SOCOTEC Group, a global leader in testing, inspection, and certification (TIC) across construction and infrastructure, operates in over 25 countries.
In the UK, SOCOTEC works closely with stakeholders across the industry to deliver essential services in construction, buildings, infrastructure, environmental safety, and certification.
To enhance productivity and streamline operations, SOCOTEC UK turned to Causeway to automate and digitise their field operations, primarily around management and collection of data from complex inspections being carried out.
Following a successful implementation of Causeway by the SOCOTEC Group in France, SOCOTEC UK sought a solution to drive efficiencies within its field-based teams, focusing initially on its infrastructure division, which employs over 500 operatives supporting infrastructure asset management in construction, operation, and maintenance.
The Challenge
Prior to adopting Causeway, SOCOTEC UK's field operations were still heavily reliant on paper-based processes. Although the wider SOCOTEC Group had been using Causeway to manage inspections in France since 2021, the UK division faced challenges with the slow, manual handling of inspection data, leading to inefficiencies and increased admin time.
"Our goal was to modernise our operations in the UK, reduce time spent on administrative tasks, and unlock the ability to manage complex data more efficiently. We needed a solution that could digitise the collection and management of inspection data in the field, automate workflows, and allow for real-time insights across all stages of the process."
Paul Tilley, Technical and Commercial Director at SOCOTEC UK
The Solution
After an extensive evaluation process led by Paul Tilley, SOCOTEC UK selected Causeway.
The key criteria were clear: SOCOTEC UK needed a modern cloud-based solution that could integrate seamlessly with existing systems, empower field operatives without requiring extensive IT resources, and provide real-time data insights.
CausewayOne Digital Tools stood out for its ability to handle complex inspections, automate workflows, and manage mobile form data effectively.
SOCOTEC UK was particularly impressed by the solution's mobile form management capabilities, allowing anyone in the business to create custom forms for field operatives and securely store the completed data in a common cloud-based environment.
"One of our most important requirements was that the operations team could get up and running quickly without needing heavy IT support, and Causeway provided exactly that. We now have over 20 people, most from a non technical background, creating their own forms and workflows."
Paul Tilley, Technical and Commercial Director at SOCOTEC UK
The Outcome
Since the implementation of Causeway in late 2023, SOCOTEC UK has already achieved significant operational improvements. Over 150 digital forms have been rolled out to nearly 400 field operatives, resulting in over 12,000 jobs completed.
A short list of some of the forms that are being used:
- Site attendance reports
- Water storage tank inspections
- Risk assesments
- Ladder inspections
- Sampling sheets
- Timesheets
These forms have transformed how inspections and other tasks are carried out in the field, replacing the paper-based processes that had previously been time-consuming and prone to error.
"We’ve received excellent feedback from users, and the way we now collect and manage information has completely transformed. Just last month, 1,270 jobs were completed in the field using the Causeway solution, which highlights the scale of efficiency that we are now achieving."
Paul Tilley, Technical and Commercial Director at SOCOTEC UK
The most measurable impact has been the reduction in administrative time.
By automating the data collection, eliminating manual data entry, and generating real-time reports automatically, SOCOTEC UK has saved over 240 hours per week—equivalent to six full-time employees.
"By eliminating the need for retyping and introducing automated reports, we’ve significantly improved our efficiency and at a conservative estimate are saving 240 hours per week."
Paul Tilley, Technical and Commercial Director at SOCOTEC UK
Causeway has already made a profound impact on SOCOTEC UK’s field operations. By digitising complex inspections and automating workflows, SOCOTEC UK has not only saved significant time but has also gained real-time insights that drive better decision-making.
The transition from paper-based processes to a fully digitised environment has been a key step in enhancing productivity and ensuring long-term operational efficiencies across the business.
"An additional benefit we're seeing is the improved level of consistency in reporting, which is enhancing client service. Before using Causeway, we were using wide range of systems for data collection and reporting, which made it extremely hard to obtain consistent data and gain a single overview of all the work carried out. Now we have a centralised system, that is encouraging the sharing of knowledge and ensuring a consistent high level of service."
Paul Tilley, Technical and Commercial Director at SOCOTEC UK
Want to get Causeway working for your business?
Learn more about our software solutions for contractors or contact us for details.
