Innovation

WSP Global's approach to digital project management focuses on incorporating cutting-edge technologies such as BIM and GIS to develop project models that are data-rich and updated in real-time. Through the utilization of Geographic Information Systems, WSP enhances project visualization and facilitates more informed decision-making, ultimately improving precise planning and asset management. Utilizing cloud-based platforms enables centralized data access, decreasing information silos and enhancing collaboration between teams. Moreover, advanced analytics offer instant project status updates, aiding in maintaining project timelines and budgets.

By using AI and machine learning, WSP's platform creates predictive insights, detecting possible risks and enhancing resource distribution using past data. Taking proactive measures reduces the occurrence of delays and cost increases, enhancing the efficiency of resource planning. Monitoring metrics such as carbon emissions, energy consumption, and compliance with ESG objectives remains a key priority in sustainability efforts. Life cycle assessment tools help to ensure that sustainability is incorporated into every phase of project development, aligning WSP's efforts with environmental goals.

WSP uses IOT and smart sensors to provide live construction site updates on structural and environmental conditions. These technologies assist in predicting maintenance needs and ensuring safety, while enabling supervisors to remotely manage multiple sites, leading to fewer travel requirements and higher productivity levels. The emphasis on cybersecurity is strong in the platform, ensuring both data protection and regulatory compliance. Designed with modularity and scalability in mind, WSP’s platform is adaptable, accommodating both small projects and large infrastructure developments. Furthermore, WSP also focuses on enhancing the skills of its employees by offering ongoing training to fully utilize these technological advancements.

Inspiration

Darren Pascoe, Project Manager at WSP, explains that the idea for the digital platform came from the need to solve some common problems often faced on large projects. He mentions that communication and information on these projects is often fragmented, which can lead to wasted time and misunderstandings. “We realized that when information isn’t centralized, things can quickly become confusing,” Darren says. They wanted a way to organize everything in one place so that everyone could more easily stay on the same page and get their work done more efficiently.

Another big motivation behind the platform was WSP’s commitment to environmental stewardship. Darren says the company wants to ensure that its projects not only meet their clients’ expectations, but also have a positive impact. “We don’t want our work to only benefit our clients, we want it to benefit the planet as well,” he notes. With this platform, they can track resources and see the impact of their projects in real time, helping them make more sustainable choices as they go.

For WSP, this platform isn’t just an upgrade—it’s a step toward the future of engineering. “Our hope is that this platform sets a new standard in the industry,” Darren added. “We want to make a lasting, positive impact, and this platform brings us closer to that goal.”

Overall impact

WSP Canada’s digital project management platform has significantly transformed its operations, boosting both project efficiency and sustainability efforts. By centralizing project information and enhancing real-time collaboration, WSP reported a 25% reduction in project delays within six months of implementation, allowing teams to respond swiftly to client needs. Additionally, the platform’s data analytics capabilities improved resource allocation and risk management, resulting in a 15% increase in overall project profitability during the first year. These changes have not only streamlined workflows but also fostered a culture of continuous improvement across WSP’s project teams.

Darren Pascoe, Project Manager at WSP, highlighted that the platform was designed to address common issues on large projects, such as fragmented communication and disorganization. By consolidating all project information in one place, the platform has minimized confusion, leading to a 30% rise in client satisfaction and a 40% increase in employee engagement related to project collaboration. Moreover, the platform enables WSP to monitor key sustainability metrics, such as energy consumption and carbon emissions, helping the company align its operations with global trends in green infrastructure and climate action.

WSP’s platform has positioned the company as a leader in environmentally responsible engineering by enabling data-driven adjustments to reduce waste and improve resource efficiency in real time. This innovation not only meets client expectations but also supports broader societal goals, including climate action and sustainable urban development. By combining operational efficiency with sustainability, WSP has set a new industry standard and strengthened its market position for the future.

Business benefit

WSP has introduced a comprehensive digital project management platform, which significantly enhances the company's operational efficiency and service delivery. This innovation was implemented in 2023 and has enabled the company to streamline project workflow, improve collaboration between teams and provide customers with real-time updates on project status. By enhancing clarity to customers, WSP has seen an increase in customer satisfaction, resulting in higher employee retention rates and the ability to secure new contracts. Accordingly, this innovation contributed to achieving a significant increase in revenues, strengthening WSP’s position in the competitive engineering sector.

 Moreover, the development and launch of this digital platform has created new job opportunities within WSP, especially in areas such as software development and data analysis. This strategic recruitment diversifies skills within the company, and fosters a culture of innovation and adaptability among employees. And improved digital tools have had a positive impact on employee well-being, allowing employees to work more efficiently and balance workloads. Prioritizing employee engagement coupled with technological advancements has, in turn, improved job satisfaction and employee retention rates.

 Also, innovation has opened new markets for WSP, especially in smart cities and sustainable infrastructure projects, for which demand is increasing. This alignment with global trends towards efficiency and sustainability attracts investment opportunities from stakeholders interested in supporting environmentally responsible initiatives. As WSP continues to develop its services and explore new ways to thrive, this innovation positions the company as a leader in the engineering sector, able to meet the challenges and capitalize on future opportunities.

Social and environmental benefit

WSP’s full digital project operation, introduced to Canada in 2023, provides extensive benefits to society and the environment by boosting economic improvements through sustainable infrastructure. This innovative platform enhances project management by enabling internal and external stakeholders, including contractors, consultants, and project partners, to collaborate in real time. By significantly increasing efficiency and reducing the likelihood of costly errors, time waste, and redundancy, the platform allows projects to be completed more quickly, reducing overall costs and minimizing waste across the board. Environmentally, the platform’s advanced data-gathering capabilities enable better planning and tracking of project impacts. One key approach is the monitoring of resource use and emissions data throughout each project, guiding WSP and its clients in making informed, sustainable decisions. These practices support Canada’s green infrastructure goals by promoting principles that conserve resources and reduce ecological disruption as much as possible.

In terms of safety and regulatory compliance, the platform not only meets all necessary requirements but also advances risk management protocols. With live monitoring, potential issues can be identified early, improving safety conditions for workers and reducing risks for nearby communities and surrounding areas. This proactive approach elevates safety standards, boosts worker protection, and enhances the reliability and resilience of completed infrastructure projects. Overall, WSP’s platform demonstrates the transformative promise of digitalization in driving sustainable growth, fostering positive social impact, and enhancing the safety, efficiency, and sustainability of project delivery. Through these integrated capabilities, WSP’s digital project operation represents a forward-thinking approach to infrastructure that contributes to improved societal and environmental conditions worldwide.

Interview

Mr. Darren Pascoe, Consultant Project Manager