June 30, 2010
A new software program designed to electronically manage operations and maintenance information for large commercial buildings has helped the Adelaide Zoo save more than 37,000 pieces of paper.
Adelaide-based company Grazer has provided the zoo with a modern way of managing its built assets, replacing hard copy manuals with a central digitised solution that details technical data for the zoo’s newly constructed conservation centre, entrance gateway and popular panda enclosure.
By digitising building drawings, schematic diagrams, operations guidelines and maintenance schedules, the zoo has been able to save more than 73 reams of paper, which if laid end on end would stretch almost 12km and cover the length of AAMI Stadium 63 times.
Zoos SA Estate Manager Paul Armstrong said substituting cumbersome printed manuals for an efficient computerised system has greatly simplified the zoo’s operations.
“Rather than searching through countless pages of technical information stored in any number of unwieldy four-ring binder manuals, our staff can now readily access O&M data electronically,” he said.
“So whether we need to check a warranty, schedule a maintenance task or track building compliance, the new Grazer system has given the Adelaide Zoo an enormous boost in managing and maintaining our critical infrastructure.”
Operation and maintenance manuals are required for all major construction projects and incorporate key technical data such as a building’s air-conditioning, fire, plumbing and electrical systems.
Grazer Chief Executive Officer Craig Cowling says the company has found a niche market for its software program, with building owners and facility managers screaming out for an easier way of compiling O&M information.
“It’s absolutely staggering that despite the modern age we live in, the vast majority of commercial building infrastructure in Australia is still managed with bulky printed manuals rather than electronically,” he said.
“Billions of dollars are invested in built assets so it makes sense that technical information is managed digitally to ensure the performance of these assets for their entire lifecycle.
“While the asset management industry has been slow to relinquish the old-fashioned way of maintaining infrastructure, more organisations are starting to realise how inefficient it is to print monumental amounts of paper for hard copy folders when an automated equivalent is now available.
“The Adelaide Zoo is a terrific example of how to efficiently maintain capital assets in the 21st century by embracing a paperless manual.
“In fact, so successful has the Grazer software already been with staff at the zoo that the rest of the facility’s O&M data will be automated too, which will effectively eliminate all printed manuals throughout the zoo.”
Grazer was established in 2000 by South Australian entrepreneur John Martin, who as a former draftsman identified a need for a better way to manage operation and maintenance manuals for built assets.
Designed to replace paper-based O&M manuals, Grazer’s digitised products are engineered for fast and easy information delivery and can be tailored for a range of industries, including the construction, property, mining and energy sectors.
Federation Square in Melbourne and the new SA Water building in Adelaide are among other key infrastructure projects that have already replaced hard copy O&M manuals with Grazer’s new software to record and store asset information.
Importantly, Grazer’s software solution is continually evolving to meet client requirements, with the latest ‘C Rapid’ advancement launched today making it possible for the company to deliver an even faster and cheaper service.
“The construction industry keeps building these massive commercial developments with huge amounts of infrastructure, but within the bricks and mortar there hasn’t been a simple way to manage all of the internal workings of the structure – until now,” said Mr Cowling.
“Grazer helps clients work through each phase of asset management from construction and commissioning through to operations and de-commissioning.
“We assist our clients to capture and compile O&M information into a digitised solution to drive the ongoing management of a capital asset throughout its life span.”
Further Information: Please contact Grazer
Craig Cowling, Chief Executive Officer, on (08) 8351 9004
Issued By Hughes Public Relations:
Kieran Hall kieran@hughespr.com.au
