Mersea Homes

Research solution

Mersea Homes partnered with Dr John Woods and Dr Haider Raza from Essex’s School of Computer Science and Electronic Engineering (CSEE) to develop a data-driven business model which implemented a mobile-engaged ‘smart platform’, to replace printed files.

As the company outsourced multiple stakeholders to aid the architectural and construction work, they needed a streamlined system which would be accessible for the team on site, and in their offices.

The academic team, and KTP Associate Dr Yogesh Kumar Meena, who was hired to manage the project, found a solution in the form of an Intelligent Construction platform. This provided multiple benefits, including centralised data control, easy information access, real-time process tracking and updates, efficient quality control and inspection, reduced cost and time, and data analytics reporting.

Business value

Around 80 employees, contractors and sub-contractors were trained and upskilled to use the new platform and their user experience, including satisfaction levels, were gauged as the platform was developed and deployed. It was designed as a risk-adverse procedure which encouraged the company to explore further innovative ideas for future improvement.

As a result of the new Intelligent Construct system, the company has saved approximately £80,330 per year, due to reducing staffing costs, materials and transport. It has also reduced the carbon footprint drastically, a benefit which aligns with Mersea Homes’ long-term goal to remove carbon from their operations.

The academic team benefitted greatly from the partnership too, and have since implemented their research and learnings in Data Science lectures and app development modules. The KTP team are also looking into a collaborative PhD studentship and other possible projects they can explore collaboratively.

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