Industry partnership promises streamlined construction excellence thanks to technology
Interviewed by Tony Korsten
Written by Claire Cole
In an era where technology is revolutionising industries, the construction sector has certainly not been left behind.
In conversation with Warrick Harvey and Jacques Erasmus
Increasingly,digital tools are transforming the way projects
are designed, managed and delivered. In this interview, we look at the successful partnership between Abcon Developments and Modena AEC & Infrastructure, showcasing how Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) software is driving greater efficiency in Abcon’s construction projects. The collaboration serves as a prime example of how adopting the right technology can enhance project delivery, reduce administrative burdens and improve
workflow coordination. In previous explorations, we have examined how technology is
influencing building design and property management. Now, we turn our attention to how Autodesk’s suite of tools, distributed in South Africa by Modena, is optimising the management and delivery of construction projects. With the implementation of ACC across various projects, Abcon Developments is realising tangible benefits in project oversight, design development, administrative efficiency, and stakeholder collaboration.
King Shaka Mall, Ballito
Since his appointment, Jacques has spearheaded the drive towards integrating technology into the company’s operations.
A future developed
At the helm of this digital transformation is Jacques Erasmus, Head of Projects
at Abcon Developments. Since his appointment, Jacques has spearheaded the drive towards integrating technology into the company’s operations. “Our slogan at Abcon Developments is ‘A future developed,’” Jacques explains. “As Head of Projects, I’ve taken this to heart, not just in terms of building our team but also in how we manage our processes and adopt
technologies that streamline our work.” He comments that the construction industry has been steeped in manual processes and paper-based workflows which often resulted in communication breakdowns, design mis-coordination and reactive decision making. This reliance on physical documents led to heavy administrative requirements, with professional teams dedicating much of their time to repetitive tasks. Jacques estimates that 30 to 40% of time has generally been lost to administration in the past. “There has to be a better way,” he continues. “Consequently, our aim has been to reduce admin time and allow our
team to focus on their core functions. We identified Autodesk Construction Cloud (ACC) as the software with the potential to help us achieve this.” Abcon sought to unlock value throughout the inception, design, viability, planning, documentation and procurement stages of the construction journey.
Streamlining project coordination
The benefits of ACC were immediately apparent during the new Sandton Gate development. This massive project, which involves the construction of 10,000m² of commercial office space and an expansive 12,000m² of retail space in this phase, is set to be completed by the end of 2025.
Located in Johannesburg North’s busy heart, Sandton Gate is designed to elevate the urban living and working experience, integrating commercial, residential and retail spaces seamlessly. The precinct fosters a lifestyle that blends convenience, sustainability and innovation, with easy access to major business nodes like Sandton CBD, Rosebank and Bryanston.
Developed in collaboration with Tiber and Abcon Developments, Sandton Gate’s green initiatives and interconnected design embrace its natural surroundings, notably along the revitalised Braamfontein Spruit. Using Autodesk Construction Cloud, the team achieved 22,000m² of design development and coordination, technical and design reviews – all carefully staged and scoped by Abcon – within a remarkable three months.
The ACC technology has also played a central role in project management, with Abcon structuring its team to maximise efficiency. A digital project manager oversees the workflow, using ACC to centralise information, manage collaboration, and ensure that building information modelling (BIM) protocols are followed. This role, effectively a digital coordinator, ensures smooth collaboration between internal teams and external professionals, which is critical to project success.
Located in Johannesburg North’s busy heart, Sandton Gate is designed to elevate the urban living and working experience, integrating commercial, residential and retail spaces seamlessly. The precinct fosters a lifestyle that blends convenience, sustainability and innovation, with easy access to major business nodes like Sandton CBD, Rosebank and Bryanston.
Developed in collaboration with Tiber and Abcon Developments, Sandton Gate’s green initiatives and interconnected design embrace its natural surroundings, notably along the revitalised Braamfontein Spruit. Using Autodesk Construction Cloud, the team achieved 22,000m² of design development and coordination, technical and design reviews – all carefully staged and scoped by Abcon – within a remarkable three months.
The ACC technology has also played a central role in project management, with Abcon structuring its team to maximise efficiency. A digital project manager oversees the workflow, using ACC to centralise information, manage collaboration, and ensure that building information modelling (BIM) protocols are followed. This role, effectively a digital coordinator, ensures smooth collaboration between internal teams and external professionals, which is critical to project success.
A digital project manager oversees the workflow,
using ACC to centralise information, manage
collaboration, and ensure that building information
modelling (BIM) protocols are followed.
From Modena’s perspective, the efficiency gains are clear. Warrick Harvey, Business Development Manager at Modena, highlights that ACC’s built-in tools, such as Build, have been designed specifically for construction companies to manage on-site work. These tools allow for the streamlined management of everything from RFIs (requests for information) to issue and asset management. “With ACC, Jacques and his team have full oversight of the entire project, and are able to detect and focus on critical matters quickly, without needing to concern themselves with day-to-day tracking and management of manual intensive tasks,”
ACC’s common data environment also breaks down traditional communication silos. Team members can access and request information through the platform, ensuring that no crucial updates are missed. “The digital integration has been a game-changer for Abcon,” says Jacques, “especially in reducing the need for back-and-forth phone calls and e-mails or relying on separate communication channels.”
Collaboration across teams
A notable feature of the ACC platform is its ability to extend beyond internal teams. External professionals, such as architects and contractors, can also be integrated into the system. While this requires some change management, Jacques observes that once teams experience the benefits,adoption
ACC’s common data environment also breaks down traditional communication silos. Team members can access and request information through the platform, ensuring that no crucial updates are missed. “The digital integration has been a game-changer for Abcon,” says Jacques, “especially in reducing the need for back-and-forth phone calls and e-mails or relying on separate communication channels.”
Collaboration across teams
A notable feature of the ACC platform is its ability to extend beyond internal teams. External professionals, such as architects and contractors, can also be integrated into the system. While this requires some change management, Jacques observes that once teams experience the benefits,adoption
External professionals,
such as architects and
contractors, can also
be integrated into the
system.
is quick and enthusiastic.
“We have found that including key professionals – especially the architects, who drive the early stages of design – has made the process far more efficient.
The ability to walk through BIM models digitally and conduct detailed reviews has been invaluable.”
To support this digital transition, Modena provides extensive training and ongoing assistance, including placing a representative in Abcon’s office. This close partnership has allowed the team to customise the software to Abcon’s specific needs and to refine workflows through continuous feedback.
“It’s a process of constant evaluation and improvement,” Jacques explains. “We spend time with our team to understand what works and what doesn’t, which has led to significant improvements. As leaders in the industry it’s important to leverage the tools available to encourage innovation and allow for increased focus and productivity through process driven simplicity.”
There are some subsectors and professions that will take some convincing to move over to a new technology, and it will take time for them to see the benefits of transitioning from systems that have proved reliable for them in the past. However, both Warrick and Jacques are confident that this is just a matter of time.
“This is just the beginning,” says Warrick. “With the advancements Autodesk is making, particularly in research and development, we’ll continue to see exciting innovations in the near future.” He believes that the key to successful adoption lies in change management, and in allowing teams to gradually embrace new technologies without overwhelming them.
“This is just the beginning,” says Warrick. “With the advancements Autodesk is making, particularly in research and development, we’ll continue to see exciting innovations in the near future.” He believes that the key to successful adoption lies in change management, and in allowing teams to gradually embrace new technologies without overwhelming them.
Despite the rapid growth of digital construction tools, Jacques and Warrick agree that there will always be a hybrid element to the industry. “Paper will still have its place,” Jacques admits. “But digital records now offer a safety net, ensuring that no information is lost along the way.”
A model for the industry
As Abcon Developments continues to integrate Autodesk Construction Cloud into its operations, the benefits are becoming increasingly clear. From project coordination to workflow management, the software has enabled the company to operate with greater efficiency, all while reducing administrative tasks and enhancing collaboration.
“This is an exciting time for our team,” concludes Jacques. “The support we’ve received from Modena, as well as the support for investment into training and implementation from Abcon’s top management, has allowed us to think outside the box and embrace new ways of working. Ultimately, it’s about improving efficiency and delivering excellence.”
With successful case studies like Sandton Gate and several other projects, Abcon’s journey with this particular technology sets a promising example for the future of digitallymanaged construction in South Africa.
A model for the industry
As Abcon Developments continues to integrate Autodesk Construction Cloud into its operations, the benefits are becoming increasingly clear. From project coordination to workflow management, the software has enabled the company to operate with greater efficiency, all while reducing administrative tasks and enhancing collaboration.
“This is an exciting time for our team,” concludes Jacques. “The support we’ve received from Modena, as well as the support for investment into training and implementation from Abcon’s top management, has allowed us to think outside the box and embrace new ways of working. Ultimately, it’s about improving efficiency and delivering excellence.”
With successful case studies like Sandton Gate and several other projects, Abcon’s journey with this particular technology sets a promising example for the future of digitallymanaged construction in South Africa.
