Firstco uses Value Assured Engineering to save millions of pounds

Thanks to the application of ‘Value Assured Engineering’ (VAE) by Firstco, technical consultancy, project management and systems integration specialists, the Heathrow Express station at Heathrow’s new Terminal 5 has seen an initial systems budget of £25m reduced to an anticipated final cost of £19m – thus saving some 25 per cent on the overall cost of the project.

According to Firstco’s managing director, Bill Martin: “This application of VAE, combined with Firstco’s use of superior products and the latest technology, has ensured the success of the project at every level.”

Martin added that VAE offers clients an alternative method of systems procurement and delivery. By separating the three primary elements of a typical large systems project and applying individual expertise to each of them, a more commercially focused solution can be obtained.

Mark Calnan, Firstco’s chairman, explained: “Traditionally, because of their perceived difficulty, systems projects are often awarded to a single major manufacturer. This appears to give the client a ‘one stop shop’ solution, with the selected manufacturer offering all the required elements ‘in house’ and so ensuring continuity of design throughout the various sub-systems.

“However, history shows this is not always the case.

“When large companies are given complete control of systems projects, they tend to use their own products and solutions. These may not be the most suitable solutions for the individual project and can lack innovation,” Calnan added.

“There is little or no incentive to drive down costs and members of the design team feel less responsibility for the project. All these factors can mean that the client does not get the best available technical solution at the most economic price.

“On the other hand, we believe that the VAE approach gives the optimum structure for managing the overall supply of a successful systems project,” he said. “And this has been justified in the case of the Heathrow Express station at Heathrow’s new Terminal 5.”

“VAE has a number of advantages – including tangible cost savings and a fully assured design,” said Martin.

“The equipment selected is the best available and not limited to one manufacturer or one technology. A concerted effort to achieve and exceed the project’s requirements is guaranteed and the project will be delivered on time and within budget.

“VAE means ‘best in class’ systems engineered at the lowest cost by specialist multidisciplinary teams,” he continued. “It ensures the optimal mix of technologies instead of slavish adherence to boilerplate products from one manufacturer.

“As our experience has shown, there is unconstrained innovation and a real commitment to achieving and exceeding the client’s requirements.”

end

Notes for Editors:

About Value Assured Engineering (VAE)

The three primary elements of VAE are:
• Engineering Design,
• Assurance / Compliance, and
• Cost Management.

About Firstco

Established in 1998, Firstco is now a major force in the areas of technical consultancy, project management and systems integration. Working in a range of industries – notably transport, especially rail installations and airports; power and construction – Firstco specialises in controls and communication solutions for assignments of all sizes from buildings through to large scale infrastructure projects.

Firstco’s approach is based on four core values:

• Service Excellence
• Integrity
• Teamwork
• Development

Further information from:
David Bligh / Rupert Exham, Firstco, 00 44 (0)207 034 0833; www.firstco.uk.com
Bob Little, Bob Little Press & PR, 00 44 (0) 1727 860405