by Clair Mooney | 4 Nov, 2016 | Main News Feed
FIS has launched a BIM training package, based on its BIM Toolbox, that will allow specialist contractors to demonstrate their BIM capability and complete core PQQ requirements with confidence.
Contractors completing the training will gain an understanding of the processes and terminology required for achieving BIM Level 2 – by understanding the requirements laid out in PAS 1192-2 and other BIM documents published by BSI and the Construction Industry Council.
The training will enable participants to demonstrate their BIM capability to main contractors and prequalify by completing the PQQ requirements in the relevant sections in PAS 91 and CPIx forms with appropriate evidence of compliance.
The programme will enable provide specialist contractors with the knowledge to embed practical BIM procedures and processes into their business via four options:
• A standalone BIM quality management system
• Integration of BIM procedures into your exiting ISO 9001 management system
• UKAS Accredited ISO 9001 certification with integrated BIM procedures
• An integrated management system that will secure Triple ISO certification (quality management, environmental management, health and safety management) with integrated BIM procedures.
The programme consists of a mixture of meetings and online sessions to explain the BIM process and provide ongoing feedback until completion.
For more details, contact Andrew Foy on 07528 571357 or andrew@foycertification.com
by Clair Mooney | 3 Nov, 2016 | Main News Feed
Nominate individuals you feel have made a difference to your organisation and our sector. Award entrants will be judged by a panel, led by the FIS President. The awards are free to enter and entries must be received by Wednesday 30 November 2016.
Winners will be presented at the President’s Lunch at Plaisterers’ Hall on 7 February 2017.
by Clair Mooney | 3 Nov, 2016 | Main News Feed
UK construction companies recorded a sustained expansion of overall business activity in October, led by another solid increase in residential work. New order volumes also picked up across the construction sector, but the rate of growth eased since September and remained weaker than seen prior to this summer. This contributed to a drop in business confidence regarding the year-ahead growth outlook, with the latest reading the second-lowest since May 2013.
Read the report here.
by Nicky Smith | 31 Oct, 2016 | Main News Feed
Alongside updates on the economy and housing, this week’s Notes include more information on the Apprenticeship Levy and LEXiCON. Read the Notes here.
by Nicky Smith | 28 Oct, 2016 | Main News Feed
Further to Build UK’s Contractor and Trade Association Forums last month, members agreed a proposal for a reformed pre-qualification system. FIS members are invited to view details of two elements of the reformed process and confirm their support, or voice any concerns, to FIS so that we can provide feedback on behalf of our membership.
The main features of the new system include: Two levels of accreditation – core and enhanced; An agreed industry question set; A central data source of information.
Please see the links below for further detail on two elements of the reformed process:
1. The list of high and low-risk activities which will help determine the level of accreditation a company needs
2. The additional industry agreed questions which will form part of the industry question set
Please confirm your support for the two papers, or raise any specific concerns you have, to info@thefis.org by Friday 4 November.
by Nicky Smith | 26 Oct, 2016 | Main News Feed
Armstrong Ceiling Solutions, one of our member companies, is a leading figure in reusing ‘waste’ from refurbishment projects. The company has developed its policy to actively seek out redundant ceiling tiles, bringing them back into its production process at their Newcastle manufacturing facility. Last year alone, Armstrong saved 495 tonnes from landfill. Although transport and logistic costs negate the landfill tax savings, the popularity of recycled material requests from developers and architects has become a selling point for the company. Read more here.
by Nicky Smith | 26 Oct, 2016 | Drylining, Main News Feed
FIS is becoming increasingly aware of issues where ply has been used in the construction of drylining. We would like to advise our relevant members to be aware of the issues and look for ways to mitigate the risks rather than carrying out costly and time-consuming remediation works, often after occupation of the building.
For more information, please read an article which appeared in FIS SpecFinish, or contact FIS Technical Manager, Joe Cilia on joecilia@thefis.org
by Nicky Smith | 26 Oct, 2016 | Main News Feed
Product information is going digital, and FIS has been working with Government through BIM4FitOut and BIM4M2 to understand how products in the finishes and interiors sector can be described using the Product Data Definition document.
The Product Data Definition document, published by the UK Government’s BIM Task Group in April, defined a methodology to enable information to be requested and provided in common, plain language terms. LEXiCON is the implementation of this methodology. Steve Thompson, Vice Chair of BIM4M2 explains more here.
FIS has also been working with its Special Interest Forums to produce Product Data Templates (PDTs) for the Partitioning, Ceilings and Operable Wall sectors, and will continue to work with other federations and product manufacturers to develop more PDTs.
by Nicky Smith | 24 Oct, 2016 | Main News Feed
The Construction Products Association has published a report titled The Future of Construction Product Manufacturing which seeks to identify the progress made in the construction manufacturing sector in support of Building Information Modelling and digitalisation.
The advantages of a fully engaged digital approach to everyday business have been clearly established in greater productivity, efficiency, accuracy and customer satisfaction.
The construction industry in contrast, has been resistant to change despite many efforts to embed approaches which other industries have considered the norm for many years. The momentum created by government showing initiative and thought leadership has created a fundamental move to embrace digitalisation.
The CPA has been working on developing a common approach to product data and digital identification engaging with further programmes which will strengthen and align manufacturing’s contribution to the digitalisation of construction.
This report provides clear evidence that manufacturing is doing more than its bit, generating and championing the use of those digital methodologies and helping to put the UK in the lead on the world stage. A briefer overview can be viewed in the Executive Summary here.
