Reduced risk of errors
"12Build brings us significant benefits, especially during the tender phase of (large) projects," explains Senior Cost Engineer Arthur Arends. "We consider your cloud solution as the ultimate process optimization tool, which saves us a tremendous amount of time. Managing and sending all the necessary documents (specifications, drawings, notes, and emails) becomes much faster and more efficient because we can process them in a very organized manner in 12Build.
And since everyone within our organization works with 12Build using fixed protocols, both communication with our suppliers and internal communication have become much more efficient. We can now send much better requests with far less time, reducing the risk of errors."
Streamlined document management
Arthur started his career at the drawing board but now has over twenty years of experience in the estimation department. He smiles widely when asked about the changes in his work over the years. "A lot has changed! When I first started working, we used to send all the work documents by mail. Dozens and dozens of boxes would go to our suppliers through the mailroom.
Later, we started sending work files on CDs and DVDs, but with the advent of the internet, everything accelerated even further." What has remained the same? "Good organization! Considering the speed at which we exchange files nowadays, it has become even more important.
Luckily, with 12Build, I can easily organize and oversee all the request files for a project. I can find the right drawing or email in no time. And with your submission matrix, I can send the appropriate request documents to the right (groups of) suppliers with just a few clicks. It also saves them time because they don't have to sift through enormous amounts of work files anymore."
Improved communication
Arthur is also satisfied with the communication features within 12Build. "Suppliers can indicate directly in our quotation requests whether they will provide an estimate for us. I can see their response immediately in my overview, so there's no need for back-and-forth emailing per request.
Sending reminders and following up on requests is also much faster. For instance, our purchasing department uses standard templates for sending standard purchase and project conditions. Some parts of the message are then filled in with the supplier's information, so the correspondence remains personal.
Additionally, I can see when to expect a quote and which files have been downloaded, ensuring clarity. These may seem like small things, but together they save a tremendous amount of time. And I always have an overview."
Relevant information
Since all request documents can be viewed in one central location, Arthur's colleagues always have access to relevant information based on their roles. "We can set specific authorization levels for each colleague, so everyone knows what they need to know."
Working within one platform also benefits the internal communication between different departments at EQUANS, such as procurement and execution. "Now we have a unified workflow where we have established fixed protocols per team or specific role. For example, the handover from the procurement process to execution. With 12Build, all correspondence is immediately visible, and generating a report is a breeze."
Great support
When asked if there are any downsides to using 12Build, Arthur responds, "Not directly, but it may take some time to fully grasp the program and all its underlying functionalities. It has been incredibly helpful that you showed us how everything works right from the start. And even now, if there's a button I can't find, your support team is just a phone call away. Hats off to your support department!"
Arthur Arends
Senior Cost Engineer bij EQUANS