Find out how we collaborated with GS1 UK to develop a new digital solution for the construction industry.
Overview
We worked with GS1 UK Ltd to develop a new solution to the limited availability of product information for those working in construction: SmartScan.
An innovative digital tool designed to streamline access to validated and verified construction product information, SmartScan enhances safety and efficiency within the industry by allowing users to access up to date digital product data from their smartphone.
The challenge
Manufacturers of construction products produce essential information including performance data, certificates and manuals. This information is vital for the builders, merchants and consumers using these products, who rely on it to ensure compliance and safety across the supply chain, and to make informed decisions on the projects they are working on. However, this data is often difficult to access and can be inconsistent or unreliable.
To address this, we wanted to develop a solution that would achieve the following objectives:
- Improve access to verified data by offering a simple-to-use scanning tool that can be used through existing devices like smartphones.
- Enhance safety and compliance by ensuring that validated product information is always available and up to date.
- Increase supply chain efficiency by improving the accuracy and availability of data
- Engage industry stakeholders to co-create a scalable digital solution
- Educate and support supply chain stakeholders in adopting digital technologies and driving the digital transformation of the construction sector
The solution
SmartScan was developed in collaboration with GS1 UK Ltd and engaged stakeholders through the InnovateUK Accelerated Knowledge Transfer (AKT) programme.
A user-friendly, digital tool, accessible via a smartphone, SmartScan allows a user to scan barcodes or manually input Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to access digital product data provided by manufacturers on their websites.
It utilises international GS1 open standards, ensuring a unified identification approach that offers a link to relevant online materials for both business partners and consumers.
Throughout the project, the University of Salford provided expertise in system design and data modelling, while GS1 UK Ltd ensured the solution met industry standards and addressed real-world challenges.
In order to implement this project, we followed a structured approach with three key stages: Design, Development, and Evaluation.
We engaged with key stakeholders, including manufacturers and business partners to as we built the SmartScan prototype to ensure that it met the needs of those directly impacted by the challenges in the construction industry, and that it would function as intended under the real-world stresses of this environment.
Impact
The project successfully met its objectives by producing the digital solution SmartScan. Through usability tests with construction products from different manufacturers we were able to confirm that the solution effectively addressed the challenges in the construction industry related to inconsistent, inaccurate, and hard-to-access product information. Feedback from industry stakeholders was overwhelmingly positive.
SmartScan successfully solved the following challenges:
- The solution improves access to verified data by linking Global Trade Item Numbers (GTINs) to validated product data available on manufacturers’ websites. SmartScan delivers this through an interface that is easy to use and accessible for those working on construction sites. All it requires is the device in your pocket and a connection to the internet.
- Enhanced safety and compliance were achieved by facilitating access to essential product information such as performance data, certificates, and manuals.
- Feedback confirmed that increased supply chain efficiency would result from stakeholders being able to access the necessary data quickly, reducing delays and errors.
- Scalability and industry-alignment was achieved by working closely with GS1 and integrating feedback into the design process so that real-world challenges could be addressed.
- SmartScan was developed with stakeholders from the construction sector’s supply chain, who actively participated in its design. They were also educated on innovative workflows, the adoption of digital technologies, and strategies for driving digital transformation within the industry
