Infrastructure Managers Limited Case Study: Construction Procurement Software

IML (Infrastructure Managers Limited) minimise risk through use of Constructionline’s procurement software

About IML

IML is a leading specialist provider of project and portfolio management services to the infrastructure and renewables markets.

They provide comprehensive services ranging from specialist advice through to full SPV management services including: education, healthcare, roads, defence, renewables and other social infrastructure sectors. They manage the lifecycle of 60+ project sites across the UK.

We met with Lifecyle Procurement Lead, Tim Platt to learn about IML’s use of Constructionline’s procurement and construction risk management software.

Q: Tim, please could you tell us a bit more about your role and responsibilities?

A: I’m responsible for managing IML’s current supply chain and identifying new subcontractors to undertake lifecycle works. I also need to guarantee that the suppliers we use are skilled and knowledgeable enough to deliver quality and safety, to mitigate risk and ensure the SPV remains compliant. This involves understanding whether they have Safety Schemes in Procurement (SSIP), Common Assessment Standard (CAS), suitable Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) credentials, up to date insurances and more.

Q: Could you explain a bit more about the risks involved in hiring contractors who are not suitable for the jobs you need done?

A: We manage the lifecycle for some critically important projects such as Hospitals, Schools  and Prisons where the building users need to be able to rely on the suitability and smooth running of the building. This can include effective water supply, electricity, gas and other services, as well as things like air conditioning.

For example I was recently involved in the replacement of two chiller units on a hospital roof as they were required to be modernised and upgraded due to end of life/obsolescence. There were risks in lifting them up to the roof by crane, followed by compliant and safe installation. We also needed to be absolutely sure that the new chillers would operate safely and effectively, not for example pumping unclear air around some sterile spaces. As you can imagine on a project like this it is critically important for IML and the stakeholders, that the subcontractors undertaking the work are compliant. The risks are simply too high in these instances for something to go wrong.

Q: How do you use the Constructionline platform and how does this compare to the process in place before you arrived in the job?

A: I started in the role 2 years ago and implemented the introduction of the Constructionline platform very quickly. It allows me to invite in suppliers onto the platform easily and digitise my supply chain, bringing all relevant data into one.

IML’s standard is to use Constructionline Gold or Platinum rated subcontractors as this includes the Common Assessment Standard. This means I can monitor the ongoing compliance of every supplier in my supply chain, easily follow them up automatically when something is due to expire, and also check the credentials of new subcontractors where required. I also use the in-built Risk Radar data to assess a supplier’s financial stability.

Whilst no system or process can drive all risk out of our supply chain, the Constructionline platform helps to drive down risk to levels that are comfortably manageable. Also, it removes the time consuming manual processes of issuing  pre-qualification questionnaires (PQQ), collating and verifying the answers.

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