Building Logbooks, and Building User Guides. Operance has worked closely with Higgins Partnerships to address these requirements through the following:
- Building Safety Act Compliance: Operance has provided Higgins Partnerships with expertise and support in developing Building Safety Act data templates. These templates ensure that contractors delivering Higher Risk Buildings (HRBs) produce the necessary information at various project gateways during the design and construction phases. By aligning with regulatory requirements, we help Higgins Partnerships and their customers fulfill their obligations under the Building Safety Act.
- Accurate and Comprehensive O&M Information: Through our collaboration, Operance assists Higgins Partnerships in developing structured and accurate O&M (Operations and Maintenance) information. This includes creating detailed records of building systems, equipment, and maintenance schedules. By having access to comprehensive O&M information, Higgins Partnerships and their customers can efficiently manage and maintain their assets
Geographic Scope
Our partnership with RLB has been ongoing for two years, with a commitment to continued collaboration in the future.
Length of Contract
Our partnership with RLB has been ongoing for two years, with a commitment to continued collaboration in the future.
Operance Software
RLB serves as a reseller of Operance licenses across their Project Management and Health and Safety departments. Our software offerings provide RLB with advanced functionality and security features to support their projects, including:
- Top-Secret Project Delivery: Operance software has been successfully used in delivering some of the UK’s most high-profile and top-secret projects. The platform’s robust security functions instill client trust by ensuring the confidentiality and integrity of sensitive project information.
- Collaboration on CDM Regulations Management: Working closely with RLB’s Health and Safety department, Operance collaborates to develop a unique CDM Regulations management functionality. This collaboration enhances the benefits of using Operance by providing tailored features to support compliance with health and safety regulations throughout the project lifecycle.
- Building Surveying Module Development: In collaboration with RLB’s extensive Building Surveying department, Operance is actively exploring the development of a Building Surveying module. This module aims to address the specific needs of building surveyors, providing tailored tools and capabilities to streamline building surveying processes and enhance overall project efficiency.
Operance Services
As RLB’s exclusive BIM consultant, Operance has played a pivotal role in supporting RLB’s projects with a total value exceeding £1 billion. Our services include:
- Digital Services Team: Operance acts as RLB’s Digital Services team, collaborating closely with RLB and their clients at project initiation. We assist in defining streamlined BIM requirements, establishing clear BIM deliverable expectations, and developing efficient BIM workflows. Our expertise helps clients set up Common Data Environments (CDEs) and ensures that contractors, designers, and the entire supply chain produce high-quality BIM models and COBie data.
- BIM and Information Management: In projects where BIM and information management are crucial, Operance assumes the role of BIM and Information Managers. We ensure that information requirements are defined, project teams are aligned with industry standards, and data is captured and managed effectively throughout the project lifecycle. By overseeing the BIM processes, we enable RLB and their clients to achieve long-lasting lifecycle cost benefits.
Complexities and Challenges Faced
Throughout our partnership, we encountered various complexities and challenges. Some of the key ones included:
- Shaping BIM Requirements: Working together with RLB’s clients, we faced the challenge of defining simple yet effective BIM requirements tailored to each project. It required a comprehensive understanding of the clients’ needs, project scope, and industry standards to develop a cohesive and efficient BIM strategy.
- Shaping BIM Requirements: Working together with RLB’s clients, we faced the challenge of defining simple yet effective BIM requirements tailored to each project. It required a comprehensive understanding of the clients’ needs, project scope, and industry standards to develop a cohesive and efficient BIM strategy.
How Challenges Were Overcome
To overcome these challenges, Operance and RLB implemented several strategies:
- Collaborative Approach: We fostered close collaboration with RLB’s clients, actively engaging them in the BIM requirements definition process. This ensured that their specific needs were addressed while aligning with industry best practices..
- Training and Support: We provided comprehensive training and support to RLB’s project teams, contractors, and designers, empowering them to use Operance effectively and produce high-quality BIM models and COBie data. Regular workshops and guidance materials helped address any challenges encountered along the way.
- ISO 19650 Certification: In order to help RLB’s own key stakeholders understand the challenges, benefits and opportunities of BIM, our Digital Services team trained and upgraded RLB UK’s own BIM systems and processessto international standards.
Key Outcomes and Value Delivered
The strategic partnership between Operance and RLB has yielded significant outcomes and delivered substantial value, including:
- Improved Efficiency: By streamlining BIM workflows and leveraging Operance’s capabilities, RLB and their clients experienced improved project efficiency, reducing manual efforts and increasing data accuracy.
- Enhanced Collaboration: Effective coordination and data sharing among stakeholders resulted in improved collaboration throughout the project lifecycle. Operance’s centralized platform facilitated seamless information exchange and better decision-making
- Compliance and Trust: Operance’s secure platform and tamper-proof immutable ledger provided assurance to RLB and their clients, especially when handling sensitive information for top-secret projects. Compliance with regulatory requirements, including the Building Safety Act, was achieved with confidence.
Conclusion
The strategic partnership between Operance and RLB has demonstrated the power of collaboration and innovative technology in driving successful project outcomes. Through our combined efforts, we have helped RLB and their clients define lean BIM requirements, deliver high-quality digital information, and ensure compliance with regulatory standards. Together, we continue to enhance our platform and services to meet the evolving needs of the construction industry and provide exceptional value to our partners.
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