Optimization of soil investigation process
From 4 separate investigations to 1 joint soil survey
In the construction and infrastructure process, soil investigation is an important part of the preparatory activities. Combi SION is a collaboration between utility companies and grid operators working from a societal perspective. Within Combi SION, the grid operators each conducted their own soil investigations, as did project developers and municipalities. But why carry out four separate investigations if it can also be done in a single joint effort?
Combi SION is a collaboration of utility companies and grid operators working from a societal perspective. We bundle and coordinate infrastructure activities of the network operators in our regions. Our goal is to install cables and pipelines in a single work process. The utilities and grid operators within the SION collaboration include Vitens, Liander, VodafoneZiggo, Stedin, Kabel Noord, and KPN Netwerk NL. Our clients are governments, construction companies, and project developers. Combi SION has the ambition to further professionalize, together with chain partners and clients, the principle of jointly installing utilities, with the aim of creating an efficient and customer-driven process.
Challenge
Eliminating duplicate soil investigations among the grid operators was therefore a logical step. A single soil investigation within Combi SION means that the network operators (Liander, Vitens, Ziggo, KPN, Kabel Noord, and Stedin) carry out just one joint soil investigation instead of multiple separate ones. The challenge was how to ensure that these parties would collaborate effectively, so that instead of four separate investigations, only one integrated soil investigation would be performed.
Solution
For the Combi SION colaboration, Masters in Lean provided process facilitation and implementation support. The chain partners were brought together and, through various workshops, jointly developed an improved process design. A game was used to let the different process stakeholders experience the new process in advance. This playful approach ensured an engaging and accessible introduction between the chain partners.
The chain game consists of the newly designed process, documented in a clear and understandable way, which is then worked out through a case study. In addition to the redesigned process, a new role was introduced: the Combi SION work preparer. This role consolidates, among other things, the preliminary designs from individual grid operators into one joint drawing, which is then used as input for the joint soil investigation.
After the new process was defined, it was thoroughly tested. All stakeholders were involved in this testing phase. At each grid operator, specific internal sessions were organized. Once testing was completed, the new process was rolled out in phases. During the go-live phase, the project team provided aftercare support to ensure a smooth start.
Results
In addition to reducing the number of soil investigations requested, eliminating duplication in soil investigations contributes to saving both time and money. It also increases convenience for both process stakeholders and customers, and improves the overall reliability of the process.
Key benefits at a glance:
Time savings
The soil investigation follows a standardized quality level
Clear agreements on timelines for soil investigations
Improved safety for employees during execution
Cost savings
The combined contractor receives one joint soil investigation from the Combi SION partners
We provide tailor-made solutions focused on results, at all levels of the organization. I would be happy to have a no-obligation conversation with you!
Loeffen Managing Partner