CASE STUDIES _ Digitisation in Wates' Kitchen Refurbishment Programme


Overview
The Wates’ kitchen refurbishment programme for Citizen Housing in Coventry encompasses the design and installation of 10,000 kitchens. Historically, the process involved third-party kitchen designers (Moores) and Wates’ employees visiting each property for surveys. However, this approach posed significant challenges due to limited property access and lengthy survey times, with only 4-5 properties being surveyed per day. The introduction of the Advanced Integrated Modelling (AIM) system has revolutionised the process, offering remarkable efficiencies and benefits for all stakeholders.
Challenges with the Traditional Process
- Access Limitations: Limited access to properties slowed the surveying process, resulting in inefficiencies.
- Lengthy Surveys: Each survey required approximately 60 minutes to complete, allowing only a small number of properties to be surveyed daily.
- Multiple Visits: The need for repeat visits to validate designs increased time and costs.
- Inefficient Design Process: Designers faced challenges obtaining accurate dimensional data, prolonging the design phase and adding additional travel time.
The AIM Solution
By leveraging AIM technology, Wates’ transformed the surveying and design process. AIM enables properties to be surveyed quickly and accurately by a single individual onsite, unlocking the potential for remote kitchen design.
Key Improvements
- Faster Surveys: Surveys now take approximately 15 minutes per property, enabling over 10 properties to be surveyed daily.
- Reduced Onsite Personnel: The process requires only one individual onsite, significantly reducing labour requirements.
- Remote Design Capability: Kitchen designers at Moores can easily design remotely using the digital models provided by AIM. These models include precise dimensional data, eliminating the need for additional site visits.
- Pre-Installation Validation: AIM facilitates the validation of kitchen designs prior to installation, ensuring a smooth and efficient process while mitigating potential issues.
- Scalability: The streamlined approach offers a scalable solution, allowing for increased output and reduced costs across the programme.
Additional Value for the End Client
The benefits of AIM extend beyond the immediate project:
- Long-Term Asset Management: Digital models provide Citizen Housing with an accurate and comprehensive record of their kitchen stock, aiding future asset management.
- Future Surveying Cost Reduction: The availability of digital models eliminates the need for future physical surveys, driving down long-term costs.
- Data-Driven Decision Making: The accurate data captured in the digital models supports informed decision-making for future tenders and refurbishments.
Outcomes
- Time Savings: Surveys are now completed in a fraction of the time, significantly accelerating the programme timeline.
- Cost Reduction: Reduced onsite time, fewer personnel requirements, and remote design capabilities contribute to substantial cost savings.
- Increased Efficiency: The seamless integration of AIM with Moores’ design process ensures efficient design workflows and minimises errors.
- Improved Scalability: The programme can now handle a higher volume of properties daily, enhancing overall productivity.
Conclusion
The integration of AIM in Wates’ kitchen refurbishment programme has transformed the process for Citizen Housing in Coventry. By reducing onsite time, enabling remote design, and providing long-term value through digital models, AIM has delivered a scalable, cost-effective, and efficient solution. This innovative approach exemplifies the potential of technology to revolutionise large-scale housing projects, benefitting contractors, designers, and end clients alike.