Nachrichten und Einblicke
Commissioning at Mercury – Digital transformation and powerful partnerships
“Nobody uses a digital commissioning system the way Mercury does. This, as well as our partnership approach with clients and people is our unique selling point”, Group Head of Commissioning, Thomas White.
As the construction industry has evolved over the past 20 years, so too have the complexity of projects and the needs of the client. With these changes, come new demands and the Commissioning function of the business plays an integral part in managing these demands and successful outcomes throughout the lifecycle of a project.
Commissioning is essentially the process of assurance for delivering correctly performing buildings. Synergising with other group support functions, such as our Safety, Quality, Planning, Data Analytics, and Digital Transformation functions, this is a critically important function for operational consistency within all of our processes throughout the construction and turnover phases.
Thomas explains that things have changed a lot within the data centre sector in recent years that present new challenges and risks that Mercury are well positioned to mitigate and overcome.
Having been at Mercury for over 20 years, I’ve seen the construction industry change. With change, I also see a lot of opportunity to improve processes and be an industry frontrunner. I’m excited to be in this dedicated role which supports Mercury’s strategic deliverables and our people and projects as the data centre sector continues to grow.
Mercury’s digital evolution
As part of our move to become more digitally sophisticated and to support our clients’ requests for standardisation and transparency within Commissioning, Thomas’ role as Group Head of Commissioning was created. “Having been at Mercury for over 20 years, I’ve seen the construction industry change. With change, I also see a lot of opportunity to improve processes and be an industry frontrunner. I’m excited to be in this dedicated role which supports Mercury’s strategic deliverables and our people and projects as the data centre sector continues to grow.”
The Commissioning function has evolved under Thomas’ leadership to deliver consistency using a three-pronged approach, starting with the Mercury Commissioning Playbook – a suite of workflows, processes, and procedures which has been rolled out to project teams. The development of this digitally controlled tool encompassing Critical Path Programme and Risk Register laid the foundation for the Commissioning Digital Environment (CxDE).
Addressing an increasing need for digital maturity, operational consistency, and a need to improve predictability within the Commissioning Process, Mercury developed the Commissioning Digital Environment (CxDE) specifically for our four data centre divisions. The Mercury CxDE is a digital platform that enhances our team’s ability to plan, execute, and measure all commissioning deliverables on data centre projects.
The power of collaboration and building trust
CxDE is helping us redefine industry standards. A one-stop shop for project teams, critical data is readily accessible and enables more efficient decision-making and coordination. Additionally, Mercury has modified this enterprise suite to be client specific
At the forefront of the Mercury CxDE design is user experience, collaboration, and transparency, ensuring data centre projects achieve consistency in commissioning and greater predictability on key milestones. The CxDE incorporates our client technical requirements at each stage of the Commissioning process, allowing project installations to meet specified performance requirements.
Built on Autodesk BIM360, this bespoke operational system connects directly with the projects Common Data Environment and integrates all construction-related deliverables, information, timelines, specifications, and checklists into a single, streamlined platform. It allows the general contractor, client, commissioning, and design team members to measure and manage the process more productively.
“CxDE is helping us redefine industry standards. A one-stop shop for project teams, critical data is readily accessible and enables more efficient decision-making and coordination. Additionally, Mercury has modified this enterprise suite to be client specific.”, says Thomas
Serving as a data connector, project teams can access real-time insights and performance measurement relative to Commissioning activities via a bespoke Power BI Report developed by Group Commissioning. Several infographics are contained within the Power BI Commissioning reports that measure planned vs. actual status, allowing the project team to make informed decisions and ensure that the process remains in control.
Asset tags, issues, and checklists are tracked against baseline dates set out within the programme. The report allows management to understand program and project level insights from the client and promotes process improvement. Mercury provides our clients access to this report for greater alignment and transparency than ever before.
Delivering consistency and excellence throughout Europe
The client has full visibility and can clearly see the project progression, reinforcing our emphasis on building trust. It has been well received from both project team members and client teams alike. I’m proud to be part of this change and excited to be supporting our vision for the future.
“There’s a uniformity, meaning that while we are completing projects in different locations, the same systems and steps apply. Fostering positive relationships with the client is paramount for Mercury and the CxDE ensures transparency and trust. A client knows what to expect in terms of service and can rely on us to always deliver.”
Elaborating on the benefits, Thomas says, “The client has full visibility and can clearly see the project progression, reinforcing our emphasis on building trust. It has been well received from both project team members and client teams alike. I’m proud to be part of this change and excited to be supporting our vision for the future.”
At Mercury, we are leading the charge in Modern Methods of Construction, by increasing the digitalisation of our processes across project delivery. Creating a dedicated role to oversee this digital transformation was a natural step for us as the data centre sector continues to develop at a rapid pace. Our forward thinking in the adoption of new and innovative technologies, leveraging of cross-functional expertise, and emphasis on collaboration demonstrate our commitment to the future of construction solutions and to our valued clients.
ABOUT MERCURY
Mercury is the European leader in construction solutions. We build and manage complex engineering & construction projects for the world’s leading corporations. Our solutions help deliver technologies that connect people, communities, and businesses, giving them the power to achieve incredible things. Our people have the courage to be innovative. Their determination and sharp focus enable us to deliver with certainty, time and time again.
Follow us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and Instagram.
