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Optimising streetworks: resolving disputes, cutting costs, and reducing rework

Written by Brynne Hazzard | Aug 2, 2024 1:06:00 PM

Streetworks are essential for maintaining and upgrading infrastructure, but they bring significant challenges, including public disputes, costly investigations, and rework due to errors. Managing these projects effectively requires a comprehensive approach that prioritises safety, compliance, and efficiency.

In this blog, we’ll explore how AI-powered work execution platforms, like FYLD, help companies resolve public disputes, cut investigation costs, and minimise rework, ensuring smoother and more efficient streetworks operations.

 

Resolving public disputes with AI-assisted evidence

Public disputes in the construction sector are not only common but can also be incredibly costly and time-consuming.

In the UK, the average construction dispute was valued at £27.7 million  in 2020, and these disputes can take an average of 15 months to resolve. 

Beyond direct legal costs, prolonged disputes can lead to significant indirect costs, such as project delays, increased insurance premiums, and damage to a company’s reputation. These indirect costs can sometimes rival or even exceed the direct costs, particularly if the dispute causes long-term operational disruptions or loss of business opportunities.

To address these challenges, FYLD’s platform empowers companies to manage public claims effectively by providing undeniable, time-stamped, and geotagged evidence captured directly from the field.

  • Instant evidence availability
    FYLD’s AI-assisted platform ensures that all relevant evidence—videos, photos, and voice recordings—are automatically time-stamped and geotagged as they are captured on-site. This immediate access to evidence allows companies to respond to public claims quickly and confidently, reducing the risk of prolonged disputes.
  • Increased dispute resolution success
    With comprehensive, real-time evidence readily available, companies are better equipped to dispute unfounded claims or provide clear proof of compliance in cases where safety procedures were adhered to. By efficiently resolving these issues, companies can avoid the hefty direct and indirect costs associated with prolonged disputes.

Cutting investigation costs with comprehensive field data

Investigations are a necessary part of managing streetworks, especially when incidents occur or compliance is questioned. However, these investigations can be time-consuming and costly, draining resources that could be better spent elsewhere.

FYLD’s platform streamlines the investigation process by providing immediate access to all necessary data, reducing both the time and cost involved.

  • Centralised data collection
    All evidence collected on-site is automatically organised and stored within FYLD’s platform. This centralised system means that when an investigation is required, all relevant data is already in one place, eliminating the need for time-consuming data gathering and significantly reducing investigation timelines.
  • Reduced investigation costs
    By cutting down on the time required to conduct investigations and providing clear, organised evidence, FYLD helps companies save on the costs associated with these processes. Whether it’s internal compliance checks or external regulatory investigations, the platform ensures that companies can address issues swiftly and efficiently.

 

Minimising rework and reducing downtime through right-first-time execution

Rework is one of the most significant drains on resources in streetworks projects. Revisiting a job not only delays the project but also incurs additional costs and increases downtime. According to the ‘Get It Right Initiative',  the UK construction sector spends between £10–25 billion annually on rework, accounting for 10% to 25% of total construction expenditures—far exceeding the average UK construction profit margin of 3.9%.

FYLD’s AI-powered platform is designed to minimise rework by guiding workers through correct procedures, ensuring that jobs are done right the first time.

  • AI-guided workflows
    FYLD’s AI-assisted workflows provide field workers with step-by-step guidance to ensure that every task is completed according to the required standards. This proactive approach minimises the chances of errors that could lead to rework.
  • Remote site visibility
    Managers can monitor progress in real-time, making sure that any potential issues are identified and addressed before they escalate. This real-time oversight not only helps in maintaining high-quality work but also reduces the need for rework, keeping projects on schedule and within budget.
  • Reducing downtime
    By avoiding rework and ensuring that jobs are done correctly the first time, FYLD significantly reduces downtime. This efficiency boost means that projects can be completed faster, with fewer interruptions, leading to overall cost savings and improved productivity.

 

Transforming streetworks together

At FYLD, collaboration and innovation are at the heart of what we do. We partner closely with utilities, contractors, and local authorities to create safer, more efficient, and sustainable streetworks practices. Our AI-powered platform is designed to address the most pressing challenges in the industry, from resolving public disputes to cutting investigation costs and minimising rework.

Join us in revolutionising streetworks —  contact FYLD  today to discover how our solutions can propel your organisation forward and deliver superior outcomes.