AU2020102657A4 - Systems and Methods for Building and Construction Management and Resource Sharing - Google Patents
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Abstract
The present invention relates to systems and methods for building and construction management
and/or resource sharing. A key system of the present invention comprises a request receiving
module for receiving a request from a participant or potential participant of the system, a building
and construction management and/or management information module, and a building and
construction resource and/or resource information module; wherein the modules may be
independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein, upon receiving a request, the
system provides the participant or potential participant with access to either or both of the building
and construction related modules, to enable management and/or resource sharing. The present
invention also includes a method of building or construction, or of sharing management and/or
resource in building or construction, comprising the use of a system according to the present
invention.
Request Receiving 12
10 Module
Eligibility Module 14
16 Management and/or Resource and/or 18
Management Information Resource Information
Module Module
Building and construction
Figure 1
1/3
Description
Request Receiving 12 Module
Eligibility Module 14
16 Management and/or Resource and/or 18 Management Information Resource Information
Module Module
Building and construction
Figure 1
1/3
TITLE "Systems and Methods for Building and Construction Management and Resource Sharing"
[0001] The present invention relates to systems and methods for building and construction management and resource sharing.
[0002] Building and construction projects are often complex in nature and yet required to be delivered within a budget and schedule. Such projects require extensive coordination and management of operations such as surveying, planning, contracting, estimating, design and construction, and resources such as licences, permits, products, materials, tools, equipment, space, facilities, funding and workforce.
[0003] Building and construction industry also needs well-trained workers and experienced professionals to ensure that the projects can be completed meeting regulations/standards, customer satisfaction and worker safety requirements. Without the skilled workforce, building and construction projects are prone to risks and dire consequences, resulting in dangerous or problematic buildings, personal injuries and/or damaged equipment.
[0004] Because of the challenges mentioned above, the building and construction industry is tightly regulated in Australia. Even for projects costing as low as $10,000, a builder licence may be required (e.g. as in the Eastern States of Australia) to take on these minor projects, which are likely to be home renovation related. To obtain a builder licence, relevant qualifications and local industry experience are required, which prevent many skilled workers or even professionals from being able to obtain a builder licence.
[0005] Australian building and construction industry has also consistently faced skills shortages issues. In a recent government report, it is stated that there are skills shortages in all or most of the six recognised construction trades (i.e. bricklaying, carpentry, painting, plastering, plumbing and electrician) in States such as New South Wales and Victoria.
[0006] With a predicted looming housing shortfalls in Australia, more building and construction projects will be required to meet the growing housing demands, in addition to an increasing number of commercial or government infrastructure projects that have been planned or are already under construction. This will exacerbate the skills shortages, not only of the trained workers, but also of the qualified builders, experienced project managers and other relevant professionals in building and construction.
[0007] In addition, there are also increasing reports that building and construction companies are finding it increasingly difficult to drive a profit margin because of the high labour, material and equipment costs, fluctuations in such costs, or unnecessary waste of resources such as labour, material and equipment.
[0008] The present invention attempts to overcome at least in part the aforementioned challenges/problems facing the building and construction industry.
[0009] In accordance with a first aspect of the present invention there is provided a system for building and construction management and/or resource sharing, the system comprising: a request receiving module for receiving a request from a participant or potential participant of the system; a building and construction management and/or management information module; and a building and construction resource and/or resource information module; wherein the modules may be independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein, upon receiving a request, the system provides the participant or potential participant with access to either or both of the building and construction related modules, to enable management and/or resource sharing.
[0010] In one embodiment, the system according to the first aspect of the present invention further comprises an eligibility module, to determine whether the participant or potential participant is eligible to gain access to the system, or selected module(s) of the system.
[0011] In one embodiment, the management and/or management information module comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of skills and training management; quality and compliance management; project and operations management; risk and safety management; resource and procurement management; finance management; schedule management; business management; and combinations thereof. These submodules may be services provided directly by a provider of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention (referred to herein as "the system provider"), or actions/operations completed together between the system provider and one or more participant(s) or potential participant(s). These submodules may also be in the form of one or more databases or computer files providing information relating to skills and training management; quality and compliance management; project and operations management; risk and safety management; resource and procurement management; finance management; schedule management; and/or business management. The information may be provided in text, number, image, graphic, audio and/or video format(s). The information may also be provided via one or more meetings between the system provider and a participant.
[0012] In one embodiment, the resource and/or resource information module comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of licences, permits and forms; products and materials; tools and equipment; human resources; designs; technology; land, space and facilities; finance; fuel or energy; and combinations thereof. These submodules may be physical or actual resources that may be provided to a participant/potential participant of the system. The submodules may also be in the form of one or more databases or computer files providing information relating to licences, permits, and forms; products and materials; tools and equipment; human resources; designs; technology; land, space and facilities; finance; fuel or energy; and combinations thereof.
[0013] In accordance with a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided a building and construction management and resource sharing system comprising a computer or server hosting a building and construction management or management information module, and a building and construction resource or resource information module; and a plurality of participants connected to the computer or server via internet; wherein the modules may be independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein the participants have access to either or both of the modules.
[0014] In accordance with a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of sharing management and/or resource in building or construction comprising the use of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0015] In one embodiment, the method according to the third aspect of the present invention comprising the use of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention, the method including the steps of the request receiving module receiving a request from a participant or potential participant of the system; the system providing the participant or potential participant with access to either or both of the building and construction modules, or submodules contained therein, to enable management and/or resource sharing.
[0016] In one embodiment, the method further comprises a step of the eligibility module determining whether the participant or potential participant is eligible to gain access to the system, or a specific module or submodule therein, according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0017] In accordance with a fourth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of managing or delivering a building or construction project comprising the use of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0018] In accordance with a fifth aspect of the present invention, there is provided a method of building or construction comprising the use of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0019] The present invention will now be described, byway of example, with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:
[0020] Figure 1 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a system according to the first aspect of the present invention;
[0021] Figure 2 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a management/management information module of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention; and
[0022] Figure 3 is a block diagram showing an embodiment of a resource/resource information module of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0023] The meanings of specific terms or phrases used in the specification are provided below. In instances where a discrepancy exists between the definition provide herein and the usage of the term in the art, the definition provided herein shall prevail.
[0024] The phrase "building and construction" as used herein refers to acts, activities or processes pertaining to building, construction, renovation or maintenance of a structure formed from stone, bricks, wood, concrete and/or steel. Whilst the terms "building" and "construction" may be used interchangeably, they may also be differentiated in the manner that "building" may refer to erecting or renovating a structure such as a building or a home, whereas the term "construction" may refer to constructing or maintaining a facility or infrastructural structure, such as a plant, road or bridge.
[0025] The term "system" as used herein refers to a group of elements (e.g. modules/submodules) which interact to serve a common purpose. In one embodiment, a system according to the present invention may be franchised to, or subscribed by, a plurality of participants, or potential participants meeting required eligibility conditions. In another embodiment, free access to the system may be provided to any participant/potential participant.
[0026] The term "module" as used herein refers to a unit, element or component of the system of the present invention. Each module may be in a tangible, intangible, physical, virtual/digital/online or conceptual form, or in a combination of these forms. A module may comprise a plurality of submodules. Each submodule may also be in a tangible, intangible, physical, virtual/digital/online or conceptual form, or in a combination of these forms.
[0027] The term "participant" refers to a person, company/entity, organisation or institute who/which is granted access to the system, the management and resource offerings (e.g. information, services and/or resources) provided therein, or to selected modules/submodules of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. A participant may be in the form of a member who/which pays a membership fee and/or subscribes to a system of the present invention. A participant may also be a franchisee who/which has signed a franchisee agreement with a provider of a system according to the present invention. The term "potential participant" refers to a likely candidate or likely participant who/which is interested in, or suitable for, accessing the building and construction related modules/submodules of a system according to the present invention, or interested in / suitable for becoming a user, member or franchisee of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. A potential participant may also be a person, company/entity, organisation or institute. In one embodiment, a potential participant may send a request to a request receiving module of a system according to the present invention to request access to the system/modules. In one embodiment, a potential participant may be recommended by an existing participant. In one embodiment, a potential participant is required to be assessed for eligibility before gaining full or partial access to the building and construction related modules/submodules. In one embodiment, a potential participant may become a member or franchisee of a system according to the present invention. In one embodiment, an existing participant (e.g. a member/franchisee) may be rewarded for introducing suitable participant(s) to the system.
[0028] The term "management" as used herein refers to any bidding, planning, purchasing, coordinating, directing, controlling, staffing, consulting, advisory, or administrative activity, or a combination of the activities, in relation to building and construction. The types of management may include skills and training management; quality and compliance management; project and operations management; risk and safety management; resource and procurement management; finance management; schedule management; and/or business management. The management may be provided in the form of information, as an actual service, via a software or a database, and/or through a franchise operation.
[0029] The term "management information" as used herein refers to information in relation to the activities or types of management specified in the definition of "management" hereinabove. The information may be provided via a website, a database, a meeting, a telephone conversation and/or an email, and may be in text, number, image, graphic, audio and/or video format(s).
[0030] The term "resource" or "resources" as used herein refers to any resource necessary to deliver a building or construction project, or to meet an operational objective during the project, or during building and construction in general. The resource(s) may include licences, permits and forms; products and materials; tools and equipment; human resources (e.g. suppliers, professionals and subcontractors); designs (related to buildings, homes and infrastructure projects); technology (related to building, construction and renovation); land, space (e.g. office space for completing a building or construction project) and facilities (e.g. a construction plant); finance; fuel or energy; and combinations thereof.
[0031] The term "resource information" as used herein refers to information provided in relation to the resource(s) specified in the definition of "resource" hereinabove. The information may be provided via a website, a database, a meeting, a telephone conversation and/or an email, and may be in text, number, image, graphic, audio and/or video format(s). For example, the resource information may be information in relation to suppliers, contractors or subcontractors, or to building and construction materials which a participant may acquire through a system, or a system provider, according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0032] The term "access" as used herein refers to being able to obtain or retrieve information, services or resource(s) from a system according to first or second aspect of the present invention, or the module(s)/submodule(s) contained therein. In one embodiment, to have access to a system, module, submodule according to the present invention may requirejoining (e.g. becoming a member or a franchisee), or subscribing to, a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0033] The terms "comprising", "including", "having", "containing", or variations of these terms, as used herein are open-ended terms, meaning "including but not limited to".
[0034] Referring to Figure 1, there is shown a system 10 according to the first aspect of the present invention. The system 10 comprises a request receiving module 12 for receiving a request from a participant or a potential participant.
[0035] The request may be in the form of a verbal request (e.g. through a telephone conversation or a meeting), or a written request (e.g. through an email to a general or designated email address of a provider of the system according to the first aspect of the present invention, or through a website of the system provider in the form of a web enquiry).
[0036] The request may also be in the form of a recommendation of a potential participant by an existing participant to the system provider.
[0037] In one embodiment, a system provider may be a franchisor with an interest in franchising the system to a plurality of franchisees, to encourage management and resource sharing in building and construction, and expand the building and construction workforce. The franchisor assists the franchisee(s) to operate and deliver a building or construction project, or complete selected operations within the project, that the franchisee would otherwise have no capacity or capability to operate or deliver. In this embodiment, the system provider may be an individual, a building or construction (related) company, entity, organisation or institute. In this embodiment, a participant is an existing franchisee of the system, whereas a potential participant may be a potential franchisee that has sent a request to the request receiving module 12 independently, or recommended by an existing franchisee.
[0038] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the system further comprises an eligibility module 14. The eligibility module 14 may determine whether an existing participant is qualified to gain further access to the system, e.g. to a particular module or submodule. The eligibility module may also determine whether a potential participant is eligible to join the system and/or be granted full or partial access to share the information, services and/or resources provided by the modules or submodules of the system.
[0039] The eligibility module may determine and/or include one or more parameters or conditions that a participant or potential participant must satisfy, in order to gain further access to the system, be permitted to join the system and/or be granted access to the module(s)/submodule(s) of the system.
[0040] In one embodiment where the system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a provided as a franchise system, the eligibility module of the system may comprise conditions/parameters such as whether the potential franchisee has made necessary payment(s) (e.g. an upfront franchisee fee), conducted/completed necessary training and/or satisfied other parameters (such as whether the potential franchisee has sufficient understanding of the system and will be committed to operate or deliver building or construction project to desired/required standards).
[0041] The eligibility module may comprise actual personnel from the system provider to: perform any administrative activities required (e.g. providing relevant forms, transmitting or accepting payment), conduct training (of, e.g., the system itself, building and construction codes, operating standards and/or values/culture of the system provider company), and/or make necessary assessments, to qualify and/or assess the potential franchisee.
[0042] In another embodiment, the eligibility module may also be, or also comprise, a computer or online programme or course which the potential franchisee is required to proceed through.
[0043] In the embodiment illustrated in Figure 1, the management/management information module 16 and resource/resource information module 18 may be parallel modules (i.e. operate independently), or may have overlapping or interacting components (e.g. in the instances of skills and training management and human resources submodules).
[0044] Referring to Figure 2, there is shown a management/management information module 16 of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The module 16 comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of a skills and training management submodule 20, a quality and compliance submodule 22, a project and operations submodule 24, a risk and safety management submodule 26, a resource and procurement management submodule 28, a finance management submodule , a schedule management submodule 32 and a business management submodule 34.
[0045] The submodules may be independent to one another, or may interact, overlap or even combine with one another to form a combined submodule (not shown).
[0046] The submodules may be in the form of management services, management information, management courses or training programmes, and/or management software or databases provided by a system, or a system provider (e.g. a franchisor), according to the present invention. The submodules may be fully or partially accessed (including browsed, ordered, purchased, or selected for use or learning at no cost) by a participant or potential participant of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0047] The skills and training management submodule 20 may comprise management services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to skills and training management. For example, in one embodiment of the system, a system provider (e.g. a franchisor) may provide skills training (for trade specific skills such as brick-laying, plumbing and carpentry, or project planning and organisation skills, for example), or training in relation to building regulations and compliance requirements, to a participant (e.g. a franchisee) or the participant's construction team. The skills and training management submodule 20 may also provide information relating to the skill sets and training required to manage or deliver a building or construction project. In one embodiment where the system is a franchise system, the services, courses or training programmes may be provided by a franchisor, a contractor or professional (e.g. a surveyor, engineer or project manager) affiliated with the franchisor, or by a franchisee.
[0048] The quality and compliance management submodule 22 may comprise management services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information relating to building quality; codes and regulations; licences, permits, forms, notifications or reports required in operating or delivering a building (including renovation) or construction project. In one embodiment, the system or system provider may provide services such as obtaining, sharing and/or managing the licences/permits required to deliver a building/construction project, and conducting building or construction quality assessments to ensure that a participant's operation(s) would meet the quality and compliance requirements. In one embodiment, a system provider (e.g. a building/construction company which may also be a franchisor) may have a building licence, under which a franchisee may also operate; however, the franchisor would be responsible for managing the quality of building/construction and complying with building/construction regulations and requirements. In one embodiment, the franchisor may assist preparing and providing a'handover package'upon delivery of a building or a new home, with the 'handover package' comprising all necessary documentation (e.g. certificate of compliance, notice of completion or a structural guarantee notification). In another embodiment, the franchisor may only provide the service of assisting the franchisee to obtain a permit such as a house demolition permit from a local council, for example.
[0049] The project and operations management submodule 24 may comprise management services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to project and operations management. In one embodiment, the project and operations management submodule 24 provides information explaining the differences between project management and operations management, with project management aimed at ensuring smooth control and effective planning of the entire building or construction project, and operations management aimed at managing and executing the daily operations that are necessary to move the project forward day by day. In another embodiment, the system or system provider (e.g. a franchisor) provides the service of project management to a participant (e.g. a franchisee) on a building or construction project, or assists in operations management when required. Project management services provided by the franchisor may also include assisting a franchisee to bid for a building or construction project. In another embodiment, the project and operations management module 24 includes one or more management software which a participant may also be able to access (at a cost or no cost) to assist with project or operations management.
[0050] The risk and safety management module 26 may comprise management services, courses/training programmes, software and/or information in relation to risks and safety whilst working on a building or construction project. In one embodiment, the risk and safety management module 26 may overlap or interact with the skills and training module 20 to identify workplace hazards and accidents and provide training (e.g. via a course or online videos) to educate franchisees and construction workers (including contractors/subcontractors) on risks and safety on a building or construction site (including during demolition of an old building and clearing of its surroundings) and correct conducts to avoid and manage the risks, hazards and accidents. In another embodiment, the risk and safety management module may provide a service, or a software, to assist in quantifying the risks in a building or construction project (including financial risks) and provide a report to the participant including advising on the necessary corrective actions. In another embodiment, the risk and safety management module may assist in ensuring that building and construction insurance is in place for a building or construction project.
[0051] The resource and procurement management module 28 may comprise services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to resources management, including human resources management, in a building or construction project. In one embodiment where the system is a franchise system, the franchisor may assist the franchisee with skill sets and staff management. In this embodiment, the resources management module 28 may interact or overlap with the skills and training management module 20, with the franchisor sharing human resources such as building professionals (e.g. surveyors, architects), contractors and subcontractors with the franchisee, and assists in staff and skill sets training over the course of the building or construction project. In another embodiment, the system or system provider assists in managing other resources such as construction materials, tools and equipment ordering for a participant. In another embodiment, the resource and procurement management module 28 may comprise a software or a protocol to assist in estimating and pre-ordering the products, materials, tools and equipment, and pre-arranging contractors/subcontractors, required to complete the building or construction project in a timely and satisfying manner.
[0052] The finance management module 30 may comprise services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to finance management in a building or construction project. In one embodiment, the system and/or the system provider assists in managing funds/financial resources to ensure that the building or construction project can be delivered within budget, or providing/sourcing funding or negotiating with a client to ensure additional costs incurred in building/construction can be covered or recuperated.
[0053] The schedule management module 32 may comprise services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to schedule management, to ensure delivery of a participant's building or construction project within the intended timeframe, or ensure operations within the project are progressing in a timely manner. For example, the schedule management module 32 may provide a tracking software to track progress of the building or construction project.
[0054] The business management module 34 may comprise services, courses/training programmes, software/database(s) and/or information in relation to business management in building/construction industry. In one embodiment wherein the system is a franchise system, the franchisor may conduct training and guide a franchisee to adopt a similar business approach and/or company culture as the franchisor. In this embodiment, both the franchisor and franchisee may be a building/construction company or entity. In one embodiment, the business management module may be responsible for or assist in advertising/marketing the franchised system, or a participant's company/operations, in order to bring further business to the franchise or to the participant.
[0055] Referring to Figure 3, there is shown an embodiment of a resource/resource information module 18 of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The resource/resource information module 18 comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of a licences, permits and forms submodule 36, a products and materials submodule 38, a tools and equipment submodule , a human resources submodule 42, a designs submodule 44, a technology submodule 46, a land, space and facilities submodule 48, a finance submodule 50, and a fuel and energy submodule 52.
[0056] The submodules may be independent to one another, or may interact, overlap or even combine with one another to form a combined submodule (not shown).
[0057] The submodules may be in the form of actual physical resources (e.g. building and construction materials contained in a storage unit), or as resource information or resource databases, provided by a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention, or by a system provider (e.g. a franchisor). The submodules may be fully or partially accessed (including browsed, ordered, purchased, or selected for use or learning at no cost) by a participant or potential participant of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0058] The licences, permits and forms submodule 36 may comprise licences, permits and forms required to operate and/or deliver a building (including renovation) or construction project. For example, the licences, permits and forms may include a builder licence, a council permit to use a verge area for storage. The term "forms" as used herein broadly refers to documentation required in operating or delivering a building or construction project, including relevant forms (e.g. insurance forms), notices/notifications (e.g. a structural guarantee notice) and certificates (e.g. a certificate of compliance or certificate of installation). In one embodiment, a licence, permit or form for building or construction may be obtained by a system provider and stored in submodule 36, to enable a participant to access the licence, permit or form.
[0059] The products and materials submodule 38 may comprise actual building and construction products and materials stored in storage units, and/or one or more computer/web/online databases featuring information regarding various types of building and construction products and materials, how or where the products and materials may be ordered and delivered. In one embodiment, the products and materials submodule 38 may include supplier/preferred supplier information, or options to order a product/material online through the products and materials submodule 38, or via an email to or a telephone conversation with the system provider. In one embodiment, the products and materials submodule 38 may comprise prefabricated, modularised, eco friendly and/or high technology products/materials (such as self-healing concrete) which a system provider has intention to introduce to participants. Advantageously, in the embodiment where the system is a franchise system, the system provider is able to make bulk ordering and has reliable supplier information, which renders it more economical and convenient for a franchisee to order products or materials from the franchisor, e.g. through one or more databases provided by the products and materials submodule 38.
[0060] The tools and equipment submodule 40 may comprise actual tools and equipment stored in storage units, and/or one or more computer/web/online databases featuring information regarding various types of tools and equipment used for building and construction, how or where the tools and equipment may be ordered or rented. Therefore, the tools and equipment submodule 40 may include supplier/preferred supplier/rental company information, or options to order a tool/equipment online, or via an email to or a telephone conversation with the system provider. As with the products and materials submodule 38, the tools and equipment submodule 40 renders it more economical and convenient for a participant to access tools and equipment resources through the submodule 38, or the system provider.
[0061] The human resources submodule 42 may comprise actual professional staff(e.g. project managers, surveyors, architects, engineers or builders), skilled workers, contractors/subcontractors, and/or one or more computer/web/online databases featuring information relating to human resources required to operate and deliver a building and construction project, how and where the required human resources may be sourced and/or deployed to assist a participant in completing a particular task/operation or delivering an entire building/construction project. In one embodiment, a system participant may be granted access to the human resources submodule 42 and browse relevant database(s) to search for relevant human resources and contact the system provider via an email, a web request or a telephone call to request for the required professional staff member(s) or skilled work(s) to be provided to the participant. In another embodiment, the system provider may assign or provide a professionals team and/or a skilled workers team to a participant (e.g. a franchisee) at a cost to enable the franchisee to complete a particular operation or project.
[0062] The designs submodule 44 may comprise one or more physical files, or one or more computer files or databases, containing a plurality of building or construction related designs, e.g. of a residential home (or a component thereof, such as a kitchen, bathroom or garden), a commercial building or a floor thereof, or an infrastructure such as a bridge or a tunnel. A participant or potential participant may be granted access to all or selected designs in the physical file(s), computer file(s) and/or database(s) at no cost or at a cost.
[0063] The technology submodule 46 may comprise technologies relevant for completing an operation, delivering a building/construction project, or assisting in building/construction in general. The technology submodule 46 may include special software (e.g. "Buildertrend") used to manage a building and construction project, or technologies such as 'building information modelling' and data ecosystems to capture/analyse data and provide insights to enable more efficient planning, designing, construction and management of a building, home or infrastructural structure or project. In another embodiment, the technology submodule 46 may include modem technologies such as drones, robotics and/or GPS technology that may be accessed by a participant to assist in building and construction.
[0064] The land, space and facilities submodule 48 may comprise actual land, space and facility resources (such as a vacant land, an office space or a construction plant) that may be shared to or accessed by one or more participants of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. The land, space and facilities module 48 may also comprise information/databases regarding the land, space and facility resources that may be shared, and enable a participant to access such information (e.g. through accessing a database) and book or reserve the land, space and facility for the participant's use. In one embodiment, for example, a franchisor may enable a franchisee to share an office or an office space with the franchisor.
[0065] The financial resources submodule 50 may comprise funds that are at the system provider's disposal, or information on how and where to source funds to initiate, sustain or complete a building or construction project. The funds and/or information may be accessed by a participant at any stage of the project.
[0066] The fuel and energy submodule 52 may comprise actual fuel and energy resources, or information, e.g. in the form of one or more databases, relating to suitable fuel and energy providers. In one embodiment, these providers may be reliable suppliers or those which offer fuel and energy at a discounted price to the system provider and the participants.
[0067] In one specific embodiment where the system according to the first aspect of the present invention is a franchise system, the system comprises a management/management information module and resource/resource information module that may interact or overlap with one another. In this embodiment, the submodules are selected from the group consisting of a skills and training management submodule, a products and materials submodule; a human resources submodule (including contractor/subcontractor resources); a technology submodule and a land, space and facilities submodule (including office space resources). In this embodiment, the franchisor provides a system according to the first aspect of the present invention for sharing management/management information and selected resources with the franchisee(s), to enable operation and/or completion of a building or construction project by the franchisee(s). Also in this embodiment, the franchisor may be a building or construction company/entity, whereas a franchisee may be an individual, a contractor/subcontractor, a professional, a tradesman or a company/entity in the building and construction industry.
[0068] In another embodiment, a system according to the first aspect of the present invention may be an ordinary (not a franchisee) membership system, where a provider of the system may be a company/entity, organisation or institute which offers membership to a potential participant, which, may be an individual, or a company/entity, organisation or institute. The system provider may offer membership or different tiers of membership (as with the case of a franchise system) to one or more potential participants who/which are eligible to join/access the system (e.g. by paying a membership fee or subscribe to the system). The system enables its members to share management/management information and resource/resource information offered by the system provider.
[0069] In one embodiment, a system according to the second aspect of the present invention comprises a computer or server hosting a building and construction management or management information module, and a building and construction resource or resource information module; and a plurality of participants connected to the computer or server via internet, wherein the modules may be independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein the participants have access to either or both of the modules.
[0070] In the above embodiment of the system according to the second aspect of the present invention, the management or management information module and resource/resource information module each comprises a plurality of submodules, as with the submodules (or combinations thereof) according to the system of the first aspect of the present invention. However, the submodules in this embodiment are only in virtual/digital/online forms provided on a computer or server, featuring information/databases relating to management and resources required in building and construction. In one embodiment, the system according to the second aspect of the present invention further comprises a request receiving module for receiving a request from one or more potential participants to access or join the system. In a further embodiment, the system according to the second aspect of the present invention further comprises an eligibility module to determine whether the one or more potential participants is/are eligible to access the system or module(s), or determine a suitable level of access (e.g. only to a selected module or selected submodules). In one embodiment, the system may be provided at no cost by a system provider. In another embodiment, the system may be provided in a membership format (including franchise or ordinary membership format), whereby a participant is able to subscribe to orjoin the system upon satisfying conditions such as becoming a member, upon payment of a membership or royalty fee, and/or completing training courses/programmes required by the system provider (e.g. relating to construction safety and building regulations).
[0071] In use, a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention enables a participant or potential participant to share management and resources in building and construction. In one embodiment, a potential participant may send a request to a request receiving module of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. Alternatively, a potential participant may also be an individual or entity recommended by an existing participant (e.g. an existing member or franchisee of the system). Once the potential participant has met the eligibility criteria/conditions, the potential participant may then become a member of the system and/or granted access to the management/management information and/or resource/resource information module, or relevant submodules, of the system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention.
[0072] The system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention facilitates maximum or optimum usage of all relevant resources in building and construction industry. More importantly, the system enables a participant to be able to bid for, operate and/or deliver a building or construction project which would have otherwise exceeded the capacity/capability of the participant prior to joining/accessing the system of the present invention. Importantly also, as building and construction projects are often lengthy, complex and can easily exceed a pre-determined budget and schedule, a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention not only enables a participant (e.g. a construction company) to bid for and deliver aproject of interest, but also assists in ensuring that the company remains on schedule and profitable (e.g. through the management assistance provided by the system) upon delivery of the project.
[0073] The present invention provides a new method of managing/delivering a building/construction project, or a new method of building and construction comprise the use of a system according to the first or second aspect of the present invention. Also, with the systems and methods of the present invention, usage of existing building and construction resources (including human resources) can be effectively and efficiently managed, and new resources can be conveniently developed, e.g. companies/individuals previously not having a building licence, or skill sets required, can also now bid for and deliver new building/construction projects with the assistance of the system of the present invention. Advantageously, the systems and methods of the present invention help resolve or address the growing demands of home and infrastructure building/construction in Australia, and overcome or ameliorate skills shortages problems in building and construction industry.
[0074] Modifications and variations as would be apparent to a skilled addressee are deemed to be within the scope of the present invention.
Claims (5)
1. A system for building and construction management and/or resource sharing, the system comprising: a request receiving module for receiving a request from a participant or potential participant of the system; a building and construction management and/or management information module; and a building and construction resource and/or resource information module; wherein the modules may be independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein, upon receiving a request, the system provides the participant or potential participant with access to either or both of the building and construction related modules, to enable management and/or resource sharing.
2. A building and construction management and resource sharing system comprising a computer or server hosting a building and construction management or management information module, and a building and construction resource or resource information module; and a plurality of participants connected to the computer or server via internet; wherein the modules may be independent of, or interconnected with, one another, and wherein the participants have access to either or both of the modules.
3. The building and construction management and resource sharing system according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein the management or management information module comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of skills and training management; quality and compliance management; project and operations management; risk and safety management; resource and procurement management; finance management; schedule management; business management; and combinations thereof; and wherein the resource or resource information submodule comprises a plurality of submodules selected from the group consisting of licences, permits, and forms; products and materials; tools and equipment; human resources; designs; technology; land, space and facilities; finance; fuel or energy; and combinations thereof.
4. The building and construction management and resource sharing system according to any one of claims 1 to 3, wherein the system further comprises an eligibility module to determine whether the participant or potential participant is eligible to gain access to the system, or selected module(s) or submodule(s) of the system.
5. A method of building or construction, or of sharing management and/or resource in building or construction, comprising the use of a system according to any one of claims I to 4.
Request Receiving 12 10 Module 2020102657
Eligibility Module 14
16 Management and/or Resource and/or 18 Management Information Resource Information Module Module
Building and construction
Figure Figure 1 1
1/3
Skills and training management
22 Quality and compliance management 2020102657
16 Project and operations management 24
Risk and safety management 26 Management and/or management information module Resource and procurement management 28
Finance management 30
Schedule management 32
Business management 34
Figure 2
2/3
Licences, permits and forms
38 Products and materials 2020102657
18 Tools and Equipment 40
Human resources 42 Resource and/or resource information module Designs 44
Technology 46
Land, space and 48 facilities
Finance 50
Fuel and Energy 52
Figure 3
3/3
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Cited By (1)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN116822802A (en) * | 2023-08-25 | 2023-09-29 | 深圳市睿拓新科技有限公司 | Construction full-period intelligent management method and system for road engineering supervision |
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Cited By (2)
| Publication number | Priority date | Publication date | Assignee | Title |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| CN116822802A (en) * | 2023-08-25 | 2023-09-29 | 深圳市睿拓新科技有限公司 | Construction full-period intelligent management method and system for road engineering supervision |
| CN116822802B (en) * | 2023-08-25 | 2023-11-17 | 深圳市睿拓新科技有限公司 | Construction full-period intelligent management method and system for road engineering supervision |
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