________________________________________________________________________________________________________________ M & E
digital twins and artificial intelligence( AI) are increasingly being used to enhance project management and operations, which ultimately improves profit and performance. These technologies allow teams to communicate remotely, monitor progress and conduct diagnostics virtually, saving both travel time and costs.
AI in action at Salko UK
At Salko UK, we have a health and safety lead to ensure processes are adhered to. Our approach to health and safety allows customers to benefit from our forwardthinking measures. This, in turn, enhances profitability as M & E specialists offer a vast array of expertise within one body, as opposed to hiring individual teams for each aspect, saving both money and time, streamlining processes.
We have recently utilised camera-based technology through the Safety Shield, which employs AI to detect people within the danger zones of moving equipment. This AI system is currently being used on mobile cranes operated by our subcontractors at the site.
Unlike other collision avoidance solutions that can trigger frequent false alarms, the Safety Shield focuses exclusively on identifying humans within the designated detection area. It alerts the operator only when there is an imminent risk of collision, ensuring heightened safety and operational efficiency.
In addition to alerts for operators in the cab, pedestrians can hear audible signals, which increases their situational awareness and proactively supports the safe and efficient movement of mobile plant and individuals around the site. In turn, this boosts overall productivity by reducing idle time, which enhances profitability through more efficient project delivery.
Enhancing operational efficiency
Operational efficiency is essential for supporting long-term value, as M & E systems are fundamental to overall performance. When coordinated early, M & E specialists can provide expertise and insight throughout the construction cycle. This can reduce operational costs, improve profitability and enhance energy efficiency, which is crucial given current net-zero targets, and extend the lifespan of assets.
At Salko UK, we are dedicated to creating safe workplaces where automation, datadriven insights, and smarter engineering design contribute to a safer industry. Over our 25 years of operation, we have witnessed rapid technological advancements, and we can expect this progress to continue over the next five to ten years as the industry evolves.
As the construction and engineering sectors continue to evolve toward smarter and more automated processes, the integration of M & E specialists early will become increasingly important and support industry objectives such as streamlining operations, ultimately driving innovation and efficiency. ■
Sim Sharphouse www. salko. co. uk
Sim Sharphouse is Operations Manager at Salko UK. Salko UK is a premier solutions provider for Mechanical and Electrical services in the commercial, industrial, energy and mining sectors. The company offers a wide range of services spanning from design, procurement, and installation through to the provision of individual specialists, including fully managed projects from concept to completion
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