"The question is do we look for a ‘quick fix’ one
that will possibly fail again at some point, or do we
look at a ‘permanent fix’, something that we can
complete and forget, or hopefully have pride in a
job well done?"
Value Management looks at every process from order
through to completion. In the facade industry the principles
of Value Management have been adopted by Aluprof to
deliver competitive installations in conjunction with their
extensive network of fabricators and installers.
To begin with, an overview of the complete project
programme is needed, with each of the processes and
deadlines for completion itemised. It is at this stage that
options are discussed. One of the obvious choices is that of
the system to be used for the facade, as with other high end
systems companies, Aluprof offer their systems in various
designs to meet the exact needs of the building.
An example of this can be seen in Aluprof's popular MB-
SR50N Curtain Wall system, far from being a single system
there are many options to choose from, these include
various insulation levels, capping options or structural
arrangements, each choice represents a cost or a cost saving.
It's a little like specifying options on a new car taking the
base model of choice as a starting point.
A further consideration is the optimisation of aluminium
profile cutting. To reduce wastage on fabrication, profiles
can be extruded to special lengths which offer high levels of
cutting optimisation which in turn reduces material waste,
which reduces costs. These are just some of the important
issues that are reviewed in the Value Management process
which ensures that the completed project performs
exactly as specified and perfectly meets with the clients
expectations.
Utilising BIM to its fullest extent will always ensure that
complications are discussed and cleared at very early stages,
this again saves cost further down the supply chain. Utilising
BIM reduces the quantity of detailed installation drawings
that need to be completed which compliment the BIM
model. Aluprof offer a wide range of BIM models which are
constantly being revised to offer as much data as can be
easily incorporated into a current BIM project.
of this could be complex details within a unitised project
where a local fabricator could produce all the standard units
and where complex, say curved units, are manufactured
competitively elsewhere where specialist equipment is
available.
The key to any programme would be to add value, not in
cost terms, but in quality and time performance. As we are
all too aware, time delays on site carry significant costs for
both main contractor and consequently sub-contractor.
To ensure that any installation meets exacting site
requirements, new profiles can form part of the Value
Management process.
No one on site will generally question the specification, as
long as it is broadly in line with the architects design intent
unless the main contractor has employed their own facade
consultant, or has a full time facade manager involved. In
the absence of this further specialist do we ‘sell’ or ‘specify’?
Often to gain an order, some installers will offer the most
cost effective solution based on installation costs, but, by
looking at the project as a whole and not the system being
costed in isolation, a more robust system can be used at a
similar cost if the installation was ‘Value Managed’.
New profiles could offer not just a better detail, but new
profiles can reduce costs and can reduce the time taken to
install on site. At the extreme end of Value Management is
the option of developing an entirely new system to meet a
projects requirement. The experience within the technical
team at Aluprof makes this option entirely possible, as it has
been done before.
Installation 'Value Management' could mean that on site
teams are chosen with installers who are fully experienced
in the exact systems being installed, possibly by making up
new teams with highly experienced site agents who know
the systems being used very well as they have worked on
extensive installations using the same systems.
These are just a few of the considerations reviewed when
Aluprof are specified in any facade or window project from
the early design stages. The results speak for themselves,
with Aluprof’s extensive growth in the UK working for some
of the largest commercial contractors.
Since setting up the Aluprof Project Office at the Business
Design Centre in London the systems company has rapidly
grown their specification influence in the UK with their
high performance architectural aluminium systems. With
overseas growth across Europe spreading into the Middle
East and firm roots already in the East of the USA, the
company is becoming a global player in facade supply.
Further information is available on the companies
website at aluprof.co.uk or direct from their UK office in
Altrincham on 0161 941 4005.
"Since setting up the Aluprof Project Office at the
Business Design Centre in London the systems
company has rapidly grown their specification
influence in the UK with their high performance
architectural aluminium systems."
With a large systems company such as Aluprof, working
on the Value Management of a project at the very early
stages, options such as choice of fabrication location can
be explored to offer the best value and quality. An example
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