By
Larry Feinberg, Executive Director, Association for South African Quantity Surveyors
​

Software has disrupted many industry sectors, from travel to insurance, and from retail to real estate. In each case, we were informed excitedly that the new technology would side-line humans. And yet estate agents, insurance brokers and even brick-and-mortar retail stores all still continue to grow.
 
More accurately, those that have embraced the new technology have gone on to flourish.
 
When it comes to quantity surveying we are seeing something like the same dynamic unfolding. An added element is that the profession is poorly understood by other players in the public and private sectors. Too often, quantity surveyors are seen simply as providers of Bills of Quantities and drafters of tender documents. In reality, a quantity surveyor has a much broader and more valuable role to play, especially in these days of mega-projects, strict regulation and, of course, unremitting cost pressure.
 
It is true that intelligent software can help automate and improve some of the more routine elements of the quantity surveyor’s job, such as measurement and the collation of documents. But to see the role of the software in this light only, or even to see it to some extent replacing a quantity surveyor, is to miss the point entirely. Rather, the software should be seen as providing quantity surveyors with the space to provide the services that have, over time, come to define their real contribution to any project.
 
This contribution includes the ability to determine the viability of a project from the outset, or to see the project holistically, in order to assist the owner to balance the architect’s vision with the realities of meeting cost targets that will ensure that planned returns are realized. This contribution continues, not only during the actual construction phase but throughout the entire life cycle of the building. I always think of the quantity surveyor’s role as one of creating a value proposition that extends from the design phase, through the construction phase and then ultimately throughout the life of the building management phase. Software alone, would be hard pressed to provide all these vital service solutions to clients.
 
In addition, the quantity surveyor is able to take the basic data and calculations produced by the software as the basis for exercising his or her judgement—not, as many would have one believe, to bypass it. Software cannot take into consideration many of the long-term questions that are of increasing importance to those who fund large projects, and those who will use them. For example, what are the benefits of spending more during the construction phase in order to reduce costs over the life of the project? How can certain needs such as air conditioning be met in a way that it is environmentally responsible without compromising operational efficiency—or commercial viability?
 
These, and similar questions, need the expert judgement of an experienced professional to resolve, not the wired-in certainties of a piece of software. By fulfilling this role, the quantity surveyor protects the interests of the client, including those who will use the finished product, and the broader community at large.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Cathlen Fourie, 082 222 9198, [email protected], www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: http://www.asaqs.co.za/
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors

The construction industry has always been cyclic, enjoying a boom for several consecutive years only to face a slump afterwards. Eventually, things pick up again. South Africa's last upward cycle ended around 2010 in step with the global economic crisis. Since then, quantity surveyors have been feeling the pinch. Unfortunately, this trend looks set to continue into 2017.
 
However, quantity surveyors have always been value enablers in the construction industry. In 2017 they should strive to promote the results they produce, not just their technical capabilities. In a down economy, investors hope to do more with less and the quantity surveyors are in a prime position to help them reach that goal. The price of their services are easily offset by the cost savings achieved from their advice on sensible construction choices, such as cost-effective substitutes or avenues for realising lower building life cycle costs. So quantity surveyors can thrive, but they will need to work harder to build awareness of the value they add.
 
Another notable trend for 2017 is the Construction Sector Charter Council’s revised construction sector codes. The new codes are designed to bring the industry in line with the black economic empowerment and transformation targets set by the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI). While the codes are still open for comment, quantity surveying firms should familiarise themselves to ensure they are prepared in the coming year.
 
Technologies available to the quantity surveyor appear set to continue developing in line with other industries. Various software packages exist for quantity surveying and they should make the most of suitable technologies. Automation of repetitive tasks brings greater efficiency, resulting in faster service and higher profits. However, technology is only a tool and cannot replace sound business advice, solve problems or suggest alternatives.
 
The #FeesMustFall movement has called into question whether or not 2017 will suffer a skills gap due to a lack of graduates. We’ve yet to see how this will affect quantity surveying. However, the construction industry is a cornerstone of the South African economy. The government is well aware of the talent required to keep it strong and there’s a huge drive to develop skills in all fields. So the expectation is that there will be sufficient expertise next year.
 
In the past, green buildings were assumed to cost nearly 60% more than traditional ones. But a recent study by ASAQS, The Green Building Council of South Africa and the University of Pretoria, using data from 54 green star certified office buildings around the country, shows that costs actually average around 5% and may drop as low as 1.1%. That's a small price to pay for protecting our future. In 2017, quantity surveyors should take the initiative and recommend sustainable building practices and materials.
 
While the forecast for 2017 isn’t ideal, there is a greater need for quantity surveying than ever. By leveraging every opportunity and promoting their cost-cutting guile, quantity surveyors will thrive.

ENDS

MEDIA CONTACT: Cathlen Fourie, 082 222 9198, [email protected], www.atthatpoint.co.za  
 
For more information on ASAQS please visit:
Website: http://www.asaqs.co.za/
Facebook: The Association of South African Quantity Surveyors