1800 1st November 2024
The construction team was exhausted. After two weeks of extended hours, they’d finally made some headway on the project’s mounting delays.
“The five EERs are finally done. Epoxy has been applied.”
Dave, the construction manager, took photos of the team’s hard work and logged the progress via Jerome.
Jerome is a digital project assistant who wears many hats. For Dave, Jerome takes the burden of time-consuming data entry and report writing, allowing the technical team to focus on engineering and site work.
“I have updated the project status for Zone 2, EER 1-5 Epoxy application. EER 6-9 remains outstanding.” Jerome replied without hesitation.
“I know…. That’s for tomorrow.” Dave uttered to himself, relieved that he wouldn’t end his day knee-deep in admin.
0630 2nd November 2024
Natasha arrived at the office early, as she often did, using the quiet hours to get a clear picture of the day ahead.
“Good morning, Jerome. How did the team do yesterday?” she asked, settling into her desk.
“Dave’s team completed the epoxy for EER 1-5. If EER 6-9 are finished today, we’ll see a 1% improvement in SPI and recover four lost days. Also, the lighting contractors are scheduled to begin installation in the Concourse today, with an expected duration of three weeks. No report from Jack yesterday.”
“Good. Epoxy is in. But we are still two weeks behind in Zone 2,” she uttered to herself, “we have allowed for a week for the epoxy to cure, but we can bring in the electricians early to wire up the room. Jerome, can you update the schedule for me?”
“Done. This adjustment improves our SPI further, recovering another four day,” Jerome confirms.
For Natasha, Jerome is an invaluable assistant, analysing data in real time to extract concise and useful information, allowing her to make critical decisions quickly.
0800 2nd November 2024
Natasha didn’t waste time in the daily stand-up. “We received a non-compliance notice from the lighting contractor about cable containment,” she announced. “I just met with the containment team, and they’ve committed to two weeks for the fix. Jerome… thoughts?”
“There’s a one-week float in this work package, so we’re looking at a one-week delay for the Concourse area. However, I reviewed the non-compliance report. The issue only affects the reception area, meaning the lighting contractors can still begin work in the rest of the Concourse.”
“I thought so too,” Natasha’s eyes narrowed. “Seems like the lighting guys are trying to dodge starting today. Dave what do you think.?”
Dave nodded. “Agreed. I’ll press their site manager also. I doubt containment will actually take two weeks.”
“Thanks Dave. Jerome, Let’s tick with 2 weeks for now and I’ll deal with the lighting guys.” Natasha instructed.
“Schedule updated,” Jerome confirmed, and the project dashboard across the room adjusted instantly.
“Jerome, I also managed to catch up with Jack. He was dealing with a pipe leak yesterday in the Canteen. He sent you a report just now regarding the damage. Can you assess the impact?”
Jerome thought for a short while, “The damage is estimated at $55,000, with a projected four-weeks delay due to sprinkler damage caused by the fit-out subcontractor. I’ve drafted a notice and prepared a commercial impact assessment for your review.”
Beyond just tracking data, Jerome could analyze reports, assess risks, and generate recommendations, making him an essential partner in the project team’s decision-making process.
“Dave, let’s visit the site after a coffee to verify the damage before issuing the notice Jerome prepared to back-charge the fit-out contractor.”
“I need to deal with the epoxy. Jack is in a better position for this.”
“Jack got soaking wet last night so he’s caught a cold, resting at home. That’s OK. I just need a pair of hands, so I’ll take Jimmy… and Jerome with me.”
