Public project: production information

The production information stage is concerned with preparing the information the integrated supply team will need to construct the project and completing applications for statutory approvals.

Depending on how experienced the client is, they may appoint external consultants such as independent client advisers or a project manager to assist them. This means that some of the tasks attributed to the client below might actually be carried out by independent client advisers, a project manager or a contract administrator (employer's agent on design and build projects) and vice versa.

[edit] Starting the work stage.

The integrated supply team co-ordinates a work stage start-up meeting to receive feedback from the previous stage and agree the programme for the preparation of production information, along with its format, identification of any work packages, sequencing and co-ordination procedures, including co-ordinating and integrating information from specialist contractors.

There should be a particular emphasis on equipment with long manufacturing times such as switchgear, chiller units, lifts, escalators and bespoke cladding systems, some of which may justify early ordering as well as booking piling rigs. Front-end construction work such as site exploration, service diversions, demolition, setting out, underground drainage, decontamination, site clearance piling and groundworks may merit placing of preliminary contracts.

The integrated supply team considers: phasing, insurance of works, the tender process, form of contract and contract conditions for sub-contractors and suppliers.

The client and integrated supply team should also consider the need to appoint rights of light surveyors and party wall surveyor(s) and to serve party wall notices if this has not been done. The client may also identify a requirement to appoint additional independent client advisers, a project manager or contract administrator (employer's agent on design and build projects).

[edit] Preparing production information and completing statutory approvals.

Throughout this stage, the integrated supply team co-ordinates ongoing statutory approvals and other approvals and negotiations (such as party wall negotiations, negotiations with insurers etc).

The integrated supply team prepares a schedule of production information that is required, including responsibilities for its preparation, a programme for its preparation and a document control system for revision control.

The integrated supply team co-ordinates:

• The preparation and integration of production information.
• The preparation of schedules of inspections and tests, mock ups and samples.
• The preparation of a draft building user's guide and a building log book.
• Development of the site waste management plan (if required).
• The establishment of quality control systems and setting out criteria.
• Outstanding information needed for building regulations and other statutory approvals (such as negotiations with the Highways England, structural calculations, CO2 emission rate and a list of specifications used in the CO2 emission rate calculations) which must be submitted before works start on site.

The integrated supply team assesses what should be required in terms of contractual warranties and performance bonds.

The integrated supply team co-ordinates a design review of the production information and makes amendments or additions as necessary and assesses any changes relative to the approximate quantities cost plan.

[edit] Decision point 2: detailed design.

Decision point 2 appears in this stage rather than in the detailed design stage as it includes completion of applications for statutory approvals and a commitment to construct.

If required by the contract, the integrated supply team prepares design documents (such as a production information report) for the client including any remaining components, assemblies, specialist items, samples or materials for comment by the client.

The client considers the design documents and comments within the specified time. The client can only comment in relation to compliance with the output-based specification. Comments which amount to a change in the output-based specification may be charged for by the integrated supply team and could result in delays to the project.

If instructed, the integrated supply team amends the production information.

The client considers the affordability of the scheme, confirms that statutory approvals are in place and decides whether to commit funds for construction (see article: decision point 2).

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