25 February 2013

Costain is undertaking trials of a new cloud-based application enterprise system that is hoped to bring efficiency benefits to both the Company and its customers.

MobiCloud is a European Union-funded project to develop a European ‘corporate appstore’ as part of the EU’s Competitiveness and Innovation Framework Programme, in collaboration with Appear (Sweden), EsperantoXL (Netherlands), Nettropolis (Germany) and COMIT Projects (UK).

The MobiCloud infrastructure consists of a context-aware app container deployed in a smartphone or tablet connecting to Costain’s corporate systems via a cloud-hosted platform.

“MobiCloud represents an exciting opportunity for Costain to be at the cutting edge of mobile communication technology,” says Civil Engineer James Bulleid, who is heading the mobilisation team for a Welsh contract that will utilise the new system.

“This innovative system will combine back-end systems to present workers with vital information in the field. We have an enthusiastic team, who will be using this project as an opportunity to invent new solutions and push the boundaries of mobile applications. This will further increase efficiency and improve safety, both of which are key components of Costain’s end-to-end solutions.”

According to Civil Engineer Matt Procter, who is supporting the project:  “It will streamline work processes for Costain, optimising the end-service offered to customers.  There are a range of applications and benefits. For example, an app within the system offers configurable electronic documentation that can be deployed to devices in the field. 

“Any site paperwork, such as risk assessments, method statements and safety briefings can be brought to life on site via a tablet interface and linked to Costain’s back-end systems. The beauty of this solution is that it can all be done in a live context. The vision is that Costain can make more business practices electronic.”

Costain’s Group Innovation and Knowledge Manager, Tim Embley, sees further advantages: “It will allow us to deploy our workforce more efficiently across customers’ assets and collect data in real time. We will be able to achieve more with less.  This project demonstrates how Costain is investing in the latest technology and innovation in collaboration with the customer to bring commercial value to contracts and improve frontline services.” 

MobiCloud is also an online technology marketplace where end-users, mobile developers, app vendors, system integrators and cloud service providers can collaborate to develop solutions for the construction industry.

Subcontractors and customers of Costain are encouraged to join the MobiCloud early adopter program by contacting [email protected] 

Ends