Specialising in all aspects of asbestos abatement, Rilmac operates a team of specialised operatives across the UK.
I think it is fair to say that the asbestos removal sector is not traditionally thought of as being at the cutting edge of technology.
Commented Michael Woods, Managing Director of the Rilmac Group.
So, in order to retain and build on our position as one of the leading service providers in this field, we knew we needed to be ahead of the curve in terms of automation and innovation. With the adoption of BigChange we are now leading the way in terms of customer experience and productivity, and we are establishing workflows and practices that we can roll-out across our other divisions.
Following extensive research, Rilmac selected the BigChange job management system based on a combination of value, the team behind the solution, and the features and functionality offered.
It was all about the 3 Ps for us – performance, people, and of course price. We knew that any system we implemented would be better than what we had, but the fact that BigChange offered a scalable solution, that we could introduce in manageable chunks, and was customisable for different aspects of the business, was crucial.
Added Stephen Finch, Business Development Manager at Rilmac.
Prior to selecting BigChange, Rilmac’s Asbestos Division depended on a Microsoft Access database for sales and finance whilst field teams used iPads to receive job information or relied on paper work packs. Since implementing, Rilmac has significantly enhanced its operations. The platform is now used to plan work, communicate schedules and detailed job specifications to field operatives, report on ongoing projects, and share crucial updates with clients. As a result, Rilmac has achieved notable efficiency gains and cost savings.

Stephen continued;
Using BigChange we have already reduced our back-office admin resource by about 30%, a resource that can be deployed to other tasks, and we have slashed the amount of paper we use, eliminating it altogether from some work streams. Conservatively estimated, this amounts to 20,000 sheets of paper saved annually, though the actual figure is likely closer to 25,000. This reduction not only represents a significant cost saving for the business but also benefits the environment.
In addition, what we do is highly and rightly so, regulated and BigChange ensures that we not only adhere to these regulations in the field we can also prove compliance.
Additionally by using BigChange we have set up logical, step-by-step workflows that operatives have to follow. Although nobody likes change, these have actually made it easier to record the necessary information in the field as BigChange guides you through each step making sure you record photographs and equipment readings at defined points, all of which have been ratified by our Compliance Manager.
We recently had an unannounced inspection by the Health and Safety Executive, which is not uncommon, and were able to show how we are using BigChange in the field, and the inspector was very complimentary of the system itself.
Rilmac is also leveraging additional features and functionalities offered by BigChange. These include mandatory daily vehicle checks that ensure the fleet remains roadworthy and safe, while promptly notifying the fleet management team of any defects or issues. The CRM tools help Contract Managers and the Business Development team stay updated on current projects and the sales pipeline. Furthermore, Rilmac now highlights its use of BigChange and the associated client benefits when bidding for new work.
Future plans for BigChange within Rilmac’s Asbestos Division, and the wider group, include a customer self-serve portal where existing clients can access up-to-date reports and documentation, and even book appointments for routine work, and automated asset management tools to give better control over equipment and consumables used on-site.
ABOUT
Rilmac Asbestos Services Division offers nationwide asbestos removal services to a wide range of UK customers from individual domestic properties to major industrial sites from premises in Lincoln, Harlow, Leicester, Sheffield and a satellite office in Huddersfield. With around 100 employees, 65 of which are field operatives, Rilmac works with public sector organisations, such as Sheffield City Council under framework agreements, has contracts with blue chip retail clients as well as the Ministry of Defence and has supported Tier 1 Contractors, such as Wilmott Dixon and Wates, on major projects.
Rilmac Insulation Limited is part of the Rilmac Group of Companies which has three divisions providing commercial insulation and asbestos removal services, fabrication, and scaffolding. Rilmac directly employs 249 staff, coupled with a sub contract pool that regularly engages up to 50 additional people, and has a turnover approaching £30 million.
