Algorithms Software Ltd is undergoing significant growth so has signed a new 5 year lease on their new UK head office in Lamberhurst, Kent.
1st September 2008
As the construction industry becomes progressively more competitive, it becomes increasingly important for companies to run their business using powerful, user-friendly, industry-specific IT applications to compete aggressively on contracts, whether large or small and improve business efficiency overall.
Algorithms’ sales continue to incline as contractors, house builders and developers recognise the power of the Xpedeon suite of software, designed specifically for the construction industry to help each (or every) department to simplify and manage daily tasks and provide sophisticated reporting to managers.
The new office will be home to Algorithms for at least the next 5 years, located in the heart of the English countryside within the grounds of a vineyard in Lamberhurst, Kent. Having recently doubled its headcount, these exciting developments enable the company to fulfil the needs of new and existing customers and continue its flexible approach to business in a professional manner.
As Simon Eyre, Director explains, “We are at an exciting stage in the company’s development and look forward to working with more construction companies in the future. 85% of our business is focussed on support and development for our existing clients, showing our dedication to providing quality solutions specific to the industry. Our software provides customers with confidence for the future and our work ethic makes us an approachable company to work with. “
For additional information on the news that is the subject of this release or for information on Xpedeon software, please contact Hilary Dingle or visit www.xpedeon.co.uk.
The Tamdown Group is one of the country’s leading civil engineers, concrete frame and remediation contractors with offices in Braintree, Essex and Maidenhead, Berkshire.
Tamdown is on target to meet this year’s planned turnover in excess of £70m and has approximately 725 employees in the UK.
The business requirement
The company had issues with duplication of data and lack of information across the business caused by disparate software systems. Whilst preparing the business for extensive growth, planning a turnover in excess of £100m, the company realised its need for new software to run the business.
Tamdown undertook a complete business review, using a Cranfield Business Model to help them and created a detailed specification of requirements.
Many software companies couldn't quote because they tried to offer their standard product without listening to Tamdown's needs. Only two companies were short listed, one being Algorithms, a previously unknown company to Tamdown. Algorithms was the only company to provide a truly integrated or ‘joined up' solution and the business soon recognised Algorithms' flexibility and ability to meet most of the criteria on their specification, meeting all their list of ‘must-haves'. Some aspects of the specification document were aspirations, so Tamdown expected a certain amount of customisation would be required.
The solution
The team at Tamdown was invited to the Algorithms offices in Mumbai, India, to visit various non-uk reference sites (eg. Skanska, Gammon India), to see how they have been using Algorithms software and working with the company over the past 10-12 years. In autumn 2004, Tamdown chose to implement the Algorithms solution.
The implementation was phased to cater for changes to the specification and development specific to this project. The company now has 50-55 users, with different departments benefiting from the extensive range of modules provided by Algorithms.
Tamdown implemented the enterprise solution from Algorithms, which includes the following modules:
- Estimating and tendering
- Procurement and stores
- Contract management
- Commercial management
- Client billing
- Plant and machinery
- HR and payroll
- Facilities management
- EIS business reporting tool
- Financial management
- Budgeting
- Forecasting
- Costing
The results and benefits
Tamdown has high expectations for return on investment, but it is currently too early for them to measure. They expect a pay-back period of 2 to 3 years (2009-10).
Everyone in the company is now talking the same language, with information consistent throughout the business, which promotes improved communication between various departments (via the system). Chris Doré, Director believes they are currently only seeing approximately 20% of the benefits the system has to offer so far because they see the huge improvement in information within the business but they are not yet using the information to maximum advantage. This is changing daily.
Tamdown have the ability to filter data and focus on particular elements. They can customise reports to see exactly what they wish to know. They admit that they have had a few Eureka! Moments where employees have realised that data exists in the Algorithms system and they suddenly say "I didn't know I could find that out!". This happens particularly across departments - transparency of data is definitely helping the company to work more as one big team. Those employees out on the road can now access and input to company information, which helps data to be accurate across the business, as an example one can now see clearly the correlation between the project estimate and the actual work on site - this could previously be difficult.
Tamdown previously had a system that was unstable and was likely to ‘fall over' regularly. They point out that Algorithms have a very stable system and it would be unlikely for the system to show instability.
Algorithms asked Tamdown how the support has been, liaising regularly with the team in India. Chris Doré admitted that there were a few minor teething problems at the beginning, but the UK team have been instrumental in the relationship which has since bedded in and matured, now providing a highly decent support structure, backed by an able and efficient team in Mumbai. He told us that long distance communications are very good. Tamdown feel they have benefited from solid experience and development charged at a reduced rate, through the Indian connection.
The future
Tamdown intends to simply ‘lean back’ and rely on Algorithms’ solution to support the company’s next phase of growth. They know the solution is scaleable, so will have no problems supporting them going forwards.
“Growth is hugely important to our organisation, so it is great to have found a solution that can support our business at every stage. We are now in a very strong position, having vast amounts of company information at our fingertips, helping us to become more efficient and productive and to meet our targets.
Our most frequent comment about our IT system is that ‘there are 3 ways to do everything’! Although we joke about it, it enables us to drive our own road through the software, rather than having to conform to set processes. It demonstrates the flexibility and power of the software.” Chris Doré Director, Tamdown
Many businesses focus on delivery of projects rather than on new business, but new business generation and pipeline management are becoming more and more important.
The currently buoyant construction industry is becoming increasingly competitive. From small value to multi-million pound contracts, it is essential to generate and win new business, deliver competitive bids quickly and allocate the right skills to the right jobs within the budget restrictions of the project. Having all the information to hand simplifies the task of managing the pipeline, forecasting and producing priced estimates.
Algorithms Software (UK) Ltd helps companies to perform these tasks through its latest release of construction software, Xpedeon Estimating, which utilises the latest user-friendly .NET Microsoft technology. Xpedeon provides a powerful reporting environment that tracks the entire process of winning business and growing the business pipeline as well as producing competitive bids quickly and efficiently. It includes a powerful analysis of the forecast pipeline (including wins and losses, top performing regions and estimators), demonstrates performance against objectives and highlights problem areas easily, enabling any necessary corrective action to be taken at a time when it can make a difference. Xpedeon also helps companies to execute the bidding process accurately and effectively both remotely and in the office.
As with all of Algorithms software products, the software was developed specifically for the construction industry and encompasses 3 important business areas; assisting businesses in estimating, reporting and supplier management:
- Xpedeon BI Reporting supports pipeline development and encourages effective new business generation.
- Xpedeon Estimating produces bids accurately and quickly and enables the accurate and quick preparation of tender responses within a consistent, standardised, easy to use environment
- Xpedeon E-Business facilitates the supplier quotation process and manages responses online.
In addition to working efficiently, Xpedeon supports best practice, helping newcomers to get up to speed in their job role in the minimum time possible and providing them with instant access to relevant information.
Our clients win just 1 in 5 or 6 bids so we need to consider how our solutions can add value to their overall business needs; our "winning business" solutions have been developed specifically to deliver demonstrable benefit to the business development function. In addition to the production of estimates and tender responses, it will help them to analyse their projects history through a visual dashboard, helping them to become more effective, invest time in prospects in their pipeline that are most likely to close, forecast accurately and ultimately become more competitive.
Simon Eyre from Algorithms Software (UK) Ltd goes on to say "Our Xpedeon e-business subcontractor management solution enables our clients to change the way in which they engage with their supply chain. It provides an environment for nominated subcontractors/partners to receive requests for and respond to quotations online and at the same time ensures that subcontractors comply with all corporate governance requirements. We can ensure that all legal, financial, H & S and domain experience information is captured, therefore reducing possible liabilities for the business and its directors."
For further information please contact Algorithms Software (UK) Ltd
Press contact: Hilary Dingle
3000 Cathedral Hill, Guildford, Surrey, GU2 7YB
Tel. 08707 346294 info@xpedeon.co.uk
www.xpedeon.co.uk www.algosoftware.com
Background
Algorithms Software (UK) Limited are experts in IT solutions to the construction industry providing end to end software (Xpedeon Estimating, Xpedeon Enterprise and bespoke tailored software), consultancy, data migration, support and training.
Algorithms provides complete coverage of the specific needs of contractors, house builders and developers, capturing the information generated within the entire organisation and enabling users at all levels to make informed decisions.
For further information please visit www.algosoftware.com and www.xpedeon.co.uk
22nd September 2008
Algorithms has today agreed terms and conditions with a new construction client, IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd; a leading private developer.
IRB Infrastructure is one of the top infrastructure players in India with aggressive growth plans; 2000+ employees, increasing to 3500+ employees by 2010. The group has 13 subsidiary companies.
IRB Management has committed to implement Procurement, Payroll, Fixed Assets and Accounts modules in all subsidiaries.
Once the project has been completed, more details will be posted online.
