Putting IT into Building and Construction Seminar


See, hear, experience IT in Building and Construction. Learn about the future directions of our industry and how technology-based solutions can stimulate productivity and growth. Attend the Putting IT into Building and Construction Seminar; an initiative of the Department of Employment, Economic Development and Innovation. It is an opportunity for you to share ideas and network with like-minded people from the Building and Construction sector.

The seminar will also feature an exhibition of local IT companies that provide technology services to the Building and Construction industry.

When:
Wednesday 24 November, 2:30pm - 6.30pm (drinks and networking until 7.30pm)

Where:
Bardon Conference Centre, 390 Simpsons Rd, Bardon (for map please see: http://tinyurl.com/2fa3ybv)

Cost:
$77.00 per person (inc GST), including light refreshments and networking drinks

Register:
To register, please contact Julia McSwan on 07 3878 2974 or email julia.mcswan@conferenceit.com.au. Please RSVP by Monday 22 November (all registrations will be acknowledged)


Speakers include:

  • Graham Cuthbert, Executive Director, Master Builders
  • Jennifer Johnson , Solutions Manager, TechnologyOne – Decision-making with Dashboards: Putting the smarts into business intelligence
  • John Sheridan, CEO, Digital Business insights (DBi) –
    Latest Industry Survey Findings - Current Trends and Future Directions
  • Neil Luu, Director, Pegasus Prestige Living –
    Case Study: ICT for 21st century building and construction companies
  • Lydell Stokes, Executive Director, KarelCAD Australia –
    Case Study: ICT in simulation and modelling for building and construction
  • Ross Hellyer, External Accountant and Business Adviser, Bizprac representative –
    Integrated Building Software – Design to Estimate to Job Control to Financial Accounting
  • Simon Lovegrove, Estimating Solutions Director, Exactal - Precision Software –
    Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Cost Estimating
  • Bruce Swan, General Manager, TAAConnect –
    Making IT Work: Deploying telecommunications solutions in the construction industry
  • Duncan Bremner, Stakeholder Relations Advisor, NBN Co –
    Australia’s National Broadband Strategy
  • Jon Roberts, Research Director, Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, CSIRO – Research and Future Technology in Building and Construction

For further details or to exhibit or sponsor, please contact Julia McSwan on 07 3878 2974 or email julia.mcswan@conferenceit.com.au.


Program, Wednesday 24 November:

2.30pm - 3.00pm
Arrival and Registration


3.00pm - 3.15pm
Welcome:
Mal Lane, Manager, Information Industies Bureau (IIB), DEEDI
Opening Remarks:
Graham Cuthbert, Executive Director, Master Builders


3.15pm - 3.25pm
Jennifer Johnson, Solutions Manager, TechnologyOne
Decision-making with Dashboards: Putting the smarts into business intelligence

With the right information at the right time, ALL business users, from the frontline to the CEO, can make better informed decisions and take appropriate action when needed. In place of traditional business intelligence solutions restricted to senior management and dependent on specialist IT skills, organisations can easily take advantage of role-based dashboards targeted at the business users that need the information. Jennifer will provide an overview of the power of using dashboards to drive actions and decisions.


3.25pm - 3.45pm
John Sheridan, CEO, Digital Business insights (DBi)
Latest Industry Survey Findings - Current Trends and Future Directions

A recent survey of Master Builders’ members shows that even smaller builders are moving beyond mobile phones, pencils and excel spreadsheets to using VoIP, estimating software, CAD, interactive customer focused websites, webcams, digital cameras and iPads.

There’s more integration of software, more backup and storage, better broadband connectivity and businesses are looking at what it means when everything is connected.

Fingerprint readers, smart cards, asset management, BIM, GIS, Apple iPads and even accounts payable. Everything is being connected, integrated and reported. And with the GFC seriously impacting the industry, there is more need to look for efficiency than ever before.

John will summarise and present the findings of the Master Builders industry survey to explain current trends and expected future directions of the adoption of information and communication technology solutions.

3.45pm - 4.05pm
Neil Luu, Director, Pegasus Prestige Living
Case Study: ICT for 21st century building and construction companies

Residential construction is generally labour intensive and time consuming resulting in high building costs. Designers and Builders to date have kept to generic products to keep prices down. As we move into the future, people want non-standard or designer items, but individualising generic homes result in huge variation costs.

At the other end of the spectrum there are Individually designed architectural homes. These are more costly and have much longer design and engineering lead up times.

Our passion is to bring these issues to the forefront by providing a solution through our innovative Building System, balancing a synergy of Architecture, Engineering, Construction & Value.


4.05pm - 4.25pm
Lydell Stokes, Executive Director, KarelCAD Australia
Case study: ICT in simulation and modelling for building and construction

The ability to leverage Design data from multiple sources into a combined/coherent Building Information Model (BIM) or Digital Prototype is paramount in today's market. Gone are the days of a particular phase of the design process being completed then passed over as unintelligent 2D printed drawings so that the next consultant can start again. Clients and government are now mandating the provision of rich data
sets/models and an interactive visual engagement throughout the process. This is having a significant impact on how Engineers, Architects and Government structure their entire workflows and even tendering processes.

Lydell will deliver a short presentation showing the application of design technology (BIM tools) through the design & construct process (across all disciplines) and into post construction facility or asset management.


4.25pm - 5.00pm
Refreshments and Networking


5.00pm - 5.10pm
Ross Hellyer, External Accountant and Business Adviser, Bizprac representative
Integrated Building Software – Design to Estimate to Job Control to Financial Accounting

Any 21st century building and construction business has to deal with many issues that extend far beyond the building process. The construction manager is expected to be not only an expert in managing and controlling the building works but is also expected to be the financial controller and a strong money manager. In granting a license to any builder in QLD the BSA expects as one of its requirements that the builder is able to manage their financial accounting and job costing records on a daily basis and that they can if requested produce them for the BSA at a moment’s notice. The challenge therefore for today’s builder is the time to meet all of these needs.

Ross will demonstrate that there is hope for the 21st century builder with a software package that meets these criteria. Today’s technology can streamline time wastage in quoting jobs, data input, job management and completing financial information through total software package integration… Better profits and better lifestyle.


5.10pm - 5.30pm
Simon Lovegrove, Estimating Solutions Director, Exactal - Precision Software
Building Information Modelling (BIM) and Cost Estimating

BIM refers to the process of virtual Building Information Modelling based on digital information exchange. In addition to 3D graphics, CAD software which supports BIM uses a database driven library of “intelligent” objects to build a central digital model of the building which can be shared amongst the project team to allow a collaborative integrated approach to building design. CostX® is unique estimating software which is able to view these 3D files and utilise the database information to automatically generate quantities. Simon will provide a brief demonstration of the software and show how Estimators and Quantity Surveyors are using this new technology.


5.30pm - 5.50pm
Bruce Swan, General Manager, TAAConnect
Making IT Work: Deploying telecommunications solutions in the Construction industry

Bruce’s presentation will focus on IT and Telecommunications solutions that are benefiting the Building and Construction Industry. Bruce will draw on case studies to discuss VOIP and IT solutions deployed in the Construction industry focusing on the avoidance of pitfalls and highlighting the benefits of “Making it Work”.


5.50pm - 6.10pm
Duncan Bremner, Stakeholder Relations Advisor, NBN Co
Australia’s National Broadband strategy – opportunities for business

NBN Co was established by the Federal Government to design, build and operate the National Broadband Network (NBN) to enable superfast broadband services to be provided to Australian families and businesses.The creation of the multi-billion dollar investment will be the single largest nation building infrastructure project in Australian history.

Duncan will discuss how the increased broadband capacities the NBN will provide ('superfast' and 'super volumes') has the potential to revolutionise elements of the Building and Construction industry.

This includes the transfer of large design document files and effective online collaboration with clients, through to the electronic streamlining of government processes in areas such as Development Approvals.


6.10pm - 6.30pm
Jonathon Roberts, Research Director, Queensland Centre for Advanced Technologies, CSIRO
 Your Nice Big Brother: Giving a building the ability to observe its users

Building Automation is a phrase that is familiar but so far Building Automation consists mainly of HVAC sensing & control, energy management and more recently water management. However, the future will demand buildings that monitor not only their own functions but also the functions of their occupants (the people and their furniture, equipment and belongings).

Pervasive people tracking and identification within buildings has many potential benefits (we need to wean ourselves of the thoughts of a covert and potentially nasty Big Brother scenario). Such systems can be used to benefit us all.

Additionally, the advent of mobile robotics in the workplace, and eventually the home, will also require buildings that perceive their occupants. This presentation will show the concepts and the potential technology that will make them a reality.


6.30pm - 6.35pm
Event Close:
Mal Lane, Manager, Information Industies Bureau (IIB), DEEDI

6.35pm - 7.30pm
Drinks and Networking


Payment:
Payment is to be made prior to the event. Non-payment of an invoice prior to the event does not automatically cancel your registration.

Please complete the payment details form and fax to 07 3378 9513. Payments can be made via EFT, Credit Card (MasterCard, Visa Card, American Express or Diners Club Card) or Cheque.

An official email confirmation will be forwarded to you prior to the RSVP date. If you do not receive this email please contact 07 3878 2974.

Cancellation Policy:
We are pleased to provide refunds for cancellations advised in writing within two days prior to the event. You may substitute a colleague at any time if you are unable to attend. Non-payment of an invoice prior to the event does not automatically cancel your registration.

  
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Presenter Biographies

Jennifer Johnson
Recently appointed as TechnologyOne’s Solution Manager for the Property Development and Construction Industry, Jennifer Johnson is responsible for driving forward the development of TechnologyOne’s enterprise solution for this sector. Jennifer has more than 16 years experience in commercial software development and delivering solutions to meet the needs of diverse organisations. This experience has seen her take on many different roles, from R&D through to overall product management, and given her the opportunity to work closely with a variety of organisations across both the public and private sector. Jennifer’s focus is now on understanding the needs of the vertical industries in her portfolio and aligning TechnologyOne’s solutions to meet those needs.
TechnologyOne is a leading enterprise software solutions provider. For more than 20 years we have been providing deeply integrated software solutions to our key vertical markets, including property development and construction. Tens of thousands of people each day use our world class solutions which we develop, implement and support, and include, Financials, Human Resource & Payroll, Supply Chain, Business Intelligence, Budgeting, Performance Planning, Property & Rating, Customer Relationship Management, Student Management, Works & Assets and Enterprise Content Management software.

John Sheridan
In 2001, John Sheridan co-founded Digital Business insights (DBi), to help organisations leverage the benefits of the digital revolution.
Before this, John spent 20 years in advertising as a writer and creative director, for multinational advertising agencies in England, New Zealand and Australia gaining a customer focused view of products and services, which he has applied to the research and development activities of DBi.
From more than 30,000 surveys, DBi has mapped the way businesses use ICT across all industry sectors, tracking adoption of emerging technologies, identifying best of breed solutions and creating more than 500 case studies illustrating the benefits.
DBi has now developed a range of web-tools and services designed to help answer the issue Bill Gates outlines below.

Neil Luu
In 1999, Neil Luu wrote a thesis in Construction Management for Residential Concrete Construction. In 2004 Pegasus built their first concrete tilt panel homes. At that time, trades were in high demand with the building boom. The lack of connections in residential networks made the process long and very painful. Even though the concrete panels were erected at ridiculous speeds, finishing trades were few and far between.
In 2005 Tony Chadwick, BDM for Delfin's Yarrabilba Project, discovered our first generation concrete house. He very quickly became a champion of our cause and we were introduced to many influential people and companies such as - Hanson Concrete, CCAA, CSR. These forward-thinking companies helped bring the next generation of Precast Concrete Housing into being.
Now, Pegasus are pushing the idea of Affordable Luxury, to create homes with logical, truly Sustainable Architecture and looking beyond the conventional solutions. Our iGrid & ESP system has its strength in Adaptability. We have proposed concepts that can be built in nearly all locations and with all weather types in Australia, at affordable costs and with fast build times.

Lydell Stokes
Having started with KarelCAD in 1997, Lydell has had the pleasure and reward of being an intimate part of helping build the company from its origins as a small family business to the growing corporation it is today; servicing clients across the entire spectrum of small – global corporations & government, and amongst the top three (3) partners for Autodesk globally.
This time has seen his role/s change and develop in line with the company growth and he has held a number of positions across Business Development and Divisional Management. This experience in managing staff, building new business units, managing those business units, & helping build the associated internal systems & infrastructure has forced him to constantly be developing new skills and re-defining his boundaries.
The organisations’ growth now includes Phoenx PLM & KarelCAD NZ and Lydell is active in managing direct relations with a small number of clients specifically leveraging Technology, Change and Lessons learnt for the benefit of these customers & thebroader client base.

Ross Hellyer
Ross Hellyer has been a practicing accountant for the last 30 years. Ross began his career working in the business section of a national accounting firm and now specialises in this field in his own right. He has worked closely with building and building industry clients for the past 25 years and comes with a wealth of experience in this field. Ross has been working with Bizprac clients for the past 5 years and has been engaged as the external accountant and business adviser for Bizprac since the beginning of this year. He is here to speak on what IT building software can deliver to the building industry in the 21st century.

Simon Lovegrove
Simon Lovegrove is a UK Qualified Quantity Surveyor with over 30 years professional experience including 10 years as a local and national Director of leading Australian and International Quantity Surveying Practices. He is Estimating Solutions Director of Exactal, an Australian software company established in 2003 to develop CAD-based estimating solutions. The flagship product, CostX®, is in widespread use across Australia and in 24 other countries as an interoperable CAD-based cost modeling and estimating tool. Simon was a co-founder of Exactal and played a key role in the development of CostX®. He manages the Quantity Surveying Team who in their role as CostX® Product Specialists, deliver training and support to CostX® users and provide industry based support to the software development and sales teams.

Bruce Swan
Bruce Swan is the General Manager and Director of TAA Connect a Q400 Private company, based in Brisbane. Bruce has over 16 years experience working with Information Technology &Telecommunications (IT&T).
TAAconnect started in 1992, installing and maintaining pabx systems, before moving into hardware and networking to gain the skills and experience required to service new opportunities created by the convergence of voice and data networks.
TAAconnect has serviced a diverse range of customers including Lend Lease, Supercheap Auto, Leighton Contractors as well as smaller businesses in major cities, remote rural areas and New Zealand.

Duncan Bremner
Duncan Bremner is the stakeholder relations advisor for the NBN Co. Duncan joined NBN Co with a focus on addressing the challenges of rolling out the NBN in rural, regional, and remote Australia, and promoting the potential of the NBN in developing industry growth in areas such as Building and Construction.
Duncan Bremner is a seasoned government relations and communications professional, having worked in the private sector, government, media and agriculture.
Duncan’s communications skills were honed in the early stages of his working life when he worked in TV, radio and print journalism.
His experience with Government includes working with both Australian and European administrations in the portfolios of transport, communications, agriculture, industry and small business.
Duncan was also an adviser to former Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson.
Most recently he was the CEO of an industry peak body for regional road transport.

Jon Roberts
Jonathan Roberts is the Director of CSIRO's Autonomous Systems Lab an 80 person research lab focussing on synthetic perception and working in the areas of field robotics and pervasive computing. He is also the Acting Director of the Australian Research Centre for Aerospace Automation (ARCAA), a joint venture between CSIRO and QUT. ARCAA is developing and testing technology to facilitate the routine use of UAVs and other aircraft-based autonomous systems in civilian airspace. Jonathan's research interests encompass the area of Field Robotics and include UAVs, autonomous ground vehicles, underwater robots and mining robots. He has an Honours Degree in Aerospace Systems Engineering and a PhD in computer vision, both from the University of Southampton, UK.
Jonathan has 100 publications in refereed journals and conferences and serves on the editorial board of the International Journal of Field Robotics and the IEEE Robotics and Automation Magazine. Jonathan is currently an adjunct Professor at Queensland University of Technology and the University of Queensland and was President of the Australian Robotics & Automation Association from 2006 until 2008.