CAPITAL EQUIPMENT NOV 2018

for disaster relief is the Trilogy Emergency Relief Application (Tera): a mass text messaging programme which has now been rolled out by the Red Cross in 40 countries around the world. It allows aid workers to identify all the mobiles being used in any given area and send emergency updates in the form of a 140 character message all at the click of a button. 5. Making construction more productive Infrastructure plays an important role in economic growth, social development, job creation and poverty alleviation. However, the construction industry has a productivity challenge. Typically, 20% of large projects run over time and up to 80% run over budget. However, the digital future is already offering innovative solutions to this multi-billion-dollar problem. Data collected by sensors on machines can help monitor when equipment needs repairing, provide instant inventory numbers and locations, enhance safety, and boost operator productivity. A McKinsey & Company report showed that the digitisation of an American tunnel project – involving more than 600 vendors – saved 20 hours of staff time per week, reduced report generation time by 75%, and increased document transmittal speed by 90%. The study also highlighted a $5 billion rail project that saved US$110-million by using automated workflows for reviews and approvals. Project management software allows progress to be tracked and reported, as well as giving users access to experts and best practices. b

KEY FIGURES • In the US alone, computer and information technology jobs are expected to grow by 22% by 2020, creating 758 800 new jobs. • Of the 7,6-billion global population, it is estimated that 4,2-billion are internet users. • The construction industry has a productivity challenge. Typically, 20% of large projects run over time and up to 80% run over budget. • A McKinsey & Company report showed that the digitisation of an American tunnel project – involving more than 600 vendors – saved 20 hours of staff time per week, reduced report generation time by 75%, and increased document transmittal speed by 90%.

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