Should Technical Handover Still be an Issue?

How often does a proposed highways upgrade or maintenance project have to start with a detailed survey, just to find out exactly what’s there and how it has been put together?

How often do these proposed maintenance projects instigate a paper chase to locate information about any installed equipment or services, only to find there isn’t much that is specific or in a usable format?

It’s fair to say that the technical handover of assets hasn’t always been given the priority it deserves. As a result of shortcuts or lack of attention to detail the handover process can be delayed and store up problems and greater expense for the future.

Perhaps in the past, where the industry relied on paper documentation and manual processes, there were excuses. These no longer apply.

With the tools available to modern infrastructure engineers and contractors there’s no real reason why a detailed and efficient technical handover shouldn’t happen every time.

What’s Needed to Make it Work?

For technical handover to happen efficiently and simplify future maintenance several factors have to be in place:

• There needs to be a common environment for sharing information. This must use collaborative tools and cloud storage so everyone has the same version of the truth, not just the one stored on their PC or data stick.
• Early engagement of all partners and suppliers must ensure there is clarity about the information expected and a consistency of approach.
• Customers need to establish consistent data formats and requirements and publish specifications to be followed by all partners. There must be clear expectations and understandings over future maintenance standards and needs.
• There must be effective coordination with all partners and the supply chain to ensure consistency.
• BIM tools need to be used universally and consistently to collate and organise asset data.
• Collation of handover data including as-built data, health and safety files and maintenance information needs to be planned from project initiation.

The technical handover is a critical piece of the puzzle that will deliver superior value from infrastructure investment. There’s no reason why it shouldn’t be a routine feature of project delivery.