Blog:
Meet the Team – Digital Delivery Manager, Ziyad

Digital Delivery Manager, Ziyad, says working digitally has allowed him to be in total sync with people, projects and systems, while shifting between projects effortlessly and all in one place. As part of our new Meet the Team series, Ziyad shares his journey with the business so far and his thoughts on digital transformation.

What does digital transformation mean to you?

Digital transformation is the future key aspect of how architectural projects integrate a shell of data rich information by adding value and efficiency. As we become intertwined from traditional analogue methods of retaining project data, we in essence, transform a standalone project into an enhanced data rich digital asset – being able to liberate our users needs and requirements.

How is the construction industry modernising, and where do you see Glider in this movement?

The construction industry is forever evolving in the digital world – being able to cater the vital needs and wants for many businesses assets, which is becoming a huge important requirement. At Glider, we can drive and excel the motions of digital involvements by meeting our client needs. The great benefits of modern digital methods have proven successful by various means of digital collaboration, for example: clash detection – being able to depict problematic issues before a structure is built on site.

Being able to utilise and control a digital asset has forever changed, with new digital tools and systems being developed. One of the many key areas which Glider can create an expansion of services on is Computer Aided Facilities Management (CAFM). CAFM allows the asset holder/owner to be able to manage and monitor the assets future lifespan cycle – for example ‘Plant Room 1/Boiler warranty expires on 01/01/20XX’, or the external walls will require a new weatherproof coating after five years with daily cyclical reminders and so on.

Digital twinning has been a recent growing trend, further enhanced by mixed/virtual reality and photogrammetry. This could be a future digital goal which prescribes clients needs with visualisation aids, being immersed with their digital asset in a digital environment.

If someone asked you, what would be the core reasons to go digital?

One of the many advantages of being able to go digital is that everything can be in sync, especially when a digital asset is being worked on ‘over the cloud’. The added benefits of being able to go digital outweigh traditional methods, with quick turnarounds and better productivity.

As building structures become more complex, with the reliance of digital platforms for designers and builders, it becomes of paramount importance to continue a digital journey for the rest of our construction industry. Going digital, especially with larger businesses allows the formation of an organised union.

Digital transformations can be complex. How can we simplify the process?

Being able to have a common strategy for applying digital transformation to projects is a key principle in simplifying the process. The strategy itself should be clear enough for all key members involved in the transformation process. We can simplify the process by having an organised sequence for each workflow, which follows suit for varying projects.

Instructions and manuals can sometimes contain too much information on intricate processes, whereby visual references may be necessary. Creating a video-recorded reference portal would allow users and third parties to engage/train and upskill in a complicated process by watching step-by-step actions involved in a transformation process.

What stage in the transformation journey would you find most businesses today?

Information management for old businesses that have not yet adopted BIM standards will be in the process of developing a long-term plan to standardise their way of transforming projects digitally. Automation may be the beginning stages for some companies’ transformation processes. In recent years, one of the many methods of modern transformation techniques are companies which deal with phase planning, animation and visualisation to produce photorealistic renders.

Some companies require various forms of automation to handle data and design simultaneously, whilst other businesses may specialise in using advanced software’s like Dynamo/scripting to produce transformation outputs.

What is your favourite part of your role at Glider?

My favourite part of my role as a Digital Delivery Manager at Glider is being able to work efficiently in a digitised environment, working together in a thriving dynamic team. Working digitally allows me to be in synchronisation with people, projects, systems, tools, software’s and all other aspects to further aid complete solutions for our end clients.

Being connected digitally means I can work in an ad-hoc way, being able to shift into any project, anytime, anywhere. One of many powerful key aspects of working digitally, is being able to share and exchange our knowledge base with one another, expanding on our digital ethos.

To learn more about Glider and how to join our team of digital experts visit our dedicated careers page now.