Downer Group Trying Out Blockchain Improvements In The Construction Business

The Downer Group – a company offering a range of construction and engineering services  – is looking into the use of blockchain technology, hoping to improve their current modus operandi. Listed on the ASX and offering their services across Australia and New Zealand, the Downer Group is on the ASX 100 list and employs around 52,000 people.

Although blockchain has many uses in construction, the company has stated that they plan to use blockchain technology to keep a record of turnaround maintenance work – and to manage complex shutdowns.

Avoiding Mistakes And Misunderstandings

Over 130 shutdowns and turnarounds are performed by Downer every year, mostly in complex sites such as mines.

In industries where the slightest mistake can be fatal, there is no room for error – and blockchain can reduce those errors almost completely.

Blockchain has been used in Australian construction before – notably to create eco-friendly apartment complexes. However, the Downer Group states that this is the first use of blockchain in Australia for these specific areas of interest.

Pat Burke – the business executive general manager of Downer Group – stated that they are always looking for ways to improve customer experience. Among other innovative ideas, blockchain was singled out as a way to slice through previously opaque and confusing business practices, particularly those pertaining to unexpected costs and SLAs.

“A key factor in the successful management of large maintenance outages is having real-time information regarding asset condition, time, cost, and schedule that allows fully informed decision making during the actual execution of major and minor works.

“I believe blockchain technology will be used in many business-to-business transactions in the coming years.”

He added that by taking a leap of faith now, the Downer Group will be poised to offer innovative solutions to customers in a few years – while industry rivals play catch-up.