Blueprint for Success: Mastering Autodesk Construction Cloud at Stowe

MATT FERN: Good day, everyone. Thanks for joining us today. My name is Matt Fern, and I'm the National Digital Engineering Manager at Stowe Australia. Today, we're excited to share with you our journey of digital transformation with Autodesk Construction Cloud, or ACC.

Now Stowe Australia has been a cornerstone in the electrical and communications contracting industry since 1910. We are proud to be the country's largest privately owned business in this sector with over 1,600 employees and an annual revenue of approximately 550 million. Our legacy is built on a foundation of excellence, reliability, and a commitment to innovation.

As you can imagine, maintaining our position as an industry leader over such a long period has required us to consistently evolve and adapt. With the rapid advancements in technology and the increasing complexity of our projects, we recognize the need to revolutionize our operations. This led us to explore and eventually adopt Autodesk Construction Cloud, a comprehensive digital solution that aligns with our goals for the future.

Choosing ACC wasn't just about keeping up with the latest technology. It was about finding a solution that would genuinely enhance our workflows, improve collaboration across teams, and provide a scalable platform for our continued growth. Today, we'll be sharing how we made this decision, the challenges we faced during implementation, and the tangible improvements we've seen since adopting ACC.

In this session, we'll take you through our multi-faceted strategy, integrating ACC into our business. We'll discuss the awareness sessions, discovery workshops, and tiered training programs that were all critical to our success. Talk about the steering committee we formed, the metrics we established to gauge adoption, and the importance of regular executive updates and consistent messaging throughout the process.

By the end of this session, you'll have a clear understanding of our implementation process, the actionable insights we gained along the way. Whether you're looking to enhance your digital infrastructure or just simply curious about our journey, we hope you'll find value in what we're about to share. Let's dive into the details and begin with the background and context that led us to embark on this transformation.

To understand our journey with Autodesk Construction Cloud, it's important to first understand where we've come from. Stowe Australia has been in the industry for over a century, since 1910. We've built a reputation as a reliable and forward-thinking electrical and communications contractor. Over the decades, we've seen the industry evolve, and we've always prided ourselves on staying ahead of the curve.

However, as our projects grew in scale and complexity, so did our challenges. We were relying on a combination of legacy systems, disparate tools, and manual processes. This not only slowed down our workflows, but also made it difficult to maintain consistency, collaboration across numerous teams and projects. We realized that continuing on this path would hinder our ability to innovate and maintain our competitive edge.

The turning point came when we faced a particularly complex project that highlighted the limitations of our existing systems. We saw firsthand how communication breakdowns, data silos, and the lack of real-time collaboration could impact our efficiency and project outcomes. It was clear that we needed a more robust, integrated solution, one that could unify our operations and provide the agility we needed to tackle the challenges of modern construction.

Our search for a-- our search for a solution-- sorry-- led us to evaluate several options, but Autodesk Construction Cloud stood out. ACC offered the comprehensive features we needed. Document management, project management, cost control, and field collaboration, all within a single platform. Importantly, it provided the flexibility to integrate with our existing workflows while offering the scalability to support our growth.

One of the key reasons we chose ACC was its alignment with our strategic goals. We didn't just want a tool to manage our projects. We wanted a platform that could help us drive innovation, enhance collaboration, and deliver better outcomes for our clients. ACC's capabilities in improving data visibility and decision making were crucial in this regard.

Once we made the decision, we knew that the success of this initiative would depend on how well we prepared for implementation. This wasn't just about adopting a new technology. It was about driving a cultural shift within the organization. We needed to get buy-in from all levels of the business, from our executives to the teams on the ground. We also needed to ensure that we had the right structures in place to support this transition.

From our HSEQ perspective, the adoption of ACC also aligned with our commitment to safety, quality, and environmental sustainability. The platform's ability to standardize processes and provide real-time data was a game changer for us. It allowed us to enhance our compliance efforts, improve safety protocols, and ensure that quality was maintained across all our projects.

With these considerations in mind, we embarked on a journey to integrate ACC into our operations. It wasn't just about deploying a new tool. It was about transforming the way that we work. We'll now take you through the strategic approach we adopted to ensure a smooth and successful implementation.

Now, every digital transformation comes with its own set of challenges, and our journey with ACC was no different. Despite the clear benefits of ACC, we knew from the outset that integrating a comprehensive digital solution into a well-established business like Stowe Australia would not be without its difficulties. In this section, we'll share the key challenges we faced and how we addressed them.

One of the most significant challenges we encountered was resistance to change. Stowe Australia has a long history, and many of our employees have been with us for years and decades. While this loyalty and experience are strengths, they also meant that there was a strong attachment to our existing processes and tools. Convincing our teams to move away from familiar ways of working was not an easy task. The resistance was particularly evident amongst those who were less familiar with digital tools.

Another challenge was the sheer complexity of implementing ACC across our organization. Now, Stowe operates in multiple locations with various teams working on different projects simultaneously. Coordinating the rollout of a new platform across all these teams required meticulous planning and coordination. We had to ensure that the transition was smooth and that there was minimal disruption to our ongoing projects.

Integrating ACC with our existing systems was just another hurdle. We had been using a variety of software and tools for a variety of functions, everything from project management to document control to cost tracking. And ensuring that ACC could seamlessly integrate with these systems or replace them where necessary required careful analysis and customization. We also had to consider the data migration process, ensuring that all our historical data was accurately transferred into the new system.

Beyond technical integration, ensuring user adoption was a significant challenge. It wasn't just enough to simply roll out the platform. We needed our teams to actually use it, and use it effectively. This required a comprehensive training program, but even more than that, it required a shift in mindset. We needed to demonstrate to the teams the value that ACC could bring to their daily work, and this involved a lot of hands-on support and ongoing encouragement.

As part of this, we also had to address the skill gaps in our workforce. Now, not everyone had the same level of digital literacy, and some employees needed more support than others to get up to speed with ACC. This was particularly challenging in a fast-paced environment where project deadlines were always looming. We had to balance the need for thorough training with the realities of our project schedules.

From an HSEQ perspective, maintaining compliance and quality standards during the transition was crucial. We couldn't afford for there to be any lapses in our safety protocols or quality assurance processes as we integrated ACC. Ensuring that our teams understood how to use the new system to uphold these standards was a priority, and it required close collaboration between our HSEQ teams and the digital engineering team.

Finally, managing stakeholder expectations was an ongoing challenge. Our executive team had high expectations for what ACC would deliver in terms of efficiency, collaboration, and project outcomes. It was essential to keep them informed and aligned with our processes while managing the realities of implementation process. Regular updates and transparent communication were key to maintaining their confidence in the projects.

While these challenges were significant, they weren't insurmountable. Through a combination of strategic planning, strong leadership, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we were able to overcome these obstacles and successfully integrate ACC into our operations. In the next section, we'll delve into the strategic approach we adopted to tackle these challenges head on and ensure a successful implementation.

After recognizing the challenges we faced, it was clear that a well-defined strategic approach would be critical to the successful implementation of Autodesk Construction Cloud at Stowe Australia. This was not just about deploying new software. It was about transforming our organization's way of working. In this section, we'll walk you through the key strategies we employed to ensure our successful implementation, both effective and sustainable.

To kick off our strategic approach, we began with awareness sessions. Now, these sessions were designed to introduce the concept of Autodesk Construction Cloud to our teams, explaining not just the what, but the why. We wanted to ensure that everyone understood the reasons behind this transition and the benefits it would bring. These sessions were crucial in addressing early resistance to change by providing a clear vision and addressing any initial concerns or misconceptions.

Now following the awareness sessions, we conducted discovery workshops across different departments and project teams. These workshops were interactive sessions where we gathered input directly from the people who would be using ACC on a day-to-day basis. The goal was to understand the specific needs, pain points, and workflows so that we could tailor the implementation of ACC to fit seamlessly into their existing processes. This collaborative approach ensured that the solution we rolled out was practical, user-friendly, and aligned with our operational realities.

One of the key strategies we implemented was a tiered training program. We recognized that different groups within the organization had varying levels of digital literacy and familiarity with the tools, so we designed a training program that was tailored to these different needs.

At the foundational level, we provided basic training for all users so they could confidently navigate the ACC platform. For power users and project leads, we offered more advanced training sessions that delved into the more complex functionalities of the platform.

To guide the overall implementation process, we established a dedicated steering committee. This committee included representatives from key departments, including engineering, project management, HSEQ, and digital engineering. The role of the steering committee was to provide leadership, oversight, and strategic direction throughout the implementation. They were responsible for making critical decisions, resolving any roadblocks, and ensuring that the project stayed on track and aligned with our broader business goals.

Another critical element of our strategy was the establishment of clear metrics and Key Performance Indicators-- KPIs-- to gauge the adoption and successes of ACC. These metrics included user engagement levels, the number of projects utilizing ACC, and the efficiency gains achieved through its use.

By setting these benchmarks, we were able to measure progress, identify areas for improvement, and ensure we were getting the most out of the platform. This data-driven approach allowed us to make informed decisions and continuously refine our implementation strategy.

One of the key lessons we learned early on was the importance of keeping our executive team engaged and informed throughout the process. Regular executive updates were crucial for maintaining alignment between the implementation team and the broader organizational goals.

These updates provided a platform to discuss progress, highlight successes, and address any emerging challenges. By ensuring that our leadership team was fully on board, we were able to secure the necessary resources and support to drive the project forward.

Finally, consistent messaging was key to maintaining momentum and enthusiasm across the organization. We made sure that our communication about ACC was clear, positive, and aligned with our overall vision for the company's future. Whether through internal newsletters, team meetings, or one-on-one conversations, we emphasized the benefits of ACC and celebrated the milestones we achieved along the way. This consistent messaging helped to build a sense of shared purpose and commitment to the success of the implementation.

In summary, our strategic approach to implementing Autodesk Construction Cloud was multifaceted, carefully designed to address the unique challenges we faced as a large, established organization. By focusing on awareness, collaboration, tailored training, strong leadership, and clear metrics, we were able to ensure a successful and sustainable integration of ACC into our operations. Now in the next section, we'll explore the tangible improvements and outcomes we've seen as a result of this implementation.

Now that we've walked you through the challenges and the strategic approach we took to overcome them, let's focus on the results. One of the most rewarding aspects of our journey with Autodesk Construction Cloud has been the tangible improvements we've seen across the business. Now, these improvements aren't just abstract concepts. They're real, measurable outcomes that have made a significant impact on our operations and bottom line.

One of the most immediate and impactful challenges we noticed was the enhancement in collaboration across teams. ACC provided a centralized platform where all project data, documents, and communication could be accessed in real time by everybody involved. This eliminated the silos that had previously existed between departments and project teams. We've seen a marked improvement in project coordination with fewer misunderstandings and more cohesive teamwork leading to a smoother project execution.

Another significant improvement has been in our project management processes. Before ACC, managing the various aspects of a project-- schedules, budgets, resources-- required juggling multiple tools and systems, which often lead to inefficiencies and errors.

With ACC we've been able to streamline these processes, bringing everything into one unified platform. This has allowed our project managers to work more efficiently with better oversight and control over project variables. The result has been more projects delivered on time and within budget.

Data accuracy and accessibility have also seen substantial improvements. With ACC, all project data is captured in real time and stored centrally, which has significantly reduced the risk of errors caused by outdated or incomplete information. This level of accuracy has been particularly beneficial in making informed decisions quickly, as our teams now have access to the most up-to-date information at their fingertips. The ability to access this data from anywhere at any time has also been a game changer, especially for our remote teams.

In the field, the impact of ACC has been equally transformative. The ability to access project plans, drawings, and documents on mobile devices has greatly increased the efficiency onsite. Our field teams no longer have to rely on paper documents or wait for information to be relayed from the office. This instant access to digital plans has reduced downtime and allowed our teams to respond to issues more quickly, keeping projects on track and minimizing delays.

From a safety and compliance perspective, ACC has provided us the tools to enhance our protocols and ensure that they are consistently followed across all projects. The platform's ability to track and manage safety inspections, incidents, and compliance documentation in real time has allowed us to maintain high safety standards while improving our overall compliance efforts. This has not only helped us avoid potential issues, but has also contributed to a safer working environment for all our employees.

Quality control has also benefited from the adoption of ACC with all project-related data documentation centralized. We've been able to implement more rigorous quality checks throughout the project life cycle.

The ability to track issues, manage punch lists, and ensure that all aspects of the project meet our stringent quality standards has led to a more noticeable improvement in the final outcomes of our projects. Our clients have always appreciated the increased consistency and quality of work, which has helped strengthen our reputation in the industry.

One of the most tangible outcomes has been the cost savings realized through the use of ACC. By streamlining processes, improving efficiency, and reducing errors, we've been able to lower operational costs across the board. Whether it's reducing rework, optimizing resource allocation, or improving project timelines, these savings have had a direct positive impact on our bottom line.

Now, to give you a clearer picture of some of these improvements, I'd like to share a couple of case studies and success stories from our projects. These examples highlight to some degree how instrumental ACC has been in overcoming specific challenges and delivering successful outcomes for our clients.

Now in this example on the screen, it is a typical daily worksheet for our teams from daily prestarts, commissioning FICs, dilapidation reports, any site study, really, and creating issues. Now, what you're seeing on the screen is a direct input from our site teams. There's no formatting to this other than what they've provided me.

And through their observation from our manual methods to using ACC in the tools, we are averaging quite a significant time saving each week. Now, if you say an average of $100 an hour, these things add up to very significant time savings and cost savings on our bottom line.

Another example, again, using a slightly different process but recording site-based-- a site-based delivery is capturing all the data. This was an exercise of capturing existing devices onsite and recording the data against them.

Now in this particular exercise, we had more of a time saving. It was over the whole life cycle of the project. We actually had two stages to work between, so we actually got to measure stage 1 and then stage 2 and getting a fairly clear hourly saving, approximately nearly 300 hours saved across the project.

In summary, the adoption of Autodesk Construction Cloud has delivered significant, tangible improvements across our organization. From enhanced collaboration and streamlined project management to improved safety, quality, and cost savings, ACC has transformed the way we operate. These outcomes have not only benefited our business, but have also positioned us to continue thriving in an increasingly competitive and digital-driven industry.

As we look ahead, our goal is to build on these successes and continuing leveraging-- and continue leveraging ACC to drive further improvements and innovation. In the next section, we'll discuss our future goals and how we plan to continue evolving our use of ACC to stay at the forefront of the industry.

As we reflect on the successes we've achieved so far with ACC, it's important to recognize that our journey doesn't end here. The construction industry is continuously evolving, and so must we. To remain competitive and continually delivering-- I'll try that again. To remain competitive and continue delivering excellence to our clients, we have set our sights on future advancements and integrations with ACC. In this section, we'll discuss our plans for the future, including the potential adoption of ProEst and the expansion of our cost management functions within Build.

Our overarching goal moving forward is to continuously refine and enhance our digital capabilities. We see ACC not just as a tool for the present, but as a platform that will evolve with us, offering new opportunities for innovation and efficiency. With that in mind, we're particularly excited about two key areas, the future adoption of ProEst and further integration with cost management functions within Build.

One of the most promising developments on the horizon is the potential adoption of ProEst, once it has been further developed, of course, for its use as a subcontractor. ProEst is a powerful estimating tool that integrates seamlessly with Autodesk Construction Cloud, offering a comprehensive solution for managing the entire estimating process.

However, as a subcontractor, our needs are slightly different from those of general contractors, managing contractors back home. And we've been closely monitoring the ongoing improvements to ProEst to ensure it can fully meet our requirements.

Once ProEst is ready for our use, we anticipate fairly significant benefits. The tool will allow us to create more accurate and consistent estimates, streamline the bidding process, and improve our ability to manage and track estimates across multiple projects. By integrating ProEst with our existing ACC workflows, we will be able to provide our teams with more cohesive and efficient estimating processes, ultimately leading to better project outcomes and stronger client relationships.

Another key focus for us is the future adoption of the cost management functions within Autodesk Build. While we've already seen successes with the other aspects of ACC, we believe that by expanding our use of Build's cost management features, we'll bring even greater control and visibility over our project finances.

Currently, our cost management is often handled through a combination of separate tools, which can lead to inefficiencies, but it's a lack of real-time insight that we're behind on. By integrating Build's cost management functions into our operations, we'll be able to centralize all cost-related data into one platform.

This will enable our project managers to monitor budgets, track expenditures, and forecast costs with greater accuracy. The real-time visibility provided by Build will help us make more informed financial decisions, reducing the risk of cost overruns and ultimately improve the profitability of our projects.

The adoption of these tools will also enhance our ability to maintain accountability and transparency in our projects. With ProEst and Build's cost management features, we'll be able to provide detailed, accurate financial reports that can easily be shared with our clients and stakeholders. This level of transparency will not only build trust, but also ensure that we continue to meet our high standards of quality and compliance.

Of course, the successful adoption of these tools will require careful planning and preparation. We've learned from our experience with ACC that a strategic, phased approach is essential. We'll be conducting pilot programs, gathering feedback from our teams, and refining our processes to ensure that ProEst and Build's cost management functions are fully optimized for our needs before we roll them out across the organization.

In the long term, our vision is to create a fully integrated digital ecosystem where every aspect of our projects from estimating to execution to final delivery is managed within Autodesk Construction Cloud. This integration will not only improve efficiency, but also drive innovation, allowing us to stay ahead of industry trends and continue delivering exceptional value to our clients.

To sum up, our future goals with ACC are focused on expanding our current capabilities and ensuring that we remain at the cutting edge of digital construction technology. The adoption of ProEst and the expansion of cost management functions in Build are key steps in this journey. We're excited about the possibilities these tools offer, and are committed to making the necessary investments in time, training, and resources to ensure their success.

As we look forward to these future developments, we're confident that our ongoing partnership with Autodesk and our commitment to innovation will continue to yield positive results. We believe that by embracing these two new tools and strategies, we'll be able to take our operations to the next level and continue building on the strong foundation we've established with ACC.

Now, as I come to the end of our presentation, let's just take a quick moment to recap the key points we've covered today. We began by discussing Stowe Australia's long history and the challenges we faced as we embarked on our digital transformation journey with ACC. We then explored the strategic approach we took to implement ACC, the tangible improvements we've seen as a result, and our plans for the future, including the adoption of ProEst and the expansion of cost management functions within Build.

Our journey with ACC has been one of significant learning and growth, but it was not without its challenges. But through careful planning, collaboration, and a commitment to continuous improvement, we've been able to identify our-- we've been able to achieve outcomes that have not only benefited our business, but also positioned us for future success. This experience has reinforced our belief in the power of digital transformation and the importance of being adaptable in an ever-evolving industry.

For those of you considering a similar journey, we hope our presentation has provided you with valuable insights and actionable takeaways. Whether it's the importance of getting buy-in from all levels of your organization, the need for a phased and strategic implementation, or the benefits of using a comprehensive platform like ACC, we believe there are lessons here that can be applied to any digital transformation initiative.

One of the biggest lessons we've learned is the importance of strong leadership and collaboration across all teams. Without the support and involvement of our entire organization, from executive teams to the field workers, we wouldn't have been able to achieve the level of success-- level of success we've seen. It's this collective effort that has driven us-- driven our progress, and will continue to do so as we move forward with our future goals.

As we look ahead, we're excited about the future possibilities with Autodesk Construction Cloud. The construction industry is evolving rapidly, and we're committed to staying at the forefront of this change. By embracing new technologies and continuously improving our processes, we're confident that we can continue to deliver exceptional value to our clients and maintain our position as a leader in the industry.

Our journey with ACC is far from over. We view this as a long-term partnership that will evolve as new challenges and opportunities arise. We're excited about what the future holds, and are committed to leveraging ACC to its fullest potential and to drive our business forward.

Now, I appreciate the time you've taken to listen to this today, and hope-- and value the opportunity to share our experiences, and hope that you've found it both informative and inspiring. Thank you very much.