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Assigning access rights to Architects, Interior designers & MEP designers for performing Statutory activities
As per the compilation of this author,56 is the number of statutory activities that have been identified as required to be performed by building designers out of 113 total statutory activities for a mid-size construction project.· By Architects=37 · By Interior designers =9· By MEP designers =10. Total=56 These 56 activities pertain to 5 key statutory processes as per details given in Chapter 1,2,3 of the handbook for each of 3 design functions· 1. Meeting RERA compliances · 2.Meeting statutory regulations & taxation obligations· 3.Obtaining licenses, approvals & maintaining statutory records w.r.t. statutory Acts· 4. Complying with IGST matters· 5. Deducting TDS on Consulting Services Of course, the number of statutory activities can be expanded by designers as required. The brief narration of each of the 113 activities can be found in annex 21B of this author’s handbook, wherein applicable statutory Act’s references are also provided This blog aims to provide essential insights into the process of assigning access rights to designers in ERP environments in 4 steps. This process necessitates clearly defining the following.· Function to be assigned · The team within the function proposed · The Employee Level · The team member position Four steps 1. Building Segregation of duties (Abbreviated as S-O-D) concept to avoid role conflict 2. Developing profiles, also named authorisation profile 3. Understanding the concept of roles 4. Attaching Profiles to RolesStep 1. Building SOD in the process The concepts related to SOD are captured in my earlier blog dated 13th July 2022 below & hence not being duplicated. https://www.ethicalprocesses.com/blog_detail/Avoiding-conflicting-roles-amongst-Architects-Interior-and-MEP-designers The “template design” of the illustrations indeed facilitates achieving SOD.Step 2. Development of profiles /Authorisation profiles -for accessing statutory activities -2 illustrations in tabular form in the templateEach profile signifies what can be accomplished vis a vis five activities listed below authorization profiles as below for each statutory activity · Create or initiate the statutory activity (col 2)· Edit or modify the above design activity (col 3)· Delete the above design activity (col 4)· View the above design activity (col 5)· Approve the above design activity (col 6) The template in illustration surely facilitates and ensures SOD for Generating profiles -Statutory activity 1 Function: As applicable Name of Statutory process for SOD development: Meeting RERA Compliances - Statutory Activity Description: Before construction starts, the developer obtains sanctioned plan approvals, as prescribed by competent authorities Risk Classification at statutory activity level: High Profile numbers Proposed for accessing this statutory Activity: PS00001 to PS00005 The coding schemes are given in the book of the author Description PS00001 PS00002 PS00003 PS00004 PS00005 Key “Rights” vis a vis this activity (RHS of this row) Column 1 Create/ Initiate Column 2 Edit/Modify Column 3 Delete Column 4 View* Column 5 Approve Column 6 Function assigned Design of Architect & Design of MEP Project legal & Secretarial Design of Architect Design of Architect & Design of MEP Top Management The team assigned number & name T5- Architect all projects T6-MEP all packages Respectively T3-legal licenses & approvals T6-Function al Risk coordinator T5*- Architect all projects T6*-MEP all packages T1 Project Head Employee Level Proposed Higher/Higher respectively Higher middle Middle Middle Higher Position who can perform GM/GM respectively GM Sr. Mgr. Sr. Mgr.*/ Sr.Mgr.* Project Head · 5 Profile numbers have been allocated as PS00001 to PS00005 to each set of Combination of Function +Team+ Level +Position vis a vis columns 2,3,4, 5 & 6 respectively for this statutory activity · The team levels as T1,T3,T5 &T6 are hypothetical for ease of understanding · The Profile code numbering (scheme given in the book) is only for understanding & can be changed by the reader at their absolute discretion or driven by the ERP package · The Employee levels and Positions given are hypothetical and only for easier understanding of the reader actually and will vary considerably at each organisation · The risk levels are as high as assumed/assessed earlier by the team and could be Medium or low for few activities Such development of profiles needs to be done vis a vis following based on business needs. · Above 56 Statutory activities (37 in Design of Architect, 9 in interior design, and 10 in MEP services. It means developing 280 authorization profiles (@5x56 statutory activities identified). The author proposes developing 2000 profiles for Statutory activities as several activities are performed by project teams as well as mentioned earlier. The profile numbering can be say starting from PS00001 to PS02000 Step 3. Understanding the concept of “Roles.”Roles mean what a particular professional (here, a designer) is authorised to do per a few examples below.· Developing a sanctioned drawing for seeking statutory sanction is one simple role · Integration of developed sanction drawing with, say, MEP design is another role, which is a relatively complex role · Obtaining sanction from statutory authorities is yet another example of the complex role A complex role can have many simple profiles attached to it A role can have one or more combinations of profiles (e.g., out of 280 profiles for 56 statutory activities or 2000 expanded profiles) attached to it to be called a “Simple or complex Role.” Based on the above-tabulated illustrations, the configured “Authorisation Profiles” PS00001 to PS 00005 so developed can be attached by the Concerned HOD, in this case, Chief Architect here HOD of Architect function to “Roles” (with the help of the IT/ERP team) depending on the roles planned at the granularity level.· Once all the 280 authorization profiles (for 56 statutory activities) have been developed (or expanded 2000 profiles as mentioned above), attachment of these profiles to various roles is proposed to be done in three stages as mentioned in step 4 below, mainly when the design organisation is operating in highly digitalized/ERP environments. Step 4. Attaching Profiles to Roles· Although the Number of profiles can run into hundreds or thousands, the number of designers in organisations is limited. Therefore, before the final attachment of profiles to roles, thorough testing is done to see that statutory design activities are carried out smoothly based on competency assessments at different hierarchical levels & positions by the persons who will perform such roles. The three stages are: § Attach profile to roles in “Development computer server”§ Test roles in “Test servers” by ERP teams and designers § Upload roles to the “Production server” for implementation after approval of testing of roles · To ensure that no incompatible or conflicting authorization profiles get attached, the roles, post-testing, can be connected to the production server by following P-D-C-A (plan-do-check-act) approach · The number of roles can run into tens or hundreds, which can get hundreds or thousands of profiles attached depending upon the following:· Size of team and complexity of the organization· the variety of Construction projects residential, commercial, educational, SEZ, · The skill level of designers· The multi-tasking role expectation of the organisation.· The technology of construction, design software,· The design organization structure and empowerment culture· The risk appetite of the company. · Some highly reputed ERP developers, like SAP, offer profile-generating software solutions wherein authorization profiles can be developed and attached to architects, interior, and MEP designers for design development. Advantage of attaching Profiles to Roles These roles are assigned to different positions rather than individuals, as the process is independent of individual-named employees. Such profile assignments are to be done digitally but must be done diligently, and each role as each role will have a multitude of authorisation profiles attached to it.Handbook of the author A template illustrating assigning access rights to statutory activities is included in chapter 11 (annex 27C) in the author's handbook and titled” ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services. “
Developing designers Competency matrix for enhancing the role of Architects, Interior Designers, and MEP designers
With ever-increasing expectations of the customers for excellence, growing competition, and severe pricing pressures, the demands on Building designers are significantly undergoing significant changes. From being perceived as merely technical persons, the owners and promoters of the real estate and hospitality industry expect designers to contribute significantly to help improve the profitability of the business during the design conceptualization and actual development process. This necessitated designers to develop certain skills /competencies that would enable them to deliver all-around excellence. A few important competencies that need to be acquired are compiled below for each package.1. Technical competencies (12 numbers)2. Commercial Competencies (5 numbers)3. IT/Software competencies (5 numbers)4. Legal competencies (4 numbers)5. Leadership competencies (9 numbers) Suggested competency matrix for building designers Architects Interior designers MEP designers Technical Competencies Technical Competencies Technical Competencies 1 Basic knowledge of features (such as Physical characteristics, functional and performance parameters) of different parts /components of types of architectural buildings to be designed such as Hotels, Restaurants, hospitals, educational, residential, commercial, SEZ units, factories, offices complex, etc. 2 Requisite knowledge of best design practices applicable to Architecture function 3 Core knowledge of types of Superstructures, Sub-structures, roofing, walls, floorings, and a variety of external development areas 1 Basic knowledge of features (such as Physical attributes, characteristics, functional and performance parameters) of different parts /components of types of building interiors for rooms, restaurants, halls, kitchens, dining areas, Gyms, utility buildings, and recreation rooms. 2 Working knowledge about types of furniture, fixture, and equipment required in various buildings/areas 3 Requisite knowledge of best design practices applicable to Interior design function 4 Core knowledge of the Interior designing styles like traditional, modern, and contemporary, the inspirational vision of different types of interior spaces in different areas. 1 Basic knowledge of features (such as Physical attributes, characteristics, functional and performance parameters) of different parts /components of types of buildings such as Hotels, Restaurants, hospitals, educational, residential, commercial, SEZ units, factories, offices complex, etc. 2 Requisite knowledge of best design practices applicable to MEP function 3 Core knowledge of types of MEP packages such as: · Designing Electrical — external and Internal works · Deigning of Airconditioning -Works · Designing of lighting works · Designing plumbing and water (hot and cold) supply works · Energy management works for green building · Firefighting works · Designing of lifts/elevators works · Designing of STP (sewerage treatment plant) works · Waste management works · Designing fuel storage and supply works · Designing solar energy works · Designing wind engineering works · Designing audio-visual works · Heating works · Ventilation & exhaust works · Acoustics works · Facility management works · Hospitality works like kitchen and laundry · IT infrastructure · Building automation And so on 3 The design process for different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st time right and without any conflicts with Interior design and MEP works, thus avoiding expensive reworks. 3 The design process for different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st time right and without any conflicts with architectural and MEP works, thus avoiding expensive reworks. 3 The design process for different types of buildings, designing techniques, methods, stages of design development, etc 4 Crucial knowledge of developing Coordinated architectural designs and drawings to make these 1st time right and without any conflicts with architectural and Interior design works, thus avoiding expensive reworks 5 Working knowledge of construction methods e.g. · Super structure-scaffolding, shuttering, roofing, etc · External works-site preparation, roads, services · Façade fabrication with Aluminium, UPVC, and Glasswork · Hardscape-irrigation, drainage, Golf areas · Softscape-Guying &planting, plants for landscape · And so on for each package 5 Working knowledge of construction methods e.g. · Wall finishes. - plaster coating, painting · Floor finishing -stones, tiles, carpets · Ceiling finishing-plaster, paint, decorative · False ceiling framework · Suspended ceiling · furniture, fixtures, equipment · Artwork of different materials · And so on for each package 5 Working knowledge of construction methods, Installing, and commissioning e.g. · Electrical works- Vacuum circuit breakers, Air circuit breakers, Cables, Panels, transformers, etc. · Internal electrical-laying conduits, wires, lamps and fixtures, and fittings, CCTV · HVAC-Air-conditioning-VRV (Variable refrigerant volume), chillers, Outdoor/indoor units · Heat exchangers, fan coil systems, valves, pumps · Ventilation works-Centrifugal fans, Jet fans, Ducting, Control systems And so on for each package 6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials (such as TMT bars, Cement/RMC, Stones, Joinery materials, wood works, steel works, Glass works, Horticulture, etc) that are used in any package that forms part of a tender such as: · Superstructure · Architect · Façade · external development · hardscape including waterworks · softscape · and so on 6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials that are part of any package that forms part of a tender such as: · Finishing materials (such as marbles, tiles, wooden flooring, wallcoverings, paints, claddings, fabrics, and linens · Furniture, fixtures, and equipment, · Artwork, · Plants & shrubs for interiors · and so on 6 In-depth technical knowledge of BOQ materials that are part of any package & to be part of a tender such as Electrical, Heating, ventilation, air-conditioning, acoustics, VAC, Plumbing, firefighting, lighting, energy management, lifts/elevators, Sewage treatment plants, fuel storage systems, solar energy works, wind engineering, audio visual, facility management, kitchen, laundry, IT infrastructure, building 7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance Architectural design efficiency 7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance interior design efficiency 7 Basic knowledge of modern designing methods techniques/software tools to enhance interior design efficiency 8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the design of Architecture works 9 Basic knowledge of Construction methods 10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material & package/building as a whole 8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the Interior design works 9 Basic knowledge of construction methods 10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material & package/building as a whole 8 Vital knowledge of building design -quality in the MEP works 9 Basic knowledge of installation, commissioning, and testing methods of MEP equipment 10 Basic knowledge Inspection methods of each BOQ material & package/building as a whole 11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Architectural building and individual packages 11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Interiors works and individual packages 11 Core Knowledge of Quality standards applicable to complete Integrated packages for building as a whole and individual packages 12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Surveying -Theodolite, Universal machine, Total station Pipe & level locators, construction calculators · Laboratory—Glassware, pipettes, moisture meter, density meter, autoclave, mixer, · Metrology-height gauge precision levels, And so on 12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Metrology- Callipers, micrometers · Level-Level gauges · Flow-flowmeter And so on 12 Necessary knowledge of Measuring Instruments used in/for: · Electrical -multimeter, voltmeter, energy meter · Sound- decibel meter, noise analyser · Speed-Tachometer · Temperature-Temperature sensors Commercial Competencies Commercial Competencies Commercial Competencies 1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for procuring samples or consultancy works 2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each package such as Structure, Architecture, Façade, Landscape, and so on 3 Developing Budget parameters 4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze vis a vis Budget. 5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc 1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for procuring samples or consultancy works 2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each package such as Finishing, FFE, Artwork , and so on for each package 3 Developing Budget parameters 4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze vis a vis Budget. 5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc 1 Rate and fee /commercial terms negotiation skills for procuring samples or small consultancy works 2 Cost estimation skills vis a vis each package such as: · Electrical works · HVAC · Plumbing And so on 3 Developing Budget parameters 4 Ability to generate reports/MIS from software/ERP and analyze vis a vis Budget. 5 Evolving coding schemes for BOQ etc IT /software Competencies IT /software Competencies IT /software Competencies 1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · STADD, ETAB, · AutoCAD, · Revit Architecture (BIM), · 3D Studio Max, Photoshop, · Fenestra, Autodesk Revit, · Idea spectrum Realtime landscape pro, NCH software dream plan, smart draw, and so on 2 Basic Knowledge of MS office 3 Ability to conceptualize and develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: i)Drawings specifications -Packages in Civil works, ii)Scope of work master -Civil works packages 4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to IT/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating procedures) xi) Design & drawings document management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators) 5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to Architecture function and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design & development 1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · Pro’s modeling suite Max, · AutoCAD, · Autodesk Revit, Autodesk 3d’s, · SketchUp Photoshop, and so on. 2 Basic Knowledge of MS office 3 Ability to conceptualize and develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: Ability to configure various masters’ data tables like i)Drawings specifications -Packages in Interior design works, ii)Scope of work master -Packages in Interior design works 4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to T/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating procedures) xi) Design & drawings document management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators) 5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to Interior design function and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design & development 1 Working Knowledge of various Design software solutions for core designing of each type of package such as below: · AutoCAD Electrical, · Smart Draw · Autodesk · Ansys · Quick Allot, · Revit MEP · AutoCAD HVAC and so on · Knowledge of MS office 3 Ability to conceptualize and develop structure & parameters for various master data tables like: i)Drawings specifications -Packages in MEP works, ii)Scope of work master -Packages in MEP packages 4 Ability to conceptualize templates and provide Architectural related meaningful inputs to T/ERP/software teams for digitalization of the following: i)configuration & Master data tables ii) configuration tables iii)risk assessment templates iv) Segregation of duties and access rights templates v) coding schemes vi) user traceability reports vii) audit trail reports viii) Budgets ix)MIS/Dashboards x)SOP (Standard operating procedures) xi) Design & drawings document management xi) KPI (Key performance indicators 5 Ability to generate important reports from databases /Dashboard related to MEP design function and analyze these for enhancing productivity and reduce cycle time for design & development Legal Competencies Legal Competencies Legal Competencies 1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant laws applicable to Architecture function such as below but not limited to: · The RERA-real estate regulation & development act 2017 · The national building Codes,2016 · The Forest Conservation Act,1980 · The Patent act 1970 · The National Green Tribunal Act 2010 · The Central Goods and services tax Act 2017 And so on . 2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to Architecture function such as below but not limited to: · Urban planning& development · Town & country planning laws · Applicable standards of GBC-Green building council · Applicable standards of LEED (leadership in energy & environment) 3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International standards 4 Essential knowledge of Standards related to Health & Safety, vis a vis Architecture packages 1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant laws applicable to Interior design function such as below but not limited to: · The national building Codes,2016 · The Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 And so on 2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to Interior design functions such as below but not limited to: · National Building code,2016-sections Relevant Aspects related to Fire & safety, Building materials, etc. 3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International standards 4 Essential knowledge of Standards related to Health & Safety, vis a vis Interior design packages 1 Deep knowledge of technical aspects vis a vis relevant laws applicable to IMEP design function such as below but not limited to: · The electricity act 2003 · The Air (prevention &control of pollution) act,1987 · The Water (prevention &control of pollution) act,1987 · The environment (protection)act 1986 · The petroleum act 1934 · The RERA-real estate regulation & development act 2017 · The National Green Tribunal Act 2010 · The Central Goods and Services Tax Act 2017 2 Deep knowledge of local regulations related to MEP design function such as below but not limited to: · National Building code,2016-sections related to building services like lighting, electrical, air conditioning, acoustics, sound insulation, noise control, lifts, escalators, travellators, plumbing (water supply, drainage & sanitation, solid waste management, gas supply), landscape, signages, etc. · Applicable standards of GBC-Green building council · Applicable standards of LEED (leadership in energy & environment) 3 Familiarity with relevant IS & International standards 4 Essential knowledge of Standards related to Health & Safety, vis a vis MEP design packages Leadership Competencies Leadership Competencies Leadership Competencies 1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various packages 1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various packages 1 Ethical frame of mind 2 Team management 3 Team development and training 4 Empowerments 5 Alignment with organization objectives 6 Quality of work 7 Efficiency and Effectiveness 8 Analytical 9 Change management 10 Benchmarking of competitor’s design features in various packages WAY FORWARDThe acquisition of 36 competencies listed above in each design function can enable designers to play a larger for aligning with the organization’s objectives and thus play an important role in improving the performance of the organization and enhancing profitability. Architects, Interior Designers, and MEP designers, therefore, need to do following in their respective areas of responsibilities 1. Continuous enhancement of the skills mentioned above in the competencies mentioned above 2. Identifying and engaging high-quality, professionally qualified, and competent designers/consultants where in-house skills are not yet available or resources are not adequate. 3. Finding and implementing best design practices thus bringing excellence in their respective design processes and accomplishing the following:· Enhancing quality of designs· Supporting improved quality of construction· Reducing Project costs· Increasing sales revenue· Improving end-customer satisfaction index· Complying with statutory conformances · Accelerating design efficiency and design effectiveness 4. Developing and implementing performance management systems (for designers) based on documented KPI-key performance indicators Handbook of the author In June 2022, the author launched a handbook titled “ETHICS in the real estate and hospitality industry, Volume 1- Architectural, Interior design, and MEP services “. Readers will find a comprehensive reflection of the above competencies in the contents of Chapters 1,2,3.