This has several advantages. On the one hand, the software is available around the clock and anywhere there is an Internet connection. On the other, all processes and data relating to the construction projects are stored independently of Roche IT. Since Roche operates in a strictly regulated market, expansions and changes would require extensive internal IT projects. Thanks to the cloud solution, these can now be implemented quickly and “leanly”. Time-consuming security training, which all users of the Roche IT platform have to undergo on a regular basis, is thus no longer required for external project partners.

Another advantage is that there is no need to worry about updates, as users always have the latest software version. Marcel Hammler adds an example from the current Bau 2 project. The architect’s proposal to add a metal curtain to a cafeteria came relatively late. This was entered as a change request via Thinkproject, and then the software’s automatic systems kicked in – the general planner was informed and had to report back on the consequences of the metal curtain for structural analysis and costs. The client’s representatives used this information to decide whether the change in plans should be carried out. The architect and structural engineer adjusted the affected plans or digital model; the material was ordered; installation times were provided, etc.

Even software, which makes no mistakes, forgets nothing and creates maximum transparency, can’t do all this on its own. “You don’t just get out a software like Thinkproject, install it and be happy. You have to carefully analyse your own processes and set up the software accordingly. You have to put a lot of brainpower into it once, but then it always works out,” says Stephan Kilchmann Simonius.

Roche, supported by the consultants at Thinkproject, put a lot of brainpower into defining standard processes and saved them in the software. A kind of task-force with employees from Roche and Thinkproject initially discussed and documented the requirements step-by-step in joint “sprint meetings” and presented and tested each further development step. “A textbook example of scrum,” adds Stephan Kilchmann Simonius.

For each new project, all that then needs to be done is to specify the project participants so that the software can take over their management tasks.

Today, Thinkproject ensures maximum transparency in construction projects at Roche. Planning and document management, cost control, reporting and multi-project reporting, monitoring of pending items and processing of warranty defects are all used. Recently, management reports have also been processed. “There are no more timesheets, which is wonderful,” says Marcel Hammler happily. The workers or the foreman record the hours spent in the construction office directly on the computer. This means that all the values are available for calculations. For site managers and foremen, the tablet PC is now part of the normal “toolbox”. Damage or defects are photographed and immediately saved with a corresponding message.

Leaner project management, shorter lead times

Looking back, Stephan Kilchmann Simonius and Marcel Hammler conclude that Roche has learned from the (expensive) mistakes of the past. Comparing the Bau 1 and Bau 2 skyscraper projects shows clear progress. There are five years between the two projects, during which the further development of control functions and SAP interfaces have made great strides. The introduction of workflows now makes it possible to work almost paperlessly.

Competent support

It is clear that learning is a continuous process. The process of continuous improvement is visible in every project. Regular workshops are used to record the experiences, and the processed findings are made available to the construction specialists throughout the company. This also optimises the use of Thinkproject and saves a lot of time and money.

The close cooperation with Thinkproject’s support and development teams continues. In Thinkproject, we have found a reliable partner who responds to our needs promptly, be it in first level support or when it comes to implementing new functions. Because the cooperation works so well on a personal level, new innovative ideas can be developed together.