Project Value Engineering: Why the Right Subbie Matters

At Rigsafe, we often describe this process as project value engineering: taking the time to think through the practical logistics of a job and how to best match the realities to the expectations of our clients.

In our experience, this early thinking is where many of the potential problems are identified and resolved. When that work is done well, the project can appear straightforward once installation begins, but that simplicity is usually the result of careful planning behind the scenes.

This was demonstrated on a recent project that originally involved multiple crane setups and extended time on site. During the planning phase, our team worked through an alternative approach using different crane configurations and revised sequencing to reduce the number of lifts required, shorten the time on site, minimise disruption to other trades and ultimately save the project both time and money. While the finished work appeared straightforward, the efficiency of the delivery was the result of careful planning completed well before the first crane arrived on site.

Often the most valuable step is identifying potential challenges early and discussing them openly with the client. Being upfront about what may prove difficult allows everyone involved to work through practical solutions before those challenges affect the program.

The value of long-term working relationships

Over time, we have found that this approach naturally builds long-term working relationships with contractors across Western Australia.

Around 90% of our work now comes from repeat clients, with some clients engaging the team across dozens of projects over several years.

Owner of MCT Equip, Anthony Grosser, has partnered with Rigsafe on a number of successful projects.

“Working with Rigsafe for the ALUA project was a perfect fit: like minded family businesses doing what we had to do to deliver a project on time for our customers. Utilizing the benefits of both businesses meant we were able to give the client a full supply option to supply and operate various machines and services," Mr Grosser says.

In practice, these relationships come down to consistency. Contractors rely on subcontractors who communicate clearly, understand the pressures of construction programs, and deliver the work they commit to.

"Being family owned and operated means there is a next level of service because it is personal. Whether it is the MD working night shift to cover someone, or their experienced team just doing what they do we can't speak highly enough of the team at Rigsafe.”
‍- Anthony Grosser, Owner, MCT

One lesson that tends to hold true across projects is that a good subcontractor does what they say they will do. If a service is promised, it is delivered. Programs are respected, schedules are worked through collaboratively, and challenges are raised early or forecasted rather than avoided.

Experience supported by systems and training

Experience plays a large role in this process, and it is increasingly supported by structured systems, ongoing training, and the right equipment behind the crews delivering the work.

Rigsafe continues to invest in training and development across lifting, safety and project delivery so crews can keep building their capability across increasingly complex projects. Because we operate a permanent workforce, we are able to retain experienced people who understand our systems, our equipment and the expectations of our clients.

Alongside this, we use our customised digital compliance and reporting platform through Assignar, which manages safety documentation, TQs, RFIs and reporting across projects, with information delivered in real time.

For contractors, this provides clear visibility across the work being delivered, while helping ensure that important safety, quality and operational processes are followed consistently across multiple sites. It also allows us to adapt quickly when programs change, with crews, plant and planning systems ready to respond without compromising safety or compliance.

Together, this combination of experience, training, systems and equipment gives us the confidence to adopt new methods, refine installation sequencing, and deliver lifting and rigging scopes in a way that is reliable, efficient and aligned with the overall construction program.

On most projects there is rarely just one issue to solve, so we focus on staying on top of the many small decisions and adjustments required along the way. Working through those challenges together helps ensure the project progresses safely, efficiently, and in a way that works for everyone involved.

When the right subcontractor is involved early and working collaboratively, they do more than complete their scope, they help lift the standard of the entire project.