Knowledge Management in Construction Company

WTW Bovis Sdn. Bhd., Malaysian company providing project management consultancy services and also Design and Build contractor is using ICT as the main medium for communication and knowledge management.

Communication
Web based email using internet and intranet (private secured network using existing internet infrastructure) is being used extensively between the project staff and offices around the world and project sites. All project sites are connected to the internet and the email is main medium of communication. It is also standard communication protocol among the project consultants involved with the project including the project Owner/Client. Web based email will also allow the user to access the email anywhere and anytime. While hardcopy or letters are still being used, it is only confined to the certain issues and processes. Email is also used extensively for the construction data transmission i.e. drawings, specifications, Bill of Quantities, slide presentations etc. Paper usage is therefore limited and reduced substantially hence lower down the construction and development cost.

Access the WTW Bovis web based email here!!!!


Knowledge Management
Current Issues
Email is also used for the dissemination of information and knowledge sharing. Information on the latest construction related issues such new contract awarded, current construction affairs etc are filtered and compiled by the Business Development section and distributed to all staff. By doing so, the information is managed, provided and shared in the office in speedy manners. It is also easily retrieved. Computer and the technology are used as the enabler for this knowledge management.

Knowledge management is about identification, creation, storage, re-use, retrieval and renewal of information and ICT is an enabler to these knowledge management processes.



Knowledge Sharing
In addition, email is also used to gather and seek new construction related information (iKonnect). Knowledge based centre was created to assist, source, seek, compile and store any new information sought such as detail information on the roof, suppliers information, technical information etc. Staff can post query to the knowledge centre and the centre then will send it to all staff and associated offices around the world. Any staff or office that has the information will respond or answer to the query and the centre then will compile and record it for future use and reference. The information therefore will be developed, processed, complied etc for future use. It will be the information database where it can be retrieved, renewed, referred easily and in speedy manners. The company will have the master database storing and keeping the information. This however can only be accessed and used by the registered user/company staff via the secured private network (intranet).

Knowledge Management
WTW Bovis Sdn. Bhd. has identified, captured, stored etc the knowledge and also shared it with the customers. Customer relationship is improved where the customers or any potential customers would be able to assess the company’s profile, services provided, capability and capacity etc. This information will give competitive edge against the competitors. The website created which is accessible globally will enable the company to widen the market penetration, promote its services etc. The WTW Bovis Sdn. Bhd.'s parent company website is used extensively and updated regularly to provide the current information for the customers and other interested parties. This website provides knowledge for the customers for decision and necessary action.



The parent company also acts as the knowledge centre (HIVE) where it publishes the information for the regional and specific countries use (including Malayisa operation). The information is tailored made to suit the specific country requirements. By using and utilizing the ICT, the information is able to be built up over a time to provide a one stop centre of information and this provides standardization in term of policies, procedures, regulations etc across the company but still meet the specific countries requirements. There is no excuse of not knowing or having the information. The knowledge centre has become a library. Again, this can be accessed via the intranet.



There are many things that the company has achieved in using ICT... to be continued!!