3 Apr 2017

Did you Know #DYK – SASSDS Life Cycle Costing App

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SASSDS Life Cycle Costing App

SASSDA (Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association ) has a Life Cycle Costing App which can be downloaded free from the Google Playstore or the Apple App Store.

This useful app can be used by engineers, architects, quantity surveyors, end-users, specifiers and even members of the public, to determine the costs of using stainless steel in projects compared to alternatives based on realistic estimates of the total costs of products or structures across their full-service lives. The app requires minimal entry of key top-line data, before calculating a breakdown of the relevant costs and presenting the results in a convenient email format.

According to their website, http://sassda.co.za:

Stainless steels have traditionally been specified in applications where the primary requirement is corrosion resistance. However, since their invention over 100 years ago, stainless steels (of which there are more than 200 different types) have also been recognised for other attributes such as durability, versatility, quality, sustainability, hygiene, aesthetic appeal and, with the advent of Life Cycle Costing (LCC), economy!

LCC is a technique developed for identifying and quantifying all costs, initial and ongoing, associated with a project or installation over a given period. It uses the standard accounting principle of discounted cash flow, so that total costs incurred during a life cycle period are reduced to present day values. This allows a realistic comparison to be made of the available options. As far as material selection is concerned, LCC enables potential long-term benefits to be assessed against short-term expediency. Materials costs are assessed with their related implications, such as initial outlay, maintenance and its frequency, downtime effects and production losses, repair and replacement costs, and other operationally related costs such as manpower and energy consumption.

The total LCC can be broken down into components:

LCC      =          Acquisition Cost
+          Fabrication and Installation Cost
+          Maintenance Costs (periodic)
+          Replacement Costs (periodic)
+          Cost of Lost Production (periodic)
–           Residual (Scrap) Value.

Each of these terms must be known if a realistic result is to be calculated. The environment and scope of usage are, therefore, crucial in determining the LCC benefits when choosing materials.

A full Life Cycle Cost analysis thus enables the materials specifier to consider the implications of future cost in terms of both actual monetary value and inconvenience of future maintenance and replacements.

Stainless steels are 100% recyclable without any loss in quality no matter how many times the process is repeated. When products reach the end of their useful lives, over 80% of the stainless steel is collected and recycled. Stainless steels are durable and have low maintenance costs due to their corrosion resistance. There is no coating or painting requirement and normal maintenance would simply be occasional cleaning.
Stainless steel may not always be the cheapest candidate material for an application when considering upfront costs. However, its durability and ease of maintenance compensate for the sometimes higher initial purchasing costs and it is often the least expensive choice in a Life Cycle Cost comparison.

With the development of its own Life Cycle Costing programme in the 1990s, the Southern African Stainless Steel Development Association (SASSDA) was able to determine the costs of using stainless steel in projects compared to alternatives based on realistic estimates of the total costs of products or structures across their full-service lives.

Full details and links to download the App can be obtained on the SASSDA website at http://sassda.co.za/life-cycle-costing-campaign and for a full explanation of how Life Cycle Costing works, you can also view their latest SASSDA YouTube channel video.

Information sourced from http://sassda.co.za

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

31 Mar 2017

Industry Events: Digital Construction Expo + African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo

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Event: Digital Construction Expo

Date: 23 May 2017 – 24 May 2017

Event location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg

Event description: This event showcases products like built environment, construction design & architecture, software, engineering, technology, digital technology and much more etc in the Building Construction, IT & Technology industries.

Contact: 021 700 4300 / Programme: Soren.dupreez@hypenica.com / PR Inquiries: info@eclipsepr.co.za

Event Website: Digital Construction Expo

 

 

Event: African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo

Date: 23 May 2017 – 24 May 2017

Event location: Gallagher Convention Centre, Gallagher Estate, Midrand, Johannesburg

Event description: African Construction and Totally Concrete Expos caters for the entire African construction, cement and concrete industries. The audience includes architects, engineers, contractors, quantity surveyors, government representatives as well as suppliers of products and services to the industry

Contact: 021 700 4300 / Programme: Soren.dupreez@hypenica.com / PR Inquiries: info@eclipsepr.co.za

Event Website: African Construction and Totally Concrete Expo

About Eldary Carpenter

I have been with Leads 2 Business for 5 years and absolutely love working for such a dynamic company. I started off as a Content Researcher in the Tenders Department before being promoted to Customer Relations.

30 Mar 2017

L2B Blog: Ways that technology is helping to build the Construction Industry

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Ways that technology is helping to build the Construction Industry

Ways that Technology is helping to build the Construction Industry:

As technology continues to progress, it is not hard to see how it spills over into the construction industry. From machinery to apps on your phone and the advances in materials, each has an integral role:

To name a few groundbreaking Construction Projects from all over the world: In 2015, a Chinese company built a 57 story building in 19 days. The Burj Khalifa, the current world’s tallest building at 828m, completed in 2010. In my opinion, one of the most awesome feats of technology: the underwater dining room of the Kihavah Maldives. A house being built by a 3D printer in a record breaking 24 hours. If it was not for technology evolving, these Projects would not be done quickly, or even be possible.

As people, it is in our DNA to be creative, which leads to people continuously developing technology to be bigger, better, smarter and faster. The same applies to the construction industry.

Pre-1904, if you were building a house you would be mixing your concrete by hand. In 1904 Richard Bodlaender patented what we know today as the portable cement mixer, which has since been modified with an engine attachment. 1917 saw the birth of the cement mixing truck, which only reached its full potential in 1957 with the invention of the cement pump, allowing us the capabilities to pour concrete at an incredible rate: this cement pump has micro-evolved since the 50’s. I suppose all methods of mixing concrete are still used today depending on the budget of the project, however, the most effective method would be the use of the truck with a cement pump.

In our lifetime, we have seen “new technology” turned into dinosaurs, like dial-up internet (thank goodness that is gone). We’ve got smartphones, that have come a long way since its brick size predecessor and at the rate we are going, tablets will completely eradicate the entire species of the laptop computer. We have access to apps and websites on our phone, as long as we have a positive credit in our data bundles. Thanks to apps we are able to carry around a set of building plans and specs in the palms of our hands. By adding in a few figures, apps can work out the costs of the project for us. The diary industry (classic quoting system) is slowly eroding as we have our whole world on our phones. Advertising has progressed from newspaper classifieds to flyers/banners to social media (The newspaper is online these days as the world calls for a more paperless society). If you are avoiding social media, you will be left in the dark ages as your online presence is vital to your survival. Which is easier? To Google a phone number from your device or to look for a number in your phone book when you get home later, real world people want real-time answers.

Where does that leave us as South Africans?

We need to move forward, to adapt: Which has more life in it, the river or a pond with no inlet or outlet? To change our marketing strategies, to buy or develop new technology, to be more effective with the little time we have in the day. If we are not developing or inventing our own technology we will always be behind those who do. I think there is plenty of money to be made for those who can think ahead, keep up with technology, invest in development or purchase machinery so we can keep it local and sow into our own economy. Let us not be stuck in our ways, but keep adapting. I’m not saying throw the baby out with the bathwater, but be willing to embrace technology. Most importantly build your online presence.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.

To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.

To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Eldary Carpenter

I have been with Leads 2 Business for 5 years and absolutely love working for such a dynamic company. I started off as a Content Researcher in the Tenders Department before being promoted to Customer Relations.

29 Mar 2017

Featured Project: Kimberley Mental Health Facility

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Description: Construction of a mental healthcare facility, Barkly Road, Kimberley in the Northern Cape. Estimated project value: R1.8 billion.

Status: Underway

Industry: Healthcare

Region: Kimberley  

Sector: Public

Value: R 100 million+

Timing: October 2005 – October 2007 (24 months) extended to November 2017.

Notes: The Department of Health is in the process of obtaining additional funds from National Treasury and the National Department of Health for the project. Some of the sub-contractors on site have received part payment. Payments from August until February are still outstanding. There is skeleton staff on site and minimal works is taking place.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here Kimberley Mental Health Facility

About Melanie Miles

One girl who would rather wear boots than high heels...

28 Mar 2017

Featured Tender: Soshanguve Magistrate Offices: Additional Accommodation and repair the parking and storm water

by | posted in: Featured Tender | 0

Contract Number: PT17/011 – Department of Public Works

Description: Tenders are invited for: Pretoria: Soshanguve Magistrate Offices: Additional Accommodation and repair the parking and storm water. Required at: Gauteng: Department of Public Works: Pretoria Regional Office.

Industry Sector: Road, Renovations, Water, Institutional

Industry: Infrastructure, Building

Region: Pretoria

Site Inspection: Compulsory briefing 31 March 2017 at 10:00. Pretoria: Soshanguve Magistrate in Soshanguve.

Closing Date: 18 April 2017 at 11:00

Restrictions: Late posted documents will not be considered. Tender include functionality. Total minimum qualifying score for functionality is 60%. Tenderers are required to have CIDB grading of 9 GB or higher or 8 GB PE or higher. All tenderers must be registered with CSD (central supplier database)

If you are a valued Tender subscriber, Click to find more details about Soshanguve Magistrate Offices: Additional Accommodation and repair the parking and storm water

About Roxanne Mustard

My Name is Roxanne Mustard and I started working at Leads 2 Business in September 2016. My role in the Leads 2 Business team is as a Regional Content researcher in the Projects Department.

27 Mar 2017

Did You Know #DYK: We have Architects on our Directory? (Guided Search)

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We have Architects on our Directory? (Guided Search)

The definition of an Architect:

1. A person who engages in the profession of architecture.

2. A person professionally engaged in the design of certain large constructions other than buildings and the like: landscape architect; naval architect.

3. The deviser, maker, or creator of anything: the architects of the Constitution of the United States, Verb (used with object)

4. To plan, organise, or structure as an architect: The house is well architected.

Reference: http://www.dictionary.com/browse/architect

 

So now that we know what an Architect is/does – let’s find them on Leads 2 Business’ Directory:

There are a few ways of finding Architects on our Directory, namely by keyword, then under Professional Type and also Trades. We are going to go through the different ways:

Firstly, we are going to search by keyword: this search looks in the description & name fields. So any company, division, branch, contact with the word Architect(s) in the name or description field will be found.

Login in with your username and password.

On your Dashboard – click on “All” and select Directory – in the Search box type “Architect/s” – click the magnifying glass.

 

The search results will show all the Architects on our Directory, you may filter your results by using the toolbar on the left of the screen. By clicking on Region, you are able to search for Architect/s in a specific Region, etc. You are able to view the details by clicking either the contact, Branch, Division or Company level.

Secondly, we are able to search for Architects on our Directory by searching with Professional Type (under the toolbar): Looks for all contacts with the contact type of Architect & companies/division/branches with one contact with the architect type.

On the Directory search page, the Toolbar on the left – select Professional Type – Scroll to and then click in the box next to Architects

Once again, to view the details of the Architect – click on the Contact, Branch, Division or Company level.

Then lastly, search for Architect/s by Trades (under Toolbar): This will search Branches with that trade selected as Architect/s. On the Directory search page, the Toolbar on the left – select Trades – scroll to and then click in the box next to “Consulting – Architect”:

You are able to view the details by clicking the contact, Branch, Division or Company level.

And that’s how easy it is.

For any assistance, never fear when L2B is near, we love hearing from you…. so contact us if you get stuck.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Kerrilyn Cochrane

24 Mar 2017

Industry Events: Power and Electricity World Africa + Tendering Workshops

by | posted in: Construction Events | 0

Events: 20th Power and Electricity World Africa 2017

Date: 28 March 2017 – 29 March 2017

Event location: Sandton Convention Centre, Johannesburg

Event description: This is Africa’s longest running and largest power and energy show – an exhibition with 7000 attendees and a mecca of solution providers spanning 3 halls and thousands of square meters.  

Entrance: Free to attend – pre-registration is essential

Contact: Cecilia Braxton (Terrapinn), Telephone: +27(0)11 516 4049, E-mail: Cecilia.braxton@terrapinn.com

Event Website: Power and Electricity World Africa 2017

 

Events: Tendering Workshop (Cape Town)

Date: 27 March 2017 (09.00 – 16.30)

Event description: Tendering Workshop: Government’s new Tendering Rules to become effective on 01 April 2017.

For more information, please e-mail Gerrit Davids or contact him on +27(0)11 026 4891 / +27(0)82 496 1657

Event Website: Taranis

 

Events: Tendering Workshop (Durban)

Date: 31 March 2017 (09.00 – 16.30)

Event description: Tendering Workshop: Government’s new Tendering Rules to become effective on 01 April 2017.

For more information, please e-mail Gerrit Davids or contact him on +27(0)11 026 4891 / +27(0)82 496 1657

Event Website: Taranis

 

About Eldary Carpenter

I have been with Leads 2 Business for 5 years and absolutely love working for such a dynamic company. I started off as a Content Researcher in the Tenders Department before being promoted to Customer Relations.

23 Mar 2017

L2B Blog: The groundwork is done now take the lead

by | posted in: Frequently Asked Questions, Recommended Reading | 0

The groundwork is done now take the lead

The groundwork is done now take the lead: How using our leads can keep you out of trouble

“Keep you out of trouble” means busy. Busy means you are working, hustling and getting the job done. Progress only comes from consistent and persistent hard work. If you are going to rest on your laurels, be prepared for others to surpass you.

Knowing where to look and find opportunities for your company is half the battle. You can spend your day pouring over countless newspapers, scrolling through websites and scrutinising bulletins or you can let us do that for you. You just have to check your email and work off one website, and you’ll have all the opportunities you need.

The expression is “Don’t put all your eggs in one basket”. But since L2B has all the “eggs”, you just need to understand how to make the most of them. The idea being that you hedge your bets. You diversify. You branch out. You create a safety net, of sorts, by garnering work through various avenues. This, of course, depends on the type of work you do and your willingness to be re-active or pro-active.

The re-active approach is your basic tender and Request for Quote (RFQ). When you see a tender out that’s right up your alley; you buy the documents, attend the meeting and hand in the signed tender document on the closing date. Hold thumbs and you get the award. For the RFQ, you receive it and decide whether or not to price. Even a “no”, is better than silence. If you don’t hear back from the main contractor, concerning your prices; approach them for feedback. Who’s prices did they accept? Why? Is it something you can work into your prices and services in the future? If you don’t ask, you will never know.

Being pro-active can get your company name out there way before tenders and RFQs. You would monitor a Project at the earliest stage, so you know what to expect and generally when to expect it and approach those professionals or contractors at the right time. You can monitor tenders, and once awarded, approach the awarded companies. Even earlier than that, you could’ve requested the site attendance register and the electronic Bill of Quantity (BoQ), therefore ensuring you know what items to price and who to approach. You’re not only creating relationships, but you could also be saving yourself time and money. If your products or services are not required in a BoQ; you can move on much quicker. Perhaps you impressed the Architect so early on the project, that your products are specified in the Bill of Quantity (BoQ).

You can advertise your company and products/services on the L2B website, and have companies come to you.

Ensure that your Directory entry is comprehensive and up to date. Allowing other companies to find you and contact you with ease, is extremely important in this day and age.

Be aware of when Supplier Database notices come out, and make sure that your company is registered wherever it needs to be registered. Paperwork is a bane, but it also is vital in being able to tender. The added advantage to being registered on Databases is that it puts your company in a position to be approached directly to quote by the Municipality or Government Department. Not every contract can afford to go out to tender, for a variety of reasons; namely time constraints or emergency work.

Last but not least, talk to us at L2B. If there are discrepancies anywhere, let us know so that we might assist in clarifying. The more we learn about your experiences on our website, or out there tendering; the more we can understand how the information we supply directly affects you. Your success is our aim.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

About Claire Donaldson

I started working at Leads 2 Business in February 2005, and have served as Head of Department of Daily Tenders from 2007 until the present. I oversee both the Daily Tenders South Africa and Africa Departments.

22 Mar 2017

Featured Project: Tunisia Economic City – Residential City

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Description: Construction of a residential city for a new mixed-use development to be known as Tunisia Economic City in Tunisia, North Africa. The Residential City is to consist of 7.6% land area / 28 million m² GFA / 4.10 FAR, and will include high density, mid density, townhouses, family villas and luxury villas. This new city is located in Enfidha District in close proximity to the Enfidha Al-hammamat International airport which can help initially to speed up the building of the city. The 90 square kilometres project with an 18 kilometres beach front modern sustainable and eco-friendly metropolis will be the home of 500,000 inhabitants and will provide 250,000 jobs once completed within 15 years from now. Estimated project value: US$ 50 billion.

Status: Procedural

Industry: Building

Region: Tunisia

Sector: Private

Value: R 100 million+

Timing: 2015 onwards

Notes: Tunisia Economic City will house up to 500,000 residents when completed in 12 years from its launch and will create 250,000 jobs all over the Tunisian country. It has already attracted the participation of at least 120 international major corporations each in its respective field.

If you are a valued Projects subscriber, you can find more details click here Tunisia Economic City – Residential City 

About Marlaine Andersen

Leads 2 Business Advertising Co-ordinator and Digital Designer

20 Mar 2017

Did You Know #DYK: How to use the calendar

by | posted in: Did You Know, How To, Recommended Reading | 0

How to use the calendar

In this busy lifestyle, it is so easy to forget appointments, especially when handling various tenders and projects on hand. Thanks to Leads 2 Business we have a solution to help you not miss out on any of your site meetings and appointments that will help you get your foot in the door at the precise time.

You can thank us later!

Thanks to the Calendar feature that syncs your selected reminders to your emails it will make it easier for you to remember the important dates.

How do you utilise this feature you may ask? Easy!!!

Once you have opened up your selected Project or Tender that you are interested in.

You will see the Reminder Icons on your right adjacent to the Assigned Icon

 

 

And next to the Site Inspection and Closing Date for Tenders

 

Click on the Reminder Icon and a pop-up screen will appear as below.

You will then click on “Create reminder” which will take you to the next step which will give you a selection of options.

You then have the option to select the reminder you need and insert a small note if it is a follow-up reminder. The reminder can be sent to your email and your mobile phone (depending on your preferred method of communication). Please note the mobile reminder will only reflect should you have an active mobile number on your profile.

Once you have completed the steps above, click on save changes to save the reminder.

The reminder will then reflect on your calendar.

Please note the time reflected on your reminder is not the time your reminder will be sent to you.

The reminder will be sent to you on the morning of the reminder date so you can plan your day more efficiently.

The website also has a Download ICS function on the calendar that can assist you to synchronise your reminders with your email Calendar, given that your program is compatible, for eg. Outlook.

You can use this in the following steps:

Click on the “Actions” icon on your calendar

 

Once you click on “Download ICS”, it will give you a range of calendar selection, selection the option you prefer and apply.

 

So there we have it, now you have no excuses to miss any appointments and get the ball rolling on prospective tenders and projects.

If you are interested in becoming one of our subscribers, please visit our website.
To view notes with screenshots on how to use our website, please visit our Wiki site.
To view more articles, please visit our blog.

 

 

About Sharika Raman

I have worked for Leads 2 Business from January 2015. I started in the Leads 2 Quotes Department for Directory, in January 2020 I was promoted to the Deputy Head of Department for Leads 2 Quotes and in July 2021 I was promoted to the Accounts Department as a Debtors Administrator. I enjoy time with my family creating memories, I like to socialize but also enjoy time to myself so I try to keep a balance by indulging in some quiet time when I can. I see myself as a realist, amazing wife and awesome mom…I am sure my family would agree.

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