While the most successful architecture and engineering (AE) firms use their data to stay ahead, one of the easiest ways for them to struggle is when they don’t have information readily available. This can happen when firms use too many disparate, disconnected systems. It leaves everyone at the firm fighting to understand whether their data is reliable and where they should go (or who they should go to) for the right information.
This is where having a sound knowledge management strategy – and systems to support that strategy – can play a massive role.
Let’s take a closer look at the story of Turner Fleischer, a successful design studio based in Toronto, and how they used a well-executed plan – as well as Knowledge Architecture and Unanet – to simplify their approach to knowledge management.
Turner Fleischer faced a significant challenge: managing an expansive array of data scattered across many systems. This complexity often resulted in inefficiencies and hindered the firm's ability to make timely, informed decisions.
The firm recognized the importance of effective knowledge management as early as 2015, understanding that managing information efficiently is crucial for staying ahead in the competitive design industry. In 2019, they took a significant step forward by hiring a dedicated Knowledge Manager, tasked with organizing and optimizing the flow of information within the company. By 2021, Turner Fleischer had established an entire department focused on knowledge management, highlighting their commitment to this area.
This represented a significant milestone for the firm. Creating a new position and department demonstrated their commitment to knowledge management as something worth dedicating resources to. It was something that was worth getting right.
This specialized team plays a vital role in ensuring that every member of the firm can effortlessly access necessary information, connect with colleagues across various projects, and learn from the successes and challenges of past initiatives. They are responsible for preserving valuable knowledge, preventing the loss of crucial insights that can drive future projects.
Additionally, they develop and implement best practices that foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement throughout the company.
With the team in place, Turner Fleischer then needed to empower that team with the right solutions. Central to Turner Fleischer’s strategic approach are two indispensable tools: Unanet AE ERP and Knowledge Architecture’s Synthesis Intranet platform.
Unanet AE ERP serves as a comprehensive system that consolidates all project data into a single, accessible location. This combination allows for efficient data usage across various applications, enabling more and better collaboration and decision-making.
Meanwhile, Synthesis acts as an integrative platform that brings together critical employee, experience, and culture information with data from essential platforms such as Unanet AE ERP and OpenAsset. This is a huge asset for firms looking to standardize and organize their internal knowledge.
It provides employees with a centralized hub that not only houses company standards, policies, and educational materials but also supports seamless communication and promotes a unified organizational culture. Together, both play a pivotal role in enhancing operations and empowering employees with the resources they need to succeed.
By integrating their advanced technologies, Unanet and Knowledge Architecture provided a seamless data management experience that transformed how the firm handled information. This integration not only improved data accessibility and accuracy but also empowered the firm to drive success by enabling better collaboration and decision-making across all project phases. As a result, the firm could focus more on innovation and delivering exceptional results to its clients.
The collaboration between Unanet and Knowledge Architecture has been a successful one for Turner Fleischer. It’s a layered approach to knowledge management – the firm manages its knowledge with Synthesis and then adds vital project context via its integration with Unanet AE ERP.
As a result, Turner Fleischer is now better positioned to get the most out of their data, equipped to tackle new challenges and drive forward with modern solutions that meet the evolving needs of their clients.
Ultimately, Turner Fleischer has demonstrated how the right software, used in concert, can convert challenges into opportunities. Your AEC firm can do the same by leveraging innovative solutions and integrating advanced technology. You can then streamline processes, improve collaboration, and enhance your decision-making capabilities.
Looking to make business easy while freeing up more time to do the work that matters? Learn how Unanet can help. Schedule a demo today.