Site Management Service Aware of All Construction Processes

A construction site manager for operational matters has a central role at the construction site.

All the information on what happens at the construction site is received by the site management department. Later, the data are accumulated into a single operational report for the general director of the facility.

Viktor Valerievich Rastorgov, Lead Expert of the Site Management Department, STG Zapad LLC:

"The basis for the Site Management Department’s operations is the production schedule approved at initial construction phases. According to it, we record if we are ahead or behind in terms of the works progress, plan further works, and, if necessary, develop compensatory activities if there are any delays. The Site Management Department is responsible for all processes at the construction site and, when planning, it requires us to take into account all the details, including the need for certain works contracting, considerations as to the timing of production and delivery of materials and equipment, expertise of the personnel involved, features of the place of work, etc. Our expertise helps to monitor and use this flow of information, it is necessary to understand all the processes “from the inside”, to know the regulatory framework, regulations and be able to manage the communications of various project parties."

The main responsibilities of the Site Management Service:

• Participation in the review of weekly and daily construction and installation schedules, supply of materials, provision of equipment and vehicles;

• Monitoring the compliance with these schedules by all construction and installation companies and other contractors;

• Operational management of the construction & installation works, their coordination, addressing current issues, communicating the management’s operational decisions to responsible employees;

• Recording, receipt and processing of information on the progress of weekly and daily jobs;

• Preparation of job completion reports to the management.

In other words, the Site Management Service is the eyes and ears of the construction site.

Maria Medinskaya, Lead Site Manager, ARGO JSC.

"The most important things in our work are attention, efficiency, knowledge of the work process and understanding of the data received from the reports. The facility is large and works are performed at four sites at the same time, so we collect much information collected for daily and weekly reports. Ability to analyse, attention to detail and quick response ensures the fast and reliable data collection by the management, draws a complete picture in terms of the efficient performance of construction and installation works at the facility. All this allows us to evaluate the "plan vs. actual" indicators in the context of the day, week, month, the current progress of works, the expected completion, the implementation of the monthly production schedule and the schedule of works for the entire facility construction period, the need to engage additional labour resources, forecast of key events and possible risks occurrence, and operational decision-making."

But one cannot have all information at the desktop. So, the Site Management Service employees can often be seen at the construction sites.

Sergey Mikhailovich Glukharev, Expert of the Site Management Department, STG Zapad LLC:

“To be up to date with all events, you need the ongoing personal monitoring. The Site Management Service employees regularly inspect the construction site and peek into all its corners, even the most remote. Walking 15,000-20,000 steps a day is a common thing.”

According to the department employees, the best and most important performance indicator of the department's work is the timely completion of all planned works. In this case, it is very important not to make mistakes at the planning stage, not to overestimate the capabilities of line managers and not to set a low bar. For this purpose, there are time standards for all types of construction and installation works approved by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Utilities of the Russian Federation.

Sergey Mikhailovich Glukharev, Expert of the Site Management Department, STG Zapad LLC:

"We are like a car’s software. We manage all information and if any device is damaged, the "CHECK" sign lights up. Similarly, the Site Management Service acting as an alarm shall proactively detect the fault, report it to the management and take this into account when planning further works."

As recommended by the General Director of Stroytransgaz Vladimir Aleksandrovich Lavlentsev, a so-called "tactical room" was equipped and set up in Kaliningrad to timely monitor the progress of work. Here you can find the most relevant information on the progress of construction, including graphs, figures, diagrams, photo reports, each facility has a top management owner at the construction site. The main purpose of the "tactical room" is to promptly resolve all issues that impede the works, where all responsible persons participate in their solution. In addition, it demonstrates the real picture of the construction progress.

The Site Management Department always operates closely with other services and departments. Team work and due care of each function is a key to success. The employees of the department have valuable job experience behind them, expertise in different areas of the construction site.

Viktor Valerievich Rastorgov, Lead Expert of the Site Management Department, STG Zapad LLC:

“I have worked at the construction supervision service of the general contractor and supervised civil construction processes. My career started at the design and engineering department. I always try to expand my capabilities. Today, the functions of my department include planning of construction works; my previous experience has been required here, including the understanding of processes, deadlines, regulations, etc. This position allows me to use all my knowledge, skills, and abilities."

Sergey Mikhailovich Glukharev, Expert of the Site Management Department, STG Zapad LLC:

"This is my third decade on the construction site. I have worked in the site management service for two years. Before that I worked in the field for twenty years. I started as a foreman and made it to the position of a lead engineer. And I know all construction processes inside out."

Desire to share experience, introduce new approaches to work, learn from colleagues and interact actively, these are the principles shared by the employees of the Site Management Department.