Case Study
Graphite Projects
Since founding the business, Graphite Projects’ goal has been to ensure its projects are delivered safely and to the highest level of quality.
MAKING THE DAY-T0-DAY SAFER, EASIER, AND MORE EFFICIENT
The Graphite Projects team has been putting its touch on Sydney buildings since 2012. It boasts an impressive portfolio of commercial office, education, health, heritage, and hospitality fitouts and refurbishments across the city. From the ‘Portico’ on mezzanine level of iconic 1 Martin Place, Genesis Studio on Pitt Street Mall to the restoration of AMP Capital’s historic Heritage Cottage, ‘Truganini’.
Zuzana Belicova, Graphite Systems Development Coordinator, says its success comes down to a focus on quality.
“Our approach ensures that our integrated management system is apparent in all facets of delivery, including pre-construction, construction and post-completion.”
GRAPHITE TURNED TO HAMMERTECH TO MAKE THE PROCESSES EASIER AND MORE EFFICIENT. AS A RESULT OF THIS, THE DAY TO DAY OPERATIONS ARE SAFER.
DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION IS A NATURAL PROGRESSION
Graphite uses a variety of software and online platforms developed for construction to assist in its everyday operations. So, when looking at how it could enhance the efficiency and implementation of safety and quality across the business, a digital solution was the obvious natural progression.
Like many businesses in the construction industry, Graphite’s whole system used to be paper based. Site diaries, safe work method statement (SWMS) reviews, site inspections and incident details were primarily stored onsite in lever arch folders. While the system was both compliant and robust, the benefits of a digitised system were evident.
“[The paper-based system] caused a delay in transmitting workplace health and safety and quality information from site to the office, with some information only being available monthly or after the completion of the project,”
ROBUST, INTUITIVE AND FLEXIBLE
After several months, considering many options, Graphite selected Hammertech to enhance the efficiency and transparency around its safety and quality management systems as well as with the environmental aspect.
“The system is robust, intuitive and with enough flexibility to cater to our particular requirements,” Zuzana says.
THE INITIAL PHASE OF IMPLEMENTATION WAS STRAIGHT FORWARD
Hammertech assisted in every step of the implementation process and Graphite employed a dedicated systems coordinator to manage the project.
Together, Hammertech and Graphite worked through the concept design, configuration and training before rolling out the first project in August 2018. Since then, it has been adding all new projects into the software.
“We have been able to transfer 75 per cent of our site-based paperwork system to Hammertech, with the remaining forms being continually developed,”
THE BIGGEST CHALLENGE WAS TRAINING
Graphite’s network of subcontractors is a diverse pool of people who we needed to work with to achieve the same outcome. In the end, individual training, constant communication and personalised support was provided to get the entire team up to date.
“Hammertech has definitely helped to drive positive outcomes in terms of transparency, accessibility and collaboration of project teams,”
Hammertech reassigned some of the induction process to Graphite’s subcontractors and enabled SWMSs to be uploaded directly. This has meant site managers are no longer as tied up with administrative tasks and can focus more on onsite supervision, subcontractor management and quality assurance.
Endorsed by Graphite’s project teams, Hammertech allows them to increase productivity, reduce paperwork and provide more comprehensive and timely reports both internally and to clients.
