As our population continues to grow, utilities are facing increasing pressure to deliver larger projects more often. But with only 8.5 per cent of capital construction projects being completed on time and on budget[1], the current approach to project controls may not be up to the challenge.
What if utilities could uplevel their tools and practices to ensure better cost predictability, mitigate risks, and increase performance?
Improved project controls help foster a strategic, innovative mindset across the team that enables:
- Standardised processes
- Greater real-time data insights
- Optimised productivity
By emphasising these key areas, construction teams can build a solid foundation for success – preventing cost overruns, delivering projects on time, and positioning utilities for sustainable, predictable project outcomes.
Standardise the processes for higher quality project information
In complex capital construction, disparate systems and manual processes breed inefficiency. Standardisation streamlines workflows and enables accurate, higher-quality project information.
However, standardisation goes beyond adopting a platform. It requires a holistic approach integrating:
- Technology adoption to centralise and connect project data
- Training to ensure team members understand and apply standardised practices
- Regulatory support to meet compliance requirements while driving consistency
- Cultural change to foster buy-in and commitment to improvement
These elements combine to improve efficiency, reduce errors, and ensure quality. Working from a single source of truth across departments is a foundational component of this transformation. A unified platform enables real-time insights and informed decision-making so stakeholders can act with confidence and agility.
Make data work harder with real-time insights
Accurate data drives project success.
Yet, too often, data is left trapped in siloed systems, preventing teams from gaining the full picture of their projects. Project controls teams that move beyond basic operations:
- Gain granular visibility for proactive decision-making – monitor project budgeting, execution, and forecasting to flag “at-risk” items early
- Incorporate lessons learned to drive continuous improvement – analyse real-time data to identify successes and emerging challenges
- Foster transparency across the entire project lifecycle – utilise flexible data integration tools to go beyond traditional spreadsheet limitations
- Ensure seamless alignment between data structures and project schedules – maintain accuracy and consistency with shared percent-complete tracking, trend analysis, and performance reporting
Empower teams to do more
Construction spending could reach $22 trillion by 2040[2]. However, stretched workforces raise concerns about delivery capacity.
Many tools promise increased efficiency and productivity, but in the project controls space, integration and automation offer the greatest opportunities to remove mundane tasks from overworked employees’ plates.
By turning to an integrated solution with smooth data flows, forward-thinking teams:
- Remove the bias from gathered data and improve collaboration
- Address risk before it becomes rework
- Equip stakeholders with up-to-date project views
With less time spent on routine project controls tasks, utility project teams have more time to focus on high-value activities that drive project success and innovation.
Drive ongoing success with advanced project controls
Unlocking the full potential of project controls is essential for streamlining operations, mitigating risks, and driving innovation in the utility sector.
Advanced use of project tools enables greater efficiency and profitability, ensuring consistency, transparency, and control across all project phases, ensuring utilities are able to continue providing the essential services every Australian relies on.
Learn how to improve your project control processes at InEight.com
