The complexity of a construction project increases in line with technological advancements. This becomes evident time and time again when projects initially estimated to cost a few hundred million end up costing over a billion.

KPMG's global survey in the construction industry reveals that approximately three out of four construction projects fail to meet agreed-upon budget and timeline.

– There are likely several reasons why projects struggle to stay within time and cost constraints. The willingness to think innovatively and differently may not be present in all parts of the industry. We are now seeing that LEAN in design and LEAN in execution are gaining stronger traction. There are also several actors adopting new methods to achieve better success in Norwegian construction projects," says board member and one of the founders of TaskCtrl, Tor I. Hoel.

Relying on LEAN methodology appears to be something that can help the construction industry improve productivity and safety levels in construction projects globally. Tor also highlights that another cause of the industry's challenges is a lack of focus on systematic completion.

— Systematic completion helps reduce the number of errors from the start of construction until project completion. Additionally, it ensures the transfer of information between those involved in planning, construction, and operation, Tor continues.

TaskCtrl provides all parties involved in the project, from the client to each individual craftsman, with a better overview of the various deliveries.

- Entering the digital age

This lack of systematic completion is also due to the fact that the construction industry has been slow to enter the digital age, and has for a long time lacked systems and technology that make it easier to plan, execute, and oversee construction projects. This is where TaskCtrl comes in.

TaskCtrl is a new software developed to help solve the many challenges of the construction industry. The software is based on lean principles and facilitates systematic completion, making it easier to ensure that the project meets all functional requirements within given time, cost, and quality requirements.

TaskCtrl facilitates safer and more efficient project management, bringing together all parties involved on a single platform.

– Developed to improve the industry

– The background for TaskCtrl is actually that Per Roger Johansen (co-founder) and I have been working together in various projects and companies since the early 2000s, and we both have a genuine desire to improve the construction industry. Since then, we have had regular discussions about what doesn't work and what is missing in the industry today. We co-authored the Guide to Systematic Completion, among other things, says Tor I. Hoel.

The development of the software began in earnest after the successful construction of the faculty building at the Bergen Academy of Art and Design, where Per Roger served as the project manager. The construction project met both the deadline and the budget, and much of this success can be attributed to a thorough and continuous planning process, with systematic completion and open dialogue at the center of it.

However, what emerged during this project was the lack of systems that facilitate such a process.

Work methodologies such as Systematic Completion and LEAN in the design phase were central during the construction of the Bergen Academy of Art and Design.

– Modern buildings are no longer just a composition of steel, concrete, and other materials; they have evolved into complex systems that communicate with each other. When the different components and spaces of a building communicate with each other, it is essential for the various workers and stakeholders involved in the construction project to do the same, concludes Tor.

Utilized in a range of larger projects

After its launch in 2020, TaskCtrl is now being used in a range of larger projects, including the new Life Sciences Building in Oslo, which will be the country's largest university building with a budget of around 12 billion Norwegian kroner.

– The complexity of a construction project exponentially increases with its size, and the fact that Statsbygg (the Norwegian government's key advisor in construction and property affairs) is using TaskCtrl in such a massive project is truly a testament to how our software fills a void in the construction industry, says Ørjan Gjendemsjø, Commercial Director at TaskCtrl.

Ørjan Gjendemsjø, Commercial Director at TaskCtrl.

Fills a void

The void Ørjan mentions likely emerged because the industry has long lacked a system that makes it easier for the different parties in a construction project to communicate and keep each other updated on what has been completed, what is missing, and any issues that arise along the way.

– Our biggest competitor today is the spreadsheet software Excel. In other words, there are very few software solutions on the market today that have been developed with the purpose of creating better workflow in the construction process and providing the stakeholders with a clearer overview of the project. Therefore, I believe that TaskCtrl will set a new standard for the construction industry, adds Ørjan.

The step ahead

The future looks bright for both TaskCtrl and the construction industry. The timing is right, and the various stakeholders across the country have clearly been waiting for a similar system. So, what's the next step for TaskCtrl?

– It's not just the industry in Norway that has been longing for software like TaskCtrl. This is something that I know will contribute to the digital revolution in the industry worldwide, and we are already well underway, having started in both Sweden and the United Kingdom, concludes Ørjan.

Would you like to learn more about how TaskCtrl can streamline your construction projects? Contact us today for a friendly conversation with the TaskCtrl team and an obligation-free software demo.