A developer of homes for rent is using cloud-based construction management software which last week won a major award for its innovation and efficiency

The Common Data Environment (CDE) software, by global provider Conject, manages the time, cost and quality on construction programmes by storing data in the cloud. Essential Living has been using it across a number of developments for rent. It won ‘Best of Use of IT in a Construction Project’ at the 2015 Construction Computing Awards last week.

Taking a cloud-based approach offers the developer real time control over the project allowing for a snap shot of activity to be taken at any time.

Essential Living is creating a £1bn portfolio of rented homes across London and the South East. It is currently on-site across three projects in north London, east London and Maidenhead.

The software connects the supply chain with the latest project information from the site, ensuring that all required materials are available when they are needed. As project information can be accessed anywhere, the CDE software streamlines tendering and document management so that the project runs smoothly and efficiently.

The award was announced last week at the 2015 Construction Computing Awards.

Ray Theakston, construction director at Essential Living, said: “Conject software has helped our both external and internal project members work more efficiently. Time and money has been saved as a result of the automation of key processes and supported our ethos of working collaboratively at every stage.”

Steve Cooper, managing director at Conject, said: “We are delighted that Essential Living has been recognised for its effective use of IT on its apartment construction programme. This award demonstrates that clients gain significant benefits as a result of using the configurable capabilities of our Common Data Environment.”