Sasaki, an integrated design firm renowned for its innovative approach to architecture and design, faced significant challenges in managing code compliance efficiently. The adoption of UpCodes revolutionized their process, bringing about increased efficiency, enhanced project management, and improved risk management. This case study explores Sasaki's journey from a cumbersome, manual code compliance process to a streamlined, digital solution with UpCodes, highlighting the transformative impacts on their operations.
“Our team would describe UpCodes as a beneficial tool. It’s helped us improve our efficiency, and has been a valuable resource for us on our projects.” (Emily Bresnahan, Professional Staff Librarian)
The Challenge
Sasaki’s internal code compliance reference library system was robust and well-structured, effectively maintaining up-to-date reference data. However, the challenge arose from the industry's shift from traditional analog formats to digital mediums, including PDFs and various online resources. This transition introduced complexities in maintaining consistency, user-friendliness, and efficiency in accessing and utilizing these resources. While their internal server was well organized and maintained with folders and classifications, struggled to adapt to the varied nature of the new codes. The content, now more heterogeneous in format, posed a challenge regarding streamlined usage and pleasant user experience.
The Solution
The turning point came with the recommendation of UpCodes by an architect on the sustainability team. UpCodes, known for its comprehensive digital library of building codes and intuitive project management tools, presented an appealing solution. After thorough research and discussions with UpCodes, Sasaki recognized the potential of UpCodes to transform their code compliance process. The platform's up-to-date code library, user-friendly interface, and collaborative features resonated with Sasaki's need for an efficient, proactive system.
Implementation
The implementation of UpCodes at Sasaki was spearheaded by Emily and Jenya, with support from UpCodes’ Customer Success team. The process involved extensive training sessions and customization of the platform to align with Sasaki’s specific requirements. This phase ensured the team was comfortable and proficient in leveraging UpCodes for diverse projects. The integration was a collaborative effort, involving feedback and adaptations to fit the unique workflows of Sasaki's multidisciplinary teams.
"UpCodes has improved our efficiency and brought peace of mind in knowing that we are working with up-to-date codes.” (Jenya Zhilina, Associate, Archivist & Records Manager)
Results
- Productivity & Efficiency: Sasaki experienced a marked increase in efficiency, with project timelines shortened due to quicker access to up-to-date codes.
- Risk Reduction: The risk of non-compliance was significantly reduced, and the team reported a newfound confidence in managing code requirements.
- Ease of Use: Internal surveys and feedback highlighted team members praising its ease of use and comprehensive features.
- Peace of mind: The team has peace of mind, knowing that they’re using an up-to-date source for their project. Furthermore, they trust the integrity of UpCode’s construction catalog.
- Easier collaboration: Because they can quickly create a project within UpCodes and comment on specific sections and tag collaborators, it allows them to collaborate in ways they weren’t able to before.
Key Use Cases
- Researching jurisdiction-specific code requirements: The team relies on UpCodes’ construction catalog to understand a jurisdiction’s requirements for a project. Knowing that the codes on UpCodes include amendments, errata, and other updates, has proven extremely helpful and time-saving.
- Diagrams to better understand requirements: The team found the diagrams in UpCodes very helpful for junior staff in grasping the code requirements and understanding what a project requires.
- Collaborating with bookmarks, comments, and projects: The team is able to manage compliance research and internal conversations around code requirements with UpCodes projects. It’s helped their project managers be more efficient in their process.
- Comparing code sections between code years or jurisdictions: Being able to see how the code adoptions have evolved over time or across jurisdictions, lets their team get clued into the respective changes. It also makes it much easier when have a similar project in a different state and know the differences they need to plan for.
- Understanding project feasibility: Using UpCodes to know if a potential project is possible based on a jurisdiction’s code requirements has also been extremely helpful for their team.
- Breadth and depth of the code library: The team appreciates the breadth and depth of the code library on UpCodes. They recognize it takes a lot of work to keep them updated and hunt for every change, but it’s been so helpful for them. While not everyone in the company can access paid features, they appreciate that the adoptions can be accessed and are constantly updated.
Conclusion
Sasaki's integration of UpCodes has been a game-changer, revolutionizing how the firm approaches code compliance. The journey from a manual, time-consuming process to a streamlined, digital solution has enhanced efficiency and fostered a culture of proactive compliance management. UpCodes has become an integral part of Sasaki’s workflow, reflecting the firm's commitment to innovation and excellence in design. As Sasaki continues to grow and take on new challenges, UpCodes will remain a key tool in its arsenal, ensuring that it stays ahead in a dynamic and regulatory-intensive industry.