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Miller joins site offices
12:55 30 Aug 2002
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Exclusive by Rob Willock
Miller Construction is standardising its site office layouts to improve customer service, partnering and cost effectiveness.
Managing director Robin Mackie said: "Previously contractors each had an office placed wherever there was free space, making the site very untidy. Offices were also often left unmanned, making it difficult for contractors to communicate with each other and for clients and visitors to contact the relevant party during on-site visits."
Following a review of its on-site processes, Miller decided all contractors' offices should be integrated into one central unit.
The partnering unit at Miller Construction now assesses all space requirements for contractors before work starts on site and allocates them space in the office unit. One central line is required for electricity and telecom networks, where previously each contractor had its own supplies. The telephone system works as an internal line, so that calls made between contractors are free. There is one central reception that provides a shared fax and photocopier. This allows each company to remain aware of each other's movement on site.
Mackie said: "It's a simple idea, but it means we are all able to work as a team throughout the construction process, delivering better results for the client. And it means that all Miller Construction sites look and feel the same, which is vital for our framework customers such as Sainsbury's."
Since the introduction of the integrated office system, Miller Construction claims to have seen a marked improvement in on-site relationships. "People get to know each other quicker and, as the office unit is well presented and maintained, contractors take a greater pride in their working environment," said Mackie.
The Miller Group has also introduced a collaborative extranet for each site that provides a central repository for all project details. Each contractor has its own login name and password to access the system.
l Look out for CJ's profile of Miller Construction next month.
Miller Construction is standardising its site office layouts to improve customer service, partnering and cost effectiveness.
Managing director Robin Mackie said: "Previously contractors each had an office placed wherever there was free space, making the site very untidy. Offices were also often left unmanned, making it difficult for contractors to communicate with each other and for clients and visitors to contact the relevant party during on-site visits."
Following a review of its on-site processes, Miller decided all contractors' offices should be integrated into one central unit.
The partnering unit at Miller Construction now assesses all space requirements for contractors before work starts on site and allocates them space in the office unit. One central line is required for electricity and telecom networks, where previously each contractor had its own supplies. The telephone system works as an internal line, so that calls made between contractors are free. There is one central reception that provides a shared fax and photocopier. This allows each company to remain aware of each other's movement on site.
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Mackie said: "It's a simple idea, but it means we are all able to work as a team throughout the construction process, delivering better results for the client. And it means that all Miller Construction sites look and feel the same, which is vital for our framework customers such as Sainsbury's."
Since the introduction of the integrated office system, Miller Construction claims to have seen a marked improvement in on-site relationships. "People get to know each other quicker and, as the office unit is well presented and maintained, contractors take a greater pride in their working environment," said Mackie.
The Miller Group has also introduced a collaborative extranet for each site that provides a central repository for all project details. Each contractor has its own login name and password to access the system.
l Look out for CJ's profile of Miller Construction next month.
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