WOODSmith Construction and CORE Directors on their Desire to Innovate

One of the biggest steps towards digitalisation within construction is digital data capture and sharing.

Much of the industry is stuck in the era of scraps of paper and Post-it notes. A new school of thought is needed to get digital recording embedded into the industry for good.

Choosing not to be complacent about emerging construction trends, Gary Wood, managing director of WOODSmith Construction Group, has taken an innovative approach by introducing CORE Systems within his organisation.

CORE is a system that’s allowed the firm to manage its projects from concept to reality with ease and efficiency.

Developed by Rockcliffe Construction Services (NE), CORE provides ease of use and design and helps construction companies work as efficiently as they possibly can – and potentially save millions of pounds along the way.

CORE captures all data produced on and offsite, securely recording a single point of truth that’s instantly accessible anytime, anywhere and on any device.

It delivers fast, accurate and intuitive data via business intelligence reporting to inform decision-making.

WOODSmith Construction Group’s Gary Wood (left) with CORE Systems’ Paul Bass.

CORE’s founder and director Paul Bass says: “CORE came about from my experience as a practising quantity surveyor and discovering the same issues of inefficiencies and problems that could have been mitigated if the decision makers had access to real-time data.

“We decided to create a platform that would be the cornerstone of information management.

“The construction industry is a complex environment with lots of data and lots of interfaces, and our innovative platform – incorporating facilities such as automated dash, activity feed, risk and change management, site diary, notifications, actions, document control and improved site-to-office transfer – streamlines the whole construction management process.”

WOODSmith Construction Group, still in its infancy in terms of the age of the business, is one of the most digitally mature construction companies currently operating.

This maturity has led to the company achieving the highest accreditations and certifications. Most notable of these is the ISO9001, passing the RISQS audit and gaining Elite CHAS accreditation – the latter being one of the most prestigious awards in construction.

Since adopting CORE, WOODSmith is delivering projects approximately 11 per cent faster and at seven per cent less cost.

The additional costs and delays potentially avoided due to improved risk management as a result of adopting CORE are unquantifiable, but are undoubtedly significant.

Gary Wood says: “It’s thanks to our digital approach that we’ve been able to achieve this level of success. We’re very proud of our team’s achievements so far and look forward to continuing to expand our projects into the future.”

Trophy – the victorious CORE Sytems team at the 2022 Tees Tech Awards.

WOODSmith’s determination to be one step ahead of its competitors has been rewarded with a first-year annual turnover that comfortably exceeded an initial target of £500,000. The company has recorded a £1.8m turnover and is on track for a £7m turnover for 2023.

Gary adds: “It’s been an entire team effort and the CORE System allows for effortless collaboration across the full team, resulting in efficient completion of projects and our great work being recognised by clients, many of which become repeat clients.”

WOODSmith is currently working on expansive residential projects across the North-East and North Yorkshire. It’s not just focusing on residential work, however – it recently won impressive tender successes from clients including British Steel, Anglo American and Middlesbrough Railway Station.

The eye-catching successes continue to rack up for CORE as well. It won the Best Innovation Award at the 2022 Tees Tech Awards and it was that prize which recognised its impact on the industry, with WOODSmith being the case study that enabled the firm to demonstrate the system’s success.

Paul says: “We’ve created a single source of truth, and it’s unique and exciting. The push now is to continue growing our client base.

“All construction companies can benefit from technology, which can make the construction process safer, more efficient and more environmentally friendly.

“WOODSmith has also adopted our new 3D scanning service, which is integrated with CORE, and the results are impressive.

“CORE has provided WOODSmith with absolute control, informing decisions, driving contractual compliance and agreement and increasing productivity, delivery and efficiency.

“It’s been a real pleasure to work with such a progressive, collaborative and innovative company.”

Paul and Gary’s collaborative efforts have seen both companies go from strength-to-strength, and they are reaping the rewards of pulling construction into the digital age.

While others may struggle to keep up with the new digital age of construction, WOODSmith and CORE Systems are paving the way for others to follow.

Want to work with WOODSmith? No matter the size or scope of your project, WOODSmith can work with you to take it from concept to reality. Get in touch on 01287 221461 or visit woodsmithgroup.com to find out more.

Interested in using CORE? Get in touch to see how it can benefit your project and commercial management. Call on 07841 457257 or contact us.

Article from Tees Business.