Project management and client relationships around two new multi-million-rand garden city developments in Cape Town are expected to be significantly improved, as a result of close collaboration between the construction company and software provider, PQMainstream.
Building firm Pinelands Development Company has chosen Streamline from PQMainstream to integrate operations with project management, distribution and financials modules. The R500 000 system was decided on after PQMainstream held workshops with Pinelands Dev Co to establish requirements. "This is a highly specialised industry," says Kevin Scholl, PQMainstream director of the Western Cape division. "Our pilot demonstrated the suitability of Streamline for building concerns. Independent building consultant Chris Steenkamp, of Xpectrade, ensured industry alignment. The result is an excellent business fit."
Willem Vorster, GM of Pinelands Dev Co says that the challenges of project management in the construction industry can undermine a building company`s profitability and impact heavily on customer relationships. "After quality delivery, reliable scheduling, accurate data capture and integrated financials are critical. Enterprise solutions vary in their ability to integrate with on-the-ground building activities. The processes are not purely financial and involve ongoing management activities. We must also manage our financial records and produce estimates to anticipate and respond to the demands of customers."
Pinelands Dev Co, established in 1930, is based in Edgemead, Cape Town. It services Garden Cities, a property development company set up to follow the English garden city model established by Ebenezer Howard in the 19th century. "Our commitment to our Articles of Association means building townships that are community orientated, not just blocks of residences," Vorster explains.
Streamline caters for components such as contractors, sub-contractors and weekly paid staff. The administrative staff and foreman interface with the system, ensuring that data is captured on site, at the time of activity. The system accommodates varying units of measure, where one product may be bought in units unique to supplier type and processed using a different internal unit of measure. Naming conventions are customisable to locally understood terms, "accounts payable and receivable" become "debtors and creditors", for user-friendly access.
"Eye-catching features are the project management capabilities and the accuracy of estimates. Our schedules are mission critical and are securely backed up and up-to-date on the system," says Vorster. "Our current developments are in Table View and Durbanville Hills in Cape Town and we expect major improvements in contract management and the elimination of record-keeping duplications."
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