SES Engineering Services on the shortlist for Best BIM Contractor of the year

SES Engineering Services (SES) has been at the forefront of digital engineering for more than 15 years, incorporating 3D modelling into projects and embedding data into models since 2010. The firm was the first mechanical, electrical and plumbing contractor (MEP) to achieve BRE BIM Level 2 Business Certification in 2016, and has continued to improve its impressive track record for innovation.

Tech evolution

SES uses clash detection, 3D modelling, Common Data Environment, its BIM2Map system, and collaborative working on all projects – no matter their size or complexity – to ensure digital engineering is built into their foundations.

Last year also saw the firm test the application of VR and AR to demonstrate the spatial fit of building services and allow an immersive experience of the end product from the earliest design stages.

These trials received highly positive feedback from our client, who is a pharmaceutical giant, where SES is currently supporting the delivery of a £94m expansion to its site in County Durham. This project is using extensive 3D BIM models and clash detecting to assist offsite prefabricated construction of M&E components, ensuring they are built to be a perfect fit, on time and on budget.

During 2018, SES also trialled a number of ongoing pilot projects into site-based field tools –BIM 360, Viewpoint and Dalux, and the firm plans to roll out these tools across all projects in 2019.

Industry leaders

SES works hard to ensure industry standards are upheld and during 2018, the firm successfully renewed its BIM Level 2 accreditation and began a BIM-team specific Construction Operations Building Information Exchange (COBie) training programme. It also expanded its apprenticeship programme to hire two of its very first digital engineering-specific apprentices, who will become fully trained in BIM and its application across a range of projects.

One of the biggest hurdles for the construction industry to overcome is that the MEP design community is yet to see the business efficiency benefits enabled by digital engineering. SES continues to use BIM to innovate and reduce costs for both itself and its clients and encourages all of its employees to share best practice initiatives with the wider construction industry – outlining both successes and failures – to promote digital engineering even further.

Its BIM team representatives regularly take part in industry events discussing topics including ISO:19650 and the effects this will have on BIM in the UK. Details of its approach to digital engineering are also included in all relevant external communications. This included a detailed feature from engineering services director, Paul Newby, on driving a digital culture in construction, named in Construction News’ top five most read articles of 2018.

SES has also been instrumental in supporting its supply chain to ensure only the highest quality BIM outputs are associated with our brand, regardless of origin. This incorporates working collaboratively with suppliers, holding workshops and CPD events as well as organising site visits to share knowledge, content and experiences.

The future is digital

SES has continued to drive understanding and innovation within BIM throughout 2018. With the full backing of its strategy board, BIM and digital construction techniques are integral to all of SES’ projects. With the foundations in place, the team works diligently to improve its systems, procedures and operations even further, to embrace as many new time and cost efficiencies as possible.

SES’ commitment to BIM and digital engineering has ensured it is highly respected within both the BIM community and the wider industry, and the firm would be a deserving winner of the BIM Awards 2019 – Contractor of the Year.