With The Building Safety Act setting new, rigorous standards across the construction industry, ensuring quality management has become a cornerstone for safeguarding projects. But why is this so crucial, and how can construction professionals effectively meet these requirements? Recent research highlights both progress and gaps within the industry’s approach to quality management, underscoring the need for continued improvement.
Research: What the Industry Tells Us About Quality Management
According to recent studies and government reports, the construction industry has seen significant strides in adopting the principles of the Building Safety Act, particularly around the golden thread of information. This refers to a digital record of crucial building data, maintained from the design phase through to the building’s entire lifecycle. However, research from industry bodies like the Construction Leadership Council (CLC) has shown that while the golden thread is a well-understood concept, many companies are still struggling with full implementation.
A key takeaway from these reports is that the golden thread should not be viewed as an additional burden but rather as a tool for enhancing safety, transparency, and accountability across the project lifecycle. A Construction Industry Council (CIC) report also noted that firms that fully integrate digital tools for information management are seeing not only better compliance but also improved project outcomes.
However, research also shows that some stakeholders are lagging behind. Reports following the Grenfell Tower tragedy, for example, revealed widespread gaps in information management, which contributed to the investigation’s complexity and delays. These shortcomings make a compelling case for why asserting quality management is more important than ever.
The Golden Thread of Information: Why it Matters
In line with the research, the Building Safety Act’s golden thread of information remains a critical element for improving building safety. The UK government emphasizes that this digital thread allows for real-time access to crucial building details, enabling stakeholders to identify and mitigate risks effectively. While legally required for high-risk buildings, experts argue that adopting this level of quality management should be a priority for all construction projects, regardless of size.
Building Information Modelling (BIM) has emerged as a valuable tool to facilitate this by creating a Common Data Environment (CDE). Research from University College of Estate Management supports the idea that by digitizing information and storing it in a unified platform, construction teams can improve collaboration, reduce errors, and maintain compliance with the Act.
“At Premcrete, we’re committed to not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations set by the Building Safety Act”
How Premtrac drives Quality Management for Premcrete
At Premcrete, we’re committed to not just meeting, but exceeding the expectations set by the Building Safety Act. As part of our ongoing dedication to quality management, we have developed Premtrac, our bespoke digital platform. Extensive research and feedback from industry professionals have driven recent improvements in Premtrac, ensuring that it aligns perfectly with the golden thread requirements.
Premtrac is built around four critical pillars, designed to support your project from inception to completion:
Quality Management
- Real-time contractor and QC reports
- Non-conformance documentation and Premcrete inspection reports
- Comprehensive photo tagging for site verification
- Competence Tracking
- A centralized training register with certification and operative tracking
- Seamless integration of project data with progress records
Project Management
- Storage of current technical drawings, safety data sheets, and change control records
- Accessible photo feed and training guides for quick reference
- Project Management
- Automated material call-off orders and pour layout zone records
- Inspection requests and stakeholder communication management
Competence
- Detailed training registers
- Photos of operatives, for ease of association
- Certificates of achievement
- Sequenced training – ensuring a structure
Data Hub
- Current technical drawings, correctly labelled and in the right place
- Technical and safety data sheets
- Change control records
- Photograph feed, which consistently updates
- Training guides and method statements
- Training videos
These features directly address the findings from recent studies, ensuring that all project data is not only stored but also actively used to drive safety and efficiency throughout the project lifecycle.
How Research Influences Our Commitment to Quality
The research is clear: asserting quality management isn’t just about compliance—it’s about proactively mitigating risks, improving project efficiency, and ultimately safeguarding lives. Our Premtrac platform is designed with this in mind, constantly evolving to meet the highest industry standards.
Research also underscores that quality management tools need to be user-friendly, collaborative, and above all, comprehensive. This is why Premtrac offers a streamlined, all-in-one solution for your structural waterproofing, gas protection, and heave protection projects. By digitizing all critical aspects of project management, Premtrac ensures that no detail is overlooked, helping you adhere to the golden thread principles seamlessly.
