IRC: Objectives

Objectives

The IRC provides a National forum for sharing of knowledge and pooling of experience on the entire range of subjects dealing with the construction and maintenance of roads and bridges, including technology, equipment, research, planning, finance, taxation, organization and all connected policy issues. In more specific terms, the objectives of the IRC are:

• to promote and encourage the science and practice of building, operation and maintenance of roads.
• to provide a channel for the expression of collective opinion of its members regarding roads.
• to promote the use of standard specifications and to propose specifications.
• to advise regarding education, experiment and research connected with roads.
• to hold periodical meetings to discuss technical questions regarding roads and thus disseminate technical knowledge of experiences amongst highway engineers
• to suggest legislation for the development, improvement and protections of roads.
• to suggest improved methods of administration, planning, design, construction, operation, use and maintenance of roads.
• to establish, furnish and maintain libraries and museums for furthering the science of road making.
• to publish, or arrange for the publication of proceedings, journals, periodicals, and other literature for the promotion of the objectives of the IRC

The IRC has relentlessly strived to achieve these objectives and fulfill its charter.

Things to coordinate with regards to construction

The construction process is a complicated one. It involves the coming together of many kinds of activities. There are many things to coordinate with regards to construction, and in order to coordinate effectively companies must create a reliable construction plan. So what are these factors that need to be considered?

One thing construction companies must consider when developing a construction plan is the environmental impact of the construction process. Are you building on a lot that is inhabited by an valued or endangered species? Or are you going to be bringing in materials that will pollute and damage the wildlife around the site?

Scheduling also needs to be precise. Usually there is a set order of operation for constructing a building, and if you schedule in the wrong order, you're not going to be able to proceed on time.

Budgeting is also important. Construction companies usually quote an estimate to whoever is paying them, but if they go too far over budget, the buyer may not be able to foot the bill. If the company runs out of funds half-way through construction, you're not happy, your client isn't happy, and the community is left with an eye-sore.

One of the more important concerns is work site safety. The company is liable for anybody injured at the site, whether it's an worker or a pedestrian walking by. Making sure a company's workers are following safety standards will increase safety dramatically.

When the construction company takes everything into account and plans correctly, the final result is a beautiful, fully-functional building.

Primary use of using BuildSystem

Why Construction Agencies Should Use BuildSystem ?

The Primary Use is :

• To bring all the schedules of rates brought out by CPWD (DSR), MORTH, State PWDs, etc. and user's own schedule of rates on a common digital platform for estimating.

• To link the materials in these schedules of rates with the materials of manufacturers and vendors for updating of rates.

• To enable users to digitally connect their materials with the materials of manufacturers and vendors for estimating, tendering and procurement.

Be a part of the B.A.I. movement!

Be a part of the B.A.I. movement!

• Who can be a part of the BAI (Builders' Association of India) movement?
• Any Person, Company, Society or any Corporate Body or firm connected with construction work or building activity of any kind whatsoever, suppliers of building materials, hardware and construction equipment manufacturers including professionals such as architects, R.C.C. Consultants and Interior Designers, etc.
  
  
• Why become a member of BAI.
• Enlightened long-term self-interest demands safeguarding of one’s business interest. Doing it individually is not feasible and will be a voice in wilderness. Forming a group to safeguard the business interest has a better chance of results. As democracy is a number game, so is trade Association. Bigger the group, better the respect it commands and attention it receives from authorities. This is where our association plays its role. BAI provides a platform to focus issues for airing the problems faced by the industry at large. By becoming a member of BAI, constituents of the Indian Construction Industry are safeguarding their own interest.
  
  Becoming a member of an Association is like being a part of a larger family. The activities of the Association keep one abreast of the happenings in and around the industry.
  
  Construction is the second largest economic activity, second biggest contributor to Gross Domestic Product and second biggest labour employer. It is a core industry and engine for development.

Objectives of The Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

The objectives of the Congress are:

• To promote and encourage the science and practice of building and maintenance of roads;
• To provide a channel for the expression of collective opinion of its members regarding roads;
• To promote the use of standard specifications and to propose specifications;
• To advise regarding education, experiment and research connected with roads;
• To hold periodical meetings, to discuss technical questions regarding roads;
• To suggest legislation for the development, improvement and protection of roads;
• To suggest improved methods of administration, planning design, construction, operation, use and maintenance of roads;
• To establish, furnish and maintain libraries and museums for furthering the science of road making;
• To publish, or arrange for the publication of proceedings, journals, periodicals and other literature for the promotion of the objects of the Society;
• To accept subscriptions, subsidies, donations, endowments and gifts in furtherance of the objects of the Society;
• To invest and deal with the funds of the Society or entrusted to the Society, to acquire and hold any movable or immovable property, and to borrow or raise money for the furtherance of the objects of the Society and to sell, lease, exchange, or otherwise deal with the same;
• To grant pay, prizes, honoraria, or scholarships (including traveling scholarships) for meritorious work in furtherance of the objects of the Society;
• To do all such other lawful things as may be, incidental or conducive to the attainment of the above objects;

Indian Construction Industry: Development

The Planning Commission, Government of India along with the Construction Industry has set up Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to initiate activities for the development of the Indian Construction Industry. Hon'ble Deputy Chairman, Planning Commission is the Patron and Dr. Uddesh Kohli is the Chairman of CIDC. The Council started functioning in full swing from August 1996 and has taken up several important projects related to several vital issues of concern.

Handbooks of IBC

Following handbooks on topical subjects related to Built Environment have been prepared by IBC.

1. Indian Buildings Congress in association with CPWD and IIT Madras has prepared a Handbook on “Seismic Retrofit of Buildings” which was released  by Secretary, Urban Development.

Since 1993, 6 major earthquakes at Uttar Kashi, Lattur, Jabalpur, Chamoli, Bhuj and J& K have occurred in India which has exposed the vulnerability of existing building in India.  Although several Codes of Practices on Earthquake Resistance Design have been published by Bureau of Indian Standards but the construction of number of unsafe buildings is still going on in the country due to non-compliance of the Codes, particularly in Housing Construction under the Private Sector.

2.  Indian Buildings Congress has also prepared a Practical Handbook on “Energy Conservation in Buildings”. This is perhaps the first publication dealing with efficient use of energy and its conservation in buildings which is compatible with the provisions of Energy Conservation Building Code, (ECBC-2007) recently finalized by Bureau of Energy Efficiency. The book and discusses designs of buildings, adopting the principles of solar passive architecture, selection of appropriate materialsand processes for minimizing embodied energy, adoption of energy efficient systems and fittings,building automation, energy management, energy audit, etc. The Handbook on Energy Conservation is useful both to civil as well as electrical engineers.

3.  Handbook on Fire Safety is under preparation which shall deal with basic principles, Architectural aspects, Structural aspects, Fire safety measures, Fire protection systems, Fire safety codes, Fire safety evaluation, Repair and rehabilitation of fire damage, Special safety measures for disabled persons, heritage buildings, temporary structures such as tents & Shamianas, Slum and other related issues.  It will give state-of-art literature on the subject.

First & only IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine in the country

Being the first & only IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine in the country, not only The Masterbuilderhas always chipped in with comprehensive coverage on the latest information on trends and technologies, with exclusive views from the industry captains from a myriad of sectors, but has also provided the lead role of a solution provider, particularly in the developing markets where high quality and reliable information were hard to reach. The Masterbuilder boasts of a subscription base of over 280 cities across the country, apart from its conventional circulation through exhibitions sales, conferences, book stores and libraries. The Masterbuilder has successfully transformed itself as a true catalyst bridging the user industry with the manufacturing industry, thus cementing the interface for the better.

The Masterbuilder comes from Ark Group, well equipped with professional publishing practices is a diversified media house that delivers information and communication solutions in whatever format the market demands. Using its strong market-leading magazine brands, the Group publishes comprehensive directories for various industrial segments. “The Directory of Indian Building Materials & Products” is one such highly researched directory produced for BMTPC (Building Materials & Technology Promotion Council) under the aegis of the Ministry of Urban Development and Poverty Alleviation Govt. of India.

Builders Association of India

For tapping the business opportunity in the emerging Indian Infrastructure and Real Estate Sector, BAI offers... Advertising in ‘Indian Construction’  The widely circulated monthly bulletin is not only the mouth piece of BAI but a regular and dependable authenticate information provider to the constituents of the Indian construction sector. Product Write-ups Write-ups of products are carried in the ‘Indian Construction’ bulletin, in a way that it is of interest and information to readers. Most of the times it complements an advertisement of a product in the same issue. Exhibitions/Trade fairs Exhibitions/Trade fairs are regularly held by BAI in various parts of India. Conventions/Seminars/Conferences(with a link to page having a list of  Conventions/Seminars/Conferences of BAI or its Centres) Conventions/Seminars/Conferences are organized regularly by BAI in various parts of India and on specific topics too. These events are many times clubbed with Exhibitions/Tradefairs. Construction Industry Referencer BAI annually publishes Construction Industry Referencer the official membership directory of BAI containing all details of its members. Being a collector’s volume, advertisements in the Membership Directory get multiple exposures. Website The newly launched and regularly updated BAI Portal ‘www.baionline.in’ is a much sought after website for the information hosted on it. Advertisements, banners, messages and links on the website get wide exposure. One-to-One meetings One-to-One meetings with specific groups of members are also arranged by BAI on request by a supplier/manufacturer in various parts of India. Research/Survey/Opinion gathering exercise BAI will undertake on behalf of manufacturers/service providers

Construction Project Professional Program

Problems of rising costs, shortage of skilled labour and difficulties in maintaining standards of workmanship are vitally affecting the construction industry at this point in time. Considerable gains in productivity and standards of achievement can be obtained from improved attention of supervisors in above matters. Construction Project Professional Program deals with the functions of supervision for the identified competency capsule to enable trained candidates meeting the professional demands efficiently.

For a successful completion, construction projects require a cadre of execution persons those who can assist the constructor in the supervision activities. These persons should be knowledgeable of the essentials of a specific activity or a group of activities and can control the execution activities in an optimum manner with lesser errors and better outputs. These persons should be able to translate the planned project or the specific work components to ground. They should be able to address the jobsite safety issues while supervising. Knowledge base of such persons should permit them to identify any incorrect technical decision or action or inappropriate material so that proper work in accordance with the specifications could be executed.

At the initial level, the cadre of such supervising persons is termed as Construction Project Assistant (CPA). The program aims to develop such cadre with fifteen different specializations required for successful project supervision. Is has also been structured for vertical progression with the following career progression path:

Sl.   Candidate's education

1.    Between 0 to 4 Capsules                    Construction Project Assistant (CPA)

2.    From 5 to 10 Capsules                        Construction Project Officer (CPO)

3.    On Completing the entire set                Construction Project Manager (CPM)

Program Details

The program is designed for Industry entrants and working professionals desirous of enhancing their proficiencies through structured training. It is built on a modular system to be delivered through either contact classes or distance mode on a semester system. Each proficiency capsule comprises of three components. Having completed one capsule, the trainee shall have the option to persue other capsules.

The Indian Institute of Architects

The history of The Indian Institute of Architects is one of absorbing interest. Unfolding the scenes throughout the years, it speaks in its manifold aspects, of the struggles and influence of architectural education from one solitary centre throughout India, of the rebirth and youth of a profession which the Country had almost forgotten, of a struggle for existence and the need to have the meaning and value of Architecture and architectural service understood and attempts and experiments towards a new stage in the architecture of the country. In the Renaissance or reawakening of India, the Institute has its due place in the sphere of Architecture.

Its history is also one of men with vision and ideals, men who had at heart, the welfare of architecture and the profession and who with such a goal, helped to lay and build up the foundations of an architectural future fraught with the finest possibilities conceivable.

Indian Buildings Congress desires to publish articles

Indian Buildings Congress desires to publish articles / papers on the topics mentioned below, as these pertain to the main objective of IBC. The article should aim at covering built environment while dealing with the subject as a related matter .
List of Topics:-

• Prefab technology-its relevance and scope.
• Energy saving in buildings.
• building bye-laws : need for re-appraisal.
• Project monitoring coordination.
• Quality.
• Maintenance of buildings.
• Funding infrastructure and pricing policy.
• Water proofing in buildings.
• Privatisation and service level assurance.
• Tendering policies.
• Alternate materials for bricks.

Builders' Association of India (BAI)

Builders' Association of India (BAI) was formed in 1941 in Pune with guidance from Brigadier Jackson, who also allotted office space in the Military Compound. The then office of BAI, aptly named 'Jackson Hut' in his memory, is still being used by BAI. During last 68 years since its inception, BAI movement has grown in leaps and bounds and at present has 99 Centres spread over the length and breadth of the Country, with its headquarters at Mumbai.

With a direct membership of 10,000 constructors and indirect membership of 30,000 through various regional Associations affiliated to it, BAI by virtue of its size is the only true spokesman for this core industry. It safeguards the interests of the Indianconstruction industry against unjust government legislations and at the same time promotes adherence to fair government legislations by its members. Its aims and objects speak for themselves.

IBC: Conferences & Seminars

Since its inception the Indian Buildings Congress has been organising Seminars on subjects of topical interests, one to coincide with the Annual Convention and the other on the occasion of mid-term session.   It also publishes quarterly magazine  “IBC News” and a monthly bulletin “IBC Samachar”.   It has also instituted awards for the best papers presented in the Seminars and items relating to excellence in built environment. The first Seminar on the theme `Buildings in National Development’ was held at New Delhi on October 4-5, 1994. Since then, fifteen more Annual Conventions along with National Seminars at Delhi and fifteen Midterm Seminars outside Delhi i.e. at Jaipur, Roorkee, Chandigarh, Pune, Chennai Bangalore, Bhubaneswar, Ranchi, Raipur  & Pondicherry have been organised. All the Seminars had topical Themes.

IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine

Being the first & only IES Excellence awarded building and construction magazine in the country, not only The Masterbuilder has always chipped in with comprehensive coverage on the latest information on trends and technologies, with exclusive views from the industry captains from a myriad of sectors, but has also provided the lead role of a solution provider, particularly in the developing markets where high quality and reliable information were hard to reach. The Masterbuilder boasts of a subscription base of over 280 cities across the country, apart from its conventional circulation through exhibitions sales, conferences, book stores and libraries. The Masterbuilder has successfully transformed itself as a true catalyst bridging the user industry with the manufacturing industry, thus cementing the interface for the better.

Indian Roads Congress (IRC)

The Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is the premier technical body of Highway Engineers in the country. The IRC was set up in December, 1934 on the recommendations of the Indian Road Development Committee best known as Jayakar Committee set up by the Govt. of India with the objective of Road Development in India.

 As the activities of the IRC expanded, it was formally registered as a Society in 1937 under the Societies Registration Act of 1860. Over the years Congress has burgeoned and grown into a multi -dimensional many faceted organisation, devoted to the cause of better roads & better bridges in the country.

The Congress provides a National forum for sharing of knowledge and pooling of experience on the entire range of subjects dealing with the construction & maintenance of roads and bridges, including technology, equipment, research, planning, finance, taxation, organisation and all connected policy issues.

ASAPP Media Information Group

ASAPP Media Information Group is a transnational information and publishing house with publications across seven countries which include business magazines and journals: INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY, CONSTRUCTION WORLD, POWER TODAY, EQUIPMENT INDIA, CW INTERIORS, PROJECTS INFO, and CONSTRUCTION TENDERS & PROJECT REPORTER.
The group organizes awards and conferences; these include the annual CONSTRUCTION WORLD AWARDS, where Architects, Builders, Contractors, Equipment, & Building Material Companies in the Construction Sector are awarded in India and the Gulf; and India's first-ever infrastructure awards, the KPMG- INFRASTRUCTURE TODAY AWARDS which were held in New Delhi with Dr. Montek Singh Ahluwalia, Dy. Chairman, Planning Commission presenting the awards to deserving companies.
The organisation’s foray into research and education is through its FOUNDATION OF INFRASTRUCTURE RESEARCH STUDIES TRAINING (FIRST). FIRST is also engaged in research through a PPP with an ITI in Navi Mumbai.

Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST)

Foundation of Infrastructure Research Studies Training (FIRST) is an initiative & promoted by ASAPP Media Information Group in year 2003 a Mumbai based transnational group working in providing knowledge, research and publications for the construction and infrastructure industry in India and overseas.
Main Features of FIRST :

• FIRST is a Not-for-Profit, Social Trust.
• FIRST ran computer classes at its office premises
• Conducts research on Construction / Infrastructure and Allied Industries.
• Instrumental in ranking top construction companies in India.
• Keep tracks of infrastructure related projects in India. (Conceptual / Planning / Implementation / Commissioning stage).

Construction World

Construction World has a wealth of intelligent and up-to-date information spanning the entire gamut: Infrastructure, Technology, Projects, Equipment, Design & Interiors, New Products and Building Material Prices.

It also covers topics like finance, human resources and safety. There are sections even on real estate and tenders & contracts. Regular Topics include: Cement Update, Equipment Update, Transportation Update, Technology, Project Opportunities, New Products, Interiors World, Interviews of experts and corporate captains, Special Reports and latest happenings and many more.

The magazine provides complete value to the advertisers as it reaches out key decision makers both in India and abroad. It is also circulated in all major trade exhibitions, seminars & conferences in India and abroad.

Largest Circulated Construction Business Magazine

CONSTRUCTION WORLD is India's No.1 magazine for Construction Sector since last thirteen years. CW provides the most authentic, up-to-date & timely information from the world of Construction. It presents to readers a comprehensive, in-depth and insightful analysis of the Indian Construction Industry. Each issue carries features, updates and top interviews covering the entire gamut: Projects, Infrastructure, Building Materials, Equipments, Technology, New Products, Design & Interiors, Building Material Prices, Finance, Human Resources, Safety, Tenders, Contracts and lots more.

The Building Centre Movement

The Building Centre Movement was launched by the Government of India, Ministry of Housing Urban & Poverty Alleviation through HUDCO in 1988. Building Centres are playing a significant role not only in the construction of cost effective livable, durable, aesthetic, in short say as affordable and acceptable houses by using cost effective, appropriate, intermediate and sustainable technologies but also generating substantial employment opportunities by training not only in the conventional technologies but also in the cost effective building material trades.

The Indian Institute of Architects

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is the national body of Architects in the country. Having started in the year 1917, the institute today has more than 15000 members. The Institute has a major role to play in promoting the profession of architecture by organising and uniting in fellowship the Architects of India to promote aesthetic, scientific and practical efficiency of the profession both in Practice and in Education. IIA is represented on various national and international committees connected with architecture, art and the building industry and is also actively associated with International Union of Architects (UIA) Commonwealth Association of Architects (CAA) and South Asian Association for Regional Co-operation of Architects (SAARCH). 

The Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) is intended to provide information of the Architectural scenario in India for the fellow architects, prospective clients, students and people at large.

Construction Industry: largest economic activities

The construction industry in India is one of the largest economic activities contributing to the nation's development. India has been witnessing tremendous growth in building and construction sector for the past 5years. With the increase in income levels there are also changes in the life styles of various sections of the society. While this is a healthy trend, it is putting enormous pressure on the industry have a vital role to play in preserving the environment. The India Green Building Council (IGBC) was formed in the year 2001 to address many of these aspects.

Then IGBC is represented by all stakeholders of construction industry comprising of Corporate, Government, Nodal agencies, Architects, Designers, Institutions, Builders & Developers, Product manufactures, Suppliers, Facility managers, etc.

The vision of the council is 'To usher in a green building movement in the country and to facilitate India become of the world leaders in green buildings by 2010'.

INDIAN GREEN BUILDING COUNCIL

"A green building is one which uses less water, optimises energy efficiency, conserves natural resources, generates less waste and provides healthier spaces for occupants, as compared to a conventional building."

IGBC which is part of CII- Sohrabji Godrej Green Business Centre, is actively involved in promoting the Green Building concept in India.

The council is represented by all stakeholders of construction industry comprising of Corporate, Government & Nodal Agencies, Architects, Product manufacturers, Institutions, etc.

The council operates on a consensus based approach and member-driven.

The vision of the council is to usher green building revolution and India to become one of the world leaders in green buildings by 2015.

Masterbuilder : Construction Magazine

The Masterbuilder focuses on sector-wise analysis and comes out with research-based features/articles, not only on the Industry but also on its myriad of segments including the fast changing trends in construction technology, materials and methods of construction.


The Masterbuilder offers solid, informed advice, helping the fraternity to be on the top of competition. Since its inception, The MB has spearheaded for the cause for adapting latest technologies, with an eye to the ‘local' needs and challenges of the industry; calling ‘a spade a spade' and disseminating invaluable information on what is going on in the market/industry, providing a balanced view on the topics discussed.


 To say the least, it makes one more wise & responsive to change, and make you build better, in a sustainable way.

Indian Buildings Congress

IBC holds two National Seminars every year on subjects of topical interest like Safety in construction, cost management in building products, emerging trends in building technology, Total quality management in building construction, Innovation in building material and technology, modernisation of building construction etc.

Construction management software application

Construction is the second largest economic activity, second biggest contributor to Gross Domestic Product and second biggest labour employer. It is a core industry and engine for development.

A project management solution is needed which enables efficient communication and automation of tasks to carry out the project on time and within budget.

Using an online, web based, construction management software application is a serious consideration for construction project managers. There are many benefits to using a web hosted system, sometimes referred to as a cloud hosted system; the main benefit revolves around the unrivalled ability for online collaboration between work teams, managers and suppliers.

Up to date and relevant information and data in many media formats, such as installation drawings and financial records can be input to the project software for distribution to the applicable parties. There is therefore no need for direct contact as teams can be updated when new information is available. Data in the form of spreadsheets, project costs and timelines can be shared in real time. This will invariably allow for issues to be resolved quickly and in a more efficient manner as teams can access the data online via their computer or a handheld device.

Probably the most important feature is the ability for construction management software applications to allow online collaboration between workers to discuss data in real time while in different locations, but all having access to the same documents. It is even possible for users with the correct permissions to alter data as and when needed. The information does not need to be retyped, forwarded or sent out to the appropriate person.

To improve the accountability documents can be date stamped and monitored, this will provide an up to the minute status of where the job is up to and who is responsible for different aspects of the project. The project software will also take into account the need to monitor suppliers and supplies of materials received. A cost can then be associated with the supplies to ascertain if the project is on budget and a calendar created to manage when materials should be delivered.

A good online construction management program is designed to be user friendly with a familiar look to improve the software learning curve. It should also be extremely robust to cope with the many alterations and access points which will occur during a construction project. The software should have at its core the ability to improve the efficiency of the task which will in turn save time and reduce associated costs...

Construction Industry Development Council

The Planning Commission, Government of India, jointly with the Indian construction industry has set up Construction Industry Development Council (CIDC) to take up activities for the development of the Indian construction industry


The Council, for the first time in the country, provides the impetus and the organisational infrastructure to raise quality levels across the industry. This helps to secure wider appreciation of the interests of construction business by the government, industry and peer groups in society.

CIDC is a change agent to accelerate a process of self-reform that should enable the industry to answer the challenges of the future.

Clarity of purpose and intent forms CIDC's mandate. Since its inception in 1996, the Council has taken several initiatives for the development of the industry. Few are given below:

• Advice the Government on policy formulation related to construction industry.
• Standardization of construction contracts and procedures.
• Training manpower at skilled worker level and construction management level.
• Grading of construction entities
• Devise mechanisms for workers' welfare.
• Create an environment that ensures equality of opportunity for all Indian contractors.
• Help evolve policies for financing.
• Help the industry move from the current state of rule-bound, lowest-price-based contracting to a more quality-conscious, time-bound & technology-driven one.
• Dispute Resolution in Construction Contracts.
• Establishing construction equipment bank.
• Interaction and networking with international organisations to promote emerging technologies and best practices.

The Indian Buildings Congress

The Indian Buildings Congress was founded on 1st September 1992 and registered as a society on the 29th March 1993, with its headquarters at New Delhi. The vision of the organization is a built environment conducive to good living, affordable, aesthetic, cost competitive, technology driven and capable of meeting the needs of the Indian citizens.

In order to meet its objectives, the organization is striving continuously to bring all professionals connected with built environment, like administrators, financiers, planners, developers, architects, engineers of all disciplines, horticulturists, builders, researchers, teachers and manufacturers of building materials on a single platform so as to form collective opinion on subjects related to built environment and project the same for consideration of the Government.

It has sustained a spectacular growth of about 2300 individual members and 67 institutional members from all over the country including Central and State Govt. Department Development Authorities, Housing Boards, Private Organizations, Research & Training Institutes.

BuildSystem: Project management services

BuildSystem: Providing project management services for building projects, Cost Construction Database, ERP System Construction, DSR Costing, MORTH Estimating.Manufacturer’s Material Rates, Masterformat, Construction Tendering

BuildSystem:A construction cost database

BuildSystem: A construction cost database and ERP system. All about BuildSystem. All about IPMG MasterFormat - The International Coding System for Construction Resources Information Download presentation of BuildSystem Why use BuildSystem

IPMG and R.S. Means

IPMG is a wholly owned subsidiary of Orient Express Pvt. Ltd, which was established in 1948. Orient Express is a large conglomerate with interests in tourism, travel, hotels, exports and construction. Orient Express has done pioneering work in the development of Khajuraho as a  world famous tourist destination, by constructing and operating Hotel Chandela (5 Star deluxe). The hotel is a member of the Taj Group of Hotels.

IPMG and R.S. Means, USA have jointly developed and own BuildSystem which is a construction cost database and ERP system.

The collaboration between IPMG and R.S. Means, USA  has been  approved by the Government of India , Ministry of Commerce & Industry.The approval is for “Database Development for Construction Industry”.

BuildSystem and Uniform Coding System

The experience of Integrated Project Management Group of over 25 years, as a provider of project management services, has brought them the clarity that for effective control of scope, time, cost and quality in construction projects, the following sequence is necessary for development and use of databases and systems:

* Choose a uniform coding system to be used for the coding of construction project databases comprising materials, equipments, labour, items of work and specifications. The uniform coding system assists in organizing, sorting and retrieving the databases.

* Based on this uniform coding system, codify the construction project databases.This could be done in-house or outsourced.

* Based on the structure of the construction project databases, choose an ERP system for quantity take-off, estimating, tendering, procurement, inventory, billing, and accounting.

* Enter the construction project databases in the ERP system.This could be done in-house or outsourced.

* Get training on the use of the construction project databases and the ERP system.

* Use the construction project databases and the ERP system for the management of construction projects.

* Use the construction project databases of completed projects for maintenance of these projects. * Use the construction project databases of completed projects for construction of new projects.

Present Scenario:

In India, construction project databases for costs, products and specifications are being published by some of the following Government agencies such as:

* Central Public Works Department * State Public Works Departments of all 28 States * Military Engineer Services * Railways * Ministry of Road Transport and Highways * Building Materials and Technology Promotion Council * Bureau of Indian Standards

All the above agencies follow different coding systems for their construction project databases comprising materials, equipments, labour, items of work and specifications.

Most of the architectural and engineering firms in India prepare their construction project documents from the above published databases, or from their own databases, or from a mix of both.

In the absence of a uniform coding system, most of the architectural and engineering firms are not able to prepare a master database comprising materials, equipments, labour, items of work and specifications, which can be used for the preparation of their construction project documents.

Due to the lack of a master database, most architectural and engineering firms develop their construction project documents in MS-Excel software, by copying and pasting the data from their different project files. There is no unique number given to the materials, equipments, labour, items of work and specifications in their project files. The serial number appearing in these files is based on the sequence in which the items appear, and changes for the same item in different project files. As a result, the following problems arise:

* The updating of the costs in the different project files becomes extremely difficult. In the absence of a master database with a uniform coding system, each file has to be updated on an individual basis.

* The comparison of the costs in the different project files is extremely difficult. In the absence of a uniform coding system, there is no unique number given to the items of cost, which would have enabled the comparison of costs.

* There is no effective control on the development of the specifications in the different project files. The specifications are not being developed from a master database with a uniform coding system.

* It is difficult to link the items of work with the specifications in the project files. This is because both the items of work and the specifications do not follow a uniform coding system. The items of work have a short description and a cost for the purposes of estimating and tendering. The specifications have a detailed description of the work for the purposes of tendering and execution. Both the items of work and the specifications are listed separately in the tender documents. In the absence of a uniform coding system, it is difficult to link both of them in the tender documents.

13-Digit Coding System in BuildSystem:

* All materials, equipments, labour, items of work and specifications, in BuildSystem, have a 13-digit code. This code encompasses the MasterFormat and R.S. Means’ coding systems.

* MasterFormat is an international coding system for construction resources information; it was introduced 50 years ago. The entire construction industry in the US and Canada uses it.

* MasterFormat coding system covers all types of construction projects related to buildings, manufacturing, power, water supply, sewerage and solid waste, industrial process, petroleum, transportation, hazardous waste, etc.

* R.S. Means, USA is the world’s largest provider of construction cost data. It has over 2,50,000 clients in the US and Canada.

Benefits of the 13-Digit Coding System:

* The 13-digit coding system has the provision to include all types of materials, equipments, spares, labour, items of work and specifications related to construction and maintenance of projects. There are unassigned numbers which are available for users to assign to levels 2, 3 & 4 titles to non assigned subjects.

* The 13-digit coding system would enable the construction industry comprising project owners, builders, consultants, architects, engineers, contractors, manufacturers and vendors to develop their construction databases on a uniform coding system.

* The 13-digit coding system would enable users to compare rates of materials and items of work in all their project estimates, purchase orders, etc.

* The 13-digit coding system would enable the comparison of the rates of materials of different manufacturers having similar descriptions, as these would come under the same code number. * The 13-digit coding system would lead to standardization in the writing of descriptions of materials by manufacturers, as these would come under the same code number. * The 13-digit coding system is in levels 1, 2, 3 and 4 which would enable a roll up of the entire database for level-wise reporting of construction costs. In level 1, users can get a one page cost report.

* The 13-digit coding system would enable the development of a master database which is required in an ERP system for purposes of quantity take-off, estimating, tendering, procurement, inventory, billing, and accounting. The 13-digit code enables the transfer of data from one module to another.

* The 13-digit coding system, in the fast moving era of globalization and wide use of internet, would bring the entire construction industry on a common digital platform, for referring to the same material description with manufacturer name, vendor name and rate.