On 13th August 2024, Total Synergy participated in the Engineers Australia – Thought Leaders Series webinar, discussing how AE firms can utilise data-driven project management tools to optimise operations. Our speakers shared practical insights and real-world examples that highlight the transformative power of our platform.

How Total Synergy Empowers AE Firms:

During the webinar, Julian Connolly explained how our cutting-edge project management software empowers architecture and engineering consultants to elevate their operations by harnessing the power of data. He highlighted how the platform goes beyond just basic project reporting, enabling firms to tackle strategic initiatives and overcome challenges like incomplete data collection and ever-evolving client expectations. Julian emphasised that effective project management in the AE space isn’t just about managing individual projects; it’s about gaining a comprehensive understanding of the entire business portfolio. He showcased how Total Synergy supports over 900 customers and 15,000 daily users in streamlining project management and billing processes. Our integration with Power BI and other essential tools empowers clients in the AEC sector to make smarter, data-driven decisions that enhance project profitability.

Client Success Story: BSE’s Experience with Total Synergy:

Jessica Chesser, National Operations Manager at BSE, also shared her firsthand experience with project management during the webinar. She stressed the indispensable role of data in guiding decisions at both the project and business levels. Jessica spoke candidly about the common challenges project managers face, such as navigating scope changes and ensuring that team capabilities are aligned with project requirements. She highlighted the significant impact that consistency in project management processes can have, explaining how BSE leverages Total Synergy to not only streamline operations but also to ensure that project outcomes are in sync with broader business strategies. Jessica also discussed how leveraging data can play a crucial role in mitigating risks and fostering stronger collaboration within teams.

Key Takeaways from the Q&A Session:

The Q&A session of the webinar covered a wide range of pertinent topics, including the importance of establishing a solid project baseline, best practices for managing risks, and the potential of AI to revolutionise project management. We also discussed the nuances of managing software versus non-software projects, the necessity of regularly updating risk management plans, and how Total Synergy’s integration with tools like SharePoint enhances document control and overall project efficiency.

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In this insightful on-demand webinar, Jonny Gray from ByltInsyte will guide you through the cutting-edge features of the Forecasting Dashboards within Synergy Analytics Plus, enabling you to make informed decisions and drive success.

Key Takeaways:

1. In-depth Analysis of Project Financials and Resource Planning: Learn how to harness comparative data between forecasted and actual figures to ensure accurate financial predictions and effective resource allocation.
2. Optimise Resource Allocation: Discover practical strategies to maximise resource utilisation, leading to enhanced project efficiency and overall success.
3. Proactive Risk Management: Identify and mitigate potential risks before they impact your project’s timeline or budget, helping you maintain control throughout your project lifecycle.
4. Transforming Complex Data into Actionable Insights: Navigate through user-friendly, interactive dashboards to simplify your analytics experience and make informed strategic decisions.

Experience the transformative potential of Total Synergy’s Forecasting Dashboards. Access the on-demand webinar today and unlock the full potential of data-driven insights for your business.

 

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The architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry in Australia is rapidly evolving as advanced digital tools are integrated into workflows, transforming the way businesses operate and creating smarter work environments. Total Synergy, in partnership with Vectorworks, recently joined Architecture Today’s webinar to discuss the new methods and tools that streamline the design and delivery of complex projects. This collaboration showcased Total Synergy’s commitment to driving digital transformation and promoting smarter work practices within the AEC industry.

Total Synergy brought its expertise in practice management software to the table, demonstrating how its solutions enable businesses to optimise their operations, improve collaboration, and facilitate data-driven decision-making. In this webinar, Total Synergy shared valuable insights on the following topics:

1. Streamlining project workflows: By seamlessly integrating with various project management tools and design software, Total Synergy helps businesses optimise their workflows, reducing inefficiencies and improving overall productivity.
2. Enhancing collaboration and communication: With remote work becoming increasingly common, Total Synergy enables real-time collaboration among team members, ensuring that everyone stays on the same page throughout a project’s lifecycle.
3. Data-driven decision-making: Total Synergy’s advanced analytics capabilities empower businesses to make informed decisions based on accurate and up-to-date project data.

The webinar provided an excellent platform for Total Synergy to demonstrate how its software solutions can help AEC firms navigate the rapidly changing industry landscape, encouraging smart working practices and fostering digital transformation. As Total Synergy continues to innovate and deliver cutting-edge solutions, the company remains at the forefront of revolutionising the way AEC businesses operate in Australia.

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People Management through Data

During the webinar, Hadley emphasises  the significance of understanding employee utilisation rates, billing, and recovery. He pointed out, “A lot of time clients are struggling to get a good overview of utilisation rates with employees and how that flows onto billing. Even more crucial for business owners is [the aspect of] recovery.” This highlights the critical need for businesses to not just track but also analyse the efficiency of their workforce to enhance profitability.

The Role of Dashboards in Strategic Decision Making

Synergy People Dashboards are not merely about tracking metrics but are also pivotal in shaping strategic business decisions. As Hadley explains , “It’s understanding how jobs are set up, how non-billable times or non-utilised times are set up in a system, so staff are accurately reflecting what they’re doing on a day-to-day basis rather than just lumping it all against a job.” This precise data tracking aids in fine-tuning operational efficiencies and job profitability.

Utilisation and Recovery – The Core Metrics

Hadley points  out that utilisation and recovery are crucial metrics that must be accurately captured and analysed to ensure the financial health of a business. He noted, “There’s no point having your staff 100 per cent utilised billing 100 per cent of it if you’re not recovering any of it.” This insight stresses the importance of not just employee activity but also the effectiveness of that activity in terms of financial returns.

The Future of People Management

The People Dashboards offer a comprehensive overview of an organisation’s human resource utilisation, providing actionable insights that can lead to significant improvements in operational efficiency. As Hadley sums up, “By utilising Power BI, you can straight away drill down further into those transactions to really understand what’s sitting behind, it rather than going ‘Oh, I’m going to have to go back and prepare another report.’”

In conclusion, the integration of Synergy People Dashboards into your strategic decision-making process can transform how you manage, utilise, and optimise your workforce. As demonstrated in the webinar, these tools are indispensable for businesses aiming to enhance their operational efficiency and profitability through better people management. Embracing these technologies will not only streamline processes but also support a culture of transparency and accountability within your organisation.

 

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Originally published on The Building Design website, 27 March 2024

Pollard Thomas Edwards, Tuckey Design Studio and the campaign to save Birmingham’s Ringway Centre are among 17 teams longlisted for this year’s Davidson Prize.

The brief for the fourth annual award, which has a top prize of £10,000, asked for teams to envisage how housing could be built in existing non-residential structures using sustainable materials.

Longlisted entries include low-carbon proposals to transform electricity pylons, a quarry, a vacant airport, a disused train station and former telephone exchanges into housing.

Flats built into the roof of a church, “flat-pack” homes inside an IKEA superstore and housing in repurposed farm buildings also made the list.

The proposals were selected by a judging panel chaired by Amandeep Singh Kalra, the associate director of the London Borough of Barking and Dagenham’s regeneration company Be First.

The rest of the panel consists of Annalie Riches, co-founder of Stirling Prize-winning Mikhail Riches, Atelier Ten director Duncan Campbell, Elle Decoration UK design editor Alice Finney and Total Synergy commercial lead Miles Mitchell and Alex Turner, co-founder of last year’s winner Studio Mutt.

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Synergy Analytics Plus introduces an innovative solution through its new Forecasting Dashboards, designed to empower built environment professionals with actionable insights and enhanced decision-making capabilities.

The Power of Forecast vs Actuals Comparison 

At the heart of successful project management lies the ability to predict and plan. However, without the right tools to compare these forecasts with actual outcomes, firms are flying blind. The Forecast vs Actuals Dashboard in Synergy Analytics Plus brings clarity and precision to this process, offering a multitude of benefits:

• Improved Financial Health: By comparing forecasted revenue and costs against actual figures, firms can identify discrepancies early on. This allows for timely adjustments to strategies, ensuring projects remain on track and within budget, ultimately safeguarding profitability.

• Enhanced Resource Allocation: Understanding how resources are utilised versus what was planned enables firms to optimise their workforce and material usage. This not only reduces waste but also ensures that resources are allocated to projects most in need, enhancing overall operational efficiency.

• Better Risk Management: Forecasting is inherently tied to risk management. The ability to see where actuals deviate from forecasts helps firms identify potential risks early, allowing for proactive measures to mitigate these risks before they escalate.

• Data-Driven Decision Making: With Synergy Analytics Plus, data visualisation tools present complex data in an accessible format, making it easier for decision-makers to interpret and act upon. This leads to more informed, data-led decisions that drive project success and profitability.

• Increased Accountability: When project teams can see how their performance measures up against forecasts, it fosters a culture of accountability and continuous improvement. Teams are more motivated to meet or exceed their project targets when they understand the impact of their work on the overall project outcome.

Why Synergy Analytics Plus is the Game-Changer

Synergy Analytics Plus is designed with the built environment sector in mind, offering bespoke solutions that go beyond generic analytics tools. The platform’s Forecasting Dashboards are just one example of how it tailors its offerings to the unique needs of architects, engineers, and design professionals. Here are a few reasons why Synergy Analytics Plus stands out:

• Industry-Specific Insights: Dashboards are pre-configured to track metrics that matter most to the built environment sector, offering insights across business, people, projects, sales, and finance.

• Customisable Dashboards: Users can tailor the platform to suit their specific project needs, enabling them to focus on the data that’s most relevant to their operational goals.

• Centralised Data Analysis: By integrating data from various projects and business functions, Synergy Analytics Plus provides a holistic view of a firm’s performance, enabling better strategic planning and resource management.

In conclusion, the Forecast vs Actuals Dashboard within Synergy Analytics Plus offers a comprehensive approach to managing projects in the built environment sector. By enabling firms to compare forecasted outcomes with actual results accurately, it not only enhances project management and financial planning but also drives profitability and business success. For architects, engineers, and design professionals looking to stay ahead in a competitive market, adopting Synergy Analytics Plus could very well be the strategic advantage they need.

 

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