Innovative ICT makes the difference at Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service

4PS MAGAZINETHE MAGAZINE WITH NEWS ABOUT MICROSOFT DYNAMICS NAV 4PS CONSTRUCT, INTEGRATED SOFTWARE FOR THE CONSTRUCTION, CIVIL ENGINEERING AND INSTALLATION INDUSTRY

APRIL 2016

IndexIntroduction

4PS and BIM: We Have Bridged a Gap! New functionality in 4PS Construct gives access to BIM object 4

André de Keijzer, Director Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service:

‘‘The Difference is Made at the Front-End’’8

Perform Your Recording Process More Quickly with the Void Management App14

4PS Welcomes New Customers 7

Innovating with Customers 12

4PS MAGAZINE COLOPHONThis magazine informs you about the developments regarding to ICT and ERP, our 4PS Construct

solution and complementary solutions of our partners. Intended for the Installation, Service &

Maintenance, Civil Engineering and Construction Industry.

Final editing: 4PS – Editorial Text: Pieter van Kesteren – Production & Design: Meurs Grafische Vormgeving Photography: Paulien Varkevisser – Print: BDU print

Shortly before this first edition of 2016 went to press, we heard that BAM International had opted for further optimising its working method by using 4PS Construct. This is wonderful news for several reasons. One reason is that this means our efforts with respect to Asia have taken shape, which is of great strategic importance for 4PS.

Player at a National and a Global LevelIn Europe we are active in ten countries. After we had explored the Americas, we also bent our steps towards Africa. But there is more: we also want to get to know the market in Asia and Australia. We will start in Singapore, Indonesia and Australia, but we will not skip China. 4PS is increasingly becoming an international player in the global Construction and Installation market, a fact we are very proud of. Of course there are several Dutch successes to report, which you can read about in this magazine: Dutch companies that have decided to work with 4PS, and some fine examples of new implementations, including some valued customers who have moved on to a higher version.

Innovative CharacterWe continue to feel strongly about innovation. Collaboration with our customers in this field is excellent, especially as this collabora- tion is decidedly pragmatic by nature. After all, our customers have made a big contribution as drivers of innovation. In this magazine some striking examples are provided, like the Long-Term Maintenan-ce Plan and Power BI – in collaboration with our technology partner Microsoft. In addition, BIM Bridge, the apple of our eye, receives ample attention. And with good reason. We are one of the few who have succeeded in linking the back office functionality of 4PS Con-struct to BIM, thus managing to bring two individual worlds together.

At this stage, it is too early to fathom the future importance of BIM for your business, but I am glad I can tell you we are ready!

Wim Jansen,General Manager 4PS International

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4PS and BIM: We Have Bridged a Gap!New functionality in 4PS Construct gives access to BIM object data

In the past few years, BIM applications have boomed in the construc-tion, installation technology and civil engineering sectors. BIM is used in the engineering and design process, with chain partners collabora-ting. The use of BIM in the realisation and management phases of a project – the project phases for which our ICT solutions are developed specifically – is increasing. Not surprisingly, 4PS has received more and more requests for integration between BIM and 4PS Construct. We responded immediately and are now proud to inform you that we have managed to meet these integration requests.

A lot of BIM data in various applicationsThe chain partners involved in realising a project mostly work with specialised BIM applications, such as architecture, enginee-ring for electricity and water installations, steel constructions or construction calculations. Each application has its own data silo. As it is impossible to collect all data into a single BIM model or server, we have opted for bridging the gap between our ap-plications and other applications to allow for optimum access to 4PS Construct data, using open BIM standards such as IFC and BCF. In this way, data silos of various BIM parties can be accessed and exchanged. See www.buildingsmart.org for more information. This international organisation has a department in the Benelux.

The Bridge: Integration 4PS Construct and BIMWe have included functionality in Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS Construct for the creation of BIM models. One or multiple IFC files (BIM models) can be linked to a BIM model, in various ver-sions if necessary. 4PS Construct can read the BIM model (IFC file) and show it to the user via a model viewer and browser. The user can filter objects from the BIM model by specific features,

for example all outside doors or radiators included in the model. The user can select these objects and have them crea-ted in 4PS Construct. In the 3D model displayed in the viewer, users can click objects, so that the gap between a BIM model and the respective objects is bridged where necessary.

Retrieving 4PS Construct DataOnce the gap has been bridged, the user can retrieve any object-related data in 4PS Construct, such as the object supplier, the purchase order of the object, or the object delivery date. Information from the management process can be retrieved as well, such as the latest or next maintenance date, or the failure history of an object. Both the logistical processes for the construction process under way and the maintenance processes can be supported during the management phase.

Version ManagementA BIM model will change many times, particularly during the realisation process. For this reason, multiple versions of an IFC model can be linked to a BIM model in 4PS Construct. In 4PS Construct, it is indicated which objects have been cancelled or changed.

André Overeem, 4PS Partner

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Graphical Representation Integration 4PS Construct and BIM

Notes on diagram:In the NAV database, a BIM model is created which can be related to multiple IFC-BIM models with several versions. On NAV screens in the NAV client, the user can see the BIM model in a BIM viewer and browser. The gap between BIM and 4PS Construct is bridged by means of BIM objects created in NAV. 4PS Construct will also update the IFC file with specific 4PS Construct data. IFC enables all BIM partners to add their own defined data. We add the object reference and the hyperlink of 4PS Construct to the IFC file, bridging the gap between 4PS Construct to BIM from the 4PS Construct side.If an IFC file including 4PS data is given to another BIM partner, it can be opened with any BIM tool. The 4PS reference is visible. When the hyperlink is clicked, all relevant information will be displayed via the Web Client of 4PS Construct. This is

4PS Welcomes New Customers

BAM InternationalAs stated in the preface, BAM International has opted for the software of Microsoft and 4PS. This operating company of the Royal BAM Group is responsible for the tendering activities of BAM Group outside Europe. The investment in company-wide software takes BAM to a higher level of integral project management, a distinguishing factor. With Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS Construct and 4PS Portals, 4PS provides the perfect solution for the world-wide operation of BAM International. The implementation of 4PS Construct will start under the flag of 4PS International.

Wesotronic and RocateqWesotronic and Rocateq, both active in the installation sector, have recently decided to work with the software solutions of Microsoft and 4PS. Both companies will implement 4PS Mobile and 4PS Planning in addition to Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS

Construct. They will experience how our digital field service application contributes to making their work more efficient and to improving their customer experience

Van DillenWith the addition of construction company Van Dillen, our customer database has gained almost 300 years of construction experience. Since 1724, Van Dillen has focused specifically on providing innovative and sustainable solutions for renovation and new buildings. Van Dillen will be working with Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS Construct.

Brands Bouwgroep and OranjeRight before the turn of the year, Brands Bouwgroep and Rotterdam demolition company Oranje definitively opted for collaboration with 4PS. At both companies, the current ERP system is replaced by Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS Construct. Brands Bouwgroep is one of the major contractors in the Northern Netherlands region. Oranje is active in the field of sustainable demolition of all kinds of buildings, installations and infrastructural objects. Additionally, the company specialises in asbestos remediation, sustainable recycling and preparing sites for construction and living. .

We wish all new customers a lot of luck with the implementation, and we look forward to a partnership in the long run!

This year, several leading project companies have signed a collaboration agreement with 4PS and Microsoft – companies that concluded that the standard software of 4PS and Microsoft came out best in their search for more efficiency and innovation. The right knowledge, a fair amount of experience and a personal click appear to be the decisive factors, something we are proud of at 4PS.

NAV ClientBIM viewer

NAV WEBClient

IFC File

IFC File NAV database

Webservices

Other BIMapplicaties

For example:✔ Subcontractor of the object✔ Supply date of the object ✔ Next maintenance of the object

Internet

possible from any device that is online and equipped with a browser. 4PS Construct has a set of web services for retrieving supplementary object information from a BIM model from any location whatsoever, for example ‘supplier object’, ‘delivery date object’ and ‘next maintenance object’.

Strategic DevelopmentDevelopments for the benefit of BIM integration are very strategic for 4PS – and this is only the beginning. The use of BIM information during the realisation and management process is a new phenomenon for many of our customers and may require changes in ways of thinking and processes. The same applies to 4PS. As always, collaboration with our customers is crucial.

Written by André Overeem, Partner bij 4PS

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‘The Difference Is Made at the Front-End’

André de Keijzer, Director Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service:

Dura Vermeer has called in Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service, a new service company that has been operational since 1 January 2016, for its service and void management. The processes have been newly set up with Microsoft Dynamics NAV 4PS Construct, with a key role for the Service and Maintenance solution. Director André de Keijzer explains the ambition underlying the creation of this new business unit and how the company-wide 4PS software provides proper control and support.

André de Keijzer previously worked at Ymere, the largest housing corporation in the Netherlands, where he was responsible for merging various smaller service units into a single large service company. This new challenge is comparable: ‘The idea is that our service company, which has national coverage and an innovative automation system, can render optimum advice to our customers on the state and value of their property and thus reduce their maintenance costs sustainably. We position ourselves as a party for professional property managers all across the Netherlands, but we initially focus on the housing corporation market in the Randstad.’

Standard Is a Strategic ChoiceWhen André joined the company in April 2015, a choice in principle for 4PS and Microsoft had already been made after an extensive selection procedure: ‘I whole-heartedly agreed. I particularly liked the combination of service and void management on the one hand and the renovation company, where they are also in the process of making the transition to 4PS, on the other hand. When you use the same system, it is easy to make all kinds of cross-connections as well.’ He considers standardisation a major benefit of the 4PS strategy: ‘At Dura Vermeer, a lot of automation took place in house. This was in line with our tailor-made approach, but it also required huge investments in terms of time and money to keep up with all developments, which is impossible in the long run. From now on, we opt for standard; it is a strategic choice. Additionally, with the Microsoft platform on which 4PS Construct and the other applications run, continuity is guaranteed.’

Working TogetherAn inherent aspect of standardisation is that it never fully overlaps the working method adopted by individual parties: ‘It sometimes compels you to adjust your processes. On the other hand, if major customers think that certain adjustments are needed, 4PS is prepared to listen and act accordingly. For instance, we want to work with a decision hierarchy that is rather more extensive than the one used in the Service and Maintenance solution. For us it is essential that we can send our engineers to our customers with the clearest assignment possible. We have provided the decision hierarchy, and they have integrated it with the solution. It is marvellous that we can go the process together – it is a real win-win partnership.

Open mindThe implementation took almost half a year: ‘This was quite a challenge, for you are trying to get information from an organisation that is still developing. Our core users had to anticipate a working method they had little insight into at the time. Meanwhile, their day-to-day operations had to continue as planned. I think they have all done this very well and with an open mind. Quite frankly, they have become the ambassadors of the product. The collaboration with 4PS was excellent, partly due to calling in an external project manager. The go-live date of 1 January 2016 was met without any big problems. We did have to set up some less relevant parts later on, however, but that is quite normal with this kind of project. Our organisation, too, has been very cooperative; on the whole, they were definitely open-minded.’

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Getting Started on the Front-EndWith the effective deployment of 4PS Construct, mobile solutions and portals, the new service company has to succeed in considerably improving the information to the customers and the communication with them: ‘We want to be able to follow the workflows closely, without any receipts or other data getting lost. We also want to be able to provide continuous and reliable feedback on what we do and comply with our obligations. In the past, we worked hard on the back-end of our processes. Now we are shifting our focus to the front-end. This is where the difference is made, so we will have to spend a lot of energy on the process.’

Competitive Advantage at Data LevelThe priority is currently on setting up an automation system that supports the processes. This is only a first step: ‘In the next step, we have to link our system and the client’s system technically, since we want to be able to support them on the basis of the information provided, in a way that we can make the difference. With the investments we make we will never be able to compete with local contractors on prices. Our advantage will be at the level of data. On the basis of our data, we can perform maintenance per complex and do so more efficiently as a result.

The office building of Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service in Houten

Corrective will increasingly become preventive maintenance, which will lead to lower costs. This data also ensures that we can inform our clients specifically about maintenance, information they could use when preparing budgets for the next few years. This is added value a local party cannot provide either.’

Added ValueA preventive, complex-based approach has another major benefit in a more idealistic sense: ‘Our engineers can enter any premises. They can identify issues that have nothing to do with maintenance: a filthy home, an elderly individual who is confused or neglects himself. Our engineers already have an opportunity to enter this information in a specific field. They do not use it themselves, but in this way the housing corporation receives information it would otherwise receive much later if at all. This is not our primary task, but it does give our work some important added social value – added value that is in line with a changing and wider view of relieving the client of any non-core activities.’

Theo Merlijn is one of forty service engineers of the new service company. What does he think of 4PS Mobile, the mobile application they have started using in the field? ‘I had always worked with another system, so it took some getting used to in the beginning. Now I can manage perfectly well. It is very user-friendly. You can also add photographs and other documents to the digital worksheet. In this way you get a better picture of what needs to be done and what material you need. The better the failure description, the more efficiently we can do our job. Once the digital list of materials has been completed, our job will be even faster: we will only need to click an item to enter it into the system – data, price and all. I also like the fact that I can enter things I notice during my visit – a home that has become very dirty, for instance – so that the housing corporation can take action.’

‘This application helps me doing my job’

Theo Merlijn, Service Engineer at Dura Vermeer Vastgoed Service

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Innovating with CustomersAt 4PS, we attach great value to innovation. Every 4PS employee is committed to modernisation in projects, processes and products. After all, innovation is of major importance if we want to give our customers optimum support in their (service) projects.

In mid January, several 4PS employees met with a group of 4PS Ambassadors, consisting of customers who were readily prepared to think along in innovation projects of 4PS. In this case, the meeting was specifically focused on the Long-Term Maintenance Plan.

Printed process and discussion images had been hung on the meeting room walls to help clarify the innovation project. After a discussion about the actual meaning of the Long-Term Maintenance Plan, René Koch explained the

images. Creative ideas were suggested, written on post-it notes, and then stuck onto the brown paper. After a delicious lunch, these ideas were discussed in detail in the so-called brown paper session: what is actually possible? After this intensive session, it was finally time for the closing sneak preview, at which the developments in NAV already applied were shown. All in all, it was a very useful day. Meanwhile, we have started translating the input into our software and services. To be continued!

Inspiring brainstorming session with 4PS Ambassadors

The Sublime Combination of Powerful Software and Power BI

Microsoft offers you and us many possibilities for setting up our business processes better and more efficiently. Microsoft Power BI is one of the newest Microsoft products: a set of online services and functions you can use to visualise your data. In a most accessible way, you can visualise unstructured data from 4PS Construct

graphically, for instance. With only a few mouse clicks you can generate great dashboards and reports that enhance your grip on your projects and service projects. Next, you can share these dashboards with any person you want via Office 365.

Focus on Civil Engineering

With Microsoft Dynamics NAV, 4PS provides company-wide software that helps civil engineering companies get a grip on projects and integrated contract forms. Now that Sales Manager Marcel van Noord has joined us, we

will concentrate more specifically in the next few years on the civil engineering section of the construction industry. A successful sector seminar took place on 16 March.

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Perform Your Recording Process More Quickly with the Void Management App

In the application, the site manager’s or project manager’s inspection tasks concerning recordings can be performed mobile on the basis of the price book. The price book is a list of standard tasks linked to unit prices per item, m², accommodation unit etc. It is a very efficient, time-saving option that reduces the risk of mistakes.

Creating Change LinessThe change lines can be distributed over different spaces in a building and the various sections in these spaces. Comments and attachments, such as photographs for the purpose of illustration, can be added. This additional information can have added value for the recipient, as it

provides some additional input for the further approach: the data is synchronised with 4PS Construct, bringing the proper individual up to date with specific information that is required for solving a problem.

The Main Benefits1. Prevention of double activities;2. Instant synchronisation with 4PS Construct;3. Possibility of adding data at the location;4. Easy addition of photographs, attachments and

comments;5. Your engineer can work faster with the correct

information.

We agree that a time-consuming, labour-intensive job like the recording process could do with some simplification. This is why we developed the Void Management App. This application simplifies the recording process and ensures that it can be performed faster.

The major benefits:• More efficient process throughput;• Faster invoicing;• All data up to date.

Integration: Distinguishing Factor of 4PSThe Void Management App is in line with the integration within all 4PS products, which is the distinguishing factor of 4PS. This app is a professional application you can use to enter all the data in 4PS Construct directly from the location. The application will synchronise automatically with 4PS Construct.

A Suitable Solution at Every StageUnder the term ‘inspection tasks’, three stages are distinguished in the recording process: the pre-recording, the recording, and the product recording. The Void Management App provides a suitable solution at every stage.

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