Volvo's approach focuses on reducing operational costs while maintaining high performance and durability. (Image source: Volvo CE)

Volvo CE has introduced its new EC400 and EC500 excavators as hybrid models, delivering a 17% increase in fuel efficiency and a 15% reduction in both CO₂ emissions and fuel consumption.

These excavators represent the latest advancements in Volvo's hybrid range and mark a significant step toward more environmentally sustainable operations.

The EC400 and EC500, weighing in at 40 and 50 tons respectively, are now the largest models in Volvo’s hybrid portfolio, joining previous models like the EC380E, EC350E, EC300E, and EC250E hybrids.

These machines utilise Volvo’s hydraulic hybrid technology, which captures energy from the excavator’s boom as it moves downward. This energy is stored in an accumulator and then used to power the assist motor, reducing overall fuel consumption and emissions.

Improving efficiency

Volvo's approach focuses on reducing operational costs while maintaining high performance and durability.

The hybrid models are designed with a simpler electro-hydraulic system, which uses fewer hoses and couplings, resulting in lower maintenance costs and increased reliability. The machines also feature reinforced undercarriages, strengthened bucket linkages, and optional heavy-duty superstructures to handle demanding tasks with ease.

Otmar Kirsch, product manager excavator, commented, "The expansion of our Hybrid range into our new generation excavators represents the merging of our most advanced hybrid technology with a new and modern design that takes customers into the future.”

The EC400 and EC500 provide a more spacious and ergonomic operator environment, enhancing the overall user experience. With Volvo’s hybrid technology, these excavators deliver improved fuel efficiency and performance, ensuring that customers can operate more sustainably while meeting the challenges of modern construction.

Viewpoint Field View is designed to enhance construction document management. (Image source: Trimble)

The construction industry is experiencing an important transition, as a growing number of project owners are now rapidly migrating to construction project management software to meet their document management needs. This change represents a shift from the tedious, conventional approaches to managing construction documents, and points towards improved productivity and streamlined workflows.

Managing construction documents was a difficult task prior to the development of construction project management software. In the past, stakeholders depended on a variety of offline storage devices, including filing cabinets, desktop computers, Excel spreadsheets, and external hard drives, to store and share information. This disorganised method of document control increased risks, prevented collaboration, pushed back project timelines, and ultimately led to huge losses for owners. More importantly, such confusion can also lead to critical construction errors that are dangerous and can cause significant delays.

According to Trimble, a leading provider of construction technology solutions, a dedicated project management software for construction can eliminate version confusion, access issues, and time wastage. The company outlines three main challenges that capital project owners and construction project managers encounter when keeping, organising, and disseminating project-related documents to consultants, subcontractors, and contractors.

These include the high cost of printing and mailing, where the expenses of printing and mailing hard-copy documents for distribution can quickly add up, especially when plans change, or additional details must be shared. Disorganised electronic files present another challenge since they are frequently cluttered, making document location difficult. It can be difficult for inexperienced users to use Microsoft-like folder structures and distribute documents via an FTP site. Comparably, outdated information is another issue that arises when team members are unable to find the most recent information. This can lead to needless change orders and delays in projects, which can also have a detrimental effect on the budget.

Offline solutions

To address these challenges, Trimble offers innovative solutions such as Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, designed to enhance construction document management by centralising information and streamlining processes.

Viewpoint Field View is a cloud-based and offline mobile solution designed to replace pen and paper in the field for snagging, forms and permits, project delivery, and handover. Field View enhances team productivity by allowing them to spend more time on-site and less time on administrative tasks back in the office—ultimately saving time, reducing costs, and mitigating risks. This solution enables field teams to efficiently manage tasks, track progress, and communicate updates without the delays associated with traditional methods. By integrating field data with project management systems, Viewpoint Field View helps reduce errors, improve decision-making, and enhance overall project efficiency.

Viewpoint for Projects, on the other hand, targets site management by offering a comprehensive platform for managing all project documents and communications. It is a construction document management system that streamlines project documentation, enables seamless sharing, control, and collaboration on project documents and drawings, all while maintaining strict revision control. This solution centralises information, making it easily accessible to all stakeholders involved in the project. With features that support document control, version management, and collaboration, Viewpoint for Projects helps ensure access to the most current information, thus reducing the risk of delays and costly changes.

Construction document management software have been utilised previously on several projects in the UAE. For instance, the Dubai Metro project is a notable example of a particularly effective document management system implementation during a period of rapid growth in the UAE. The project encountered numerous challenges throughout its lifecycle, from conception to completion. In order to better guide future projects, the Roads and Transport Authority (RTA) documented these difficulties, emphasising increased stakeholder collaboration, streamlined workflows, and improved document accessibility as crucial factors.

Today, the industry has evolved with innovative software systems offering advanced features for field and project management. Companies like Trimble are leading the way with solutions such as Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, designed to efficiently manage construction documents. By centralising document and information management, Trimble's construction project management software and construction document management software establishes a single, reliable source of information.

In comparison to previous projects, contemporary systems like the comprehensive Electronic Document Management System (EDMS) used for the new Abu Dhabi International Airport Midfield Terminal Building that opened in 2023, also offer significant improvements. This system oversees contracts, construction documents, and communication between contractors and stakeholders, demonstrating how modern solutions contribute to better project management and outcomes.

Solutions like Trimble's Viewpoint Field View and Viewpoint for Projects, set to make a significant impact in the Middle East, are designed to enhance construction document management and streamline processes within the ever-evolving construction ecosystem. These advanced systems highlight the ongoing commitment to simplifying project management and boosting operational efficiency, showcasing the industry's dedication to innovation and continuous improvement.

This article is penned by Trimble.

Akinwumi Adesina attending the event in Riyadh. (Image source: AfDB)

Speaking at the Saudi Fund for Development’s 50th anniversary celebration, Akinwumi Adesina, president of the African Development Bank Group (AfDB), has praised Saudi Arabia for its support, dedication and friendliness to Africa

The president said the fund translated the pulse of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia into development support in Africa. “Its work covers 407 projects in 41 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, with support of over US$5.3bn,” he noted.

As outlined by AfDB, projects the country has financed range from irrigation to produce food, dams for energy, hospitals for mothers and their babies, electricity to light up schools and enhance learning, airports and roads to link countries, counties and communities. These efforts have been part of an attempt to develop a deeper friendship and engagement between Saudi Arabia and Africa.

Adesina remarked that the Saudi Fund for Development stands out in the development financing landscape due to its “unlimited territorial scope” and its focus on “countries need”.

“That means: Open heart. Open hands. Open purse. Its success is rooted in its values, reflected by its acronym, SDF, which I call: Supportive. Dedicated. Friendly. That’s why countries appreciate the SDF,” he continued. “The African Development Bank is your friend and strategic partner in Africa… I wish the Saudi Fund for Development another 50 exciting years ahead, as we partner together to support Africa with renewed dedication to accelerate Africa’s development.”

Panel session at Intersec last year. (Image source: Intersec KSA)

The sixth edition of Intersec Saudi Arabia, scheduled to take place from 1-3 October at the Riyadh International Convention and Exhibition Center (RICEC), will underscore the importance of fire safety in the built environment.

This event, recognised as the country’s premier trade fair for security, safety, and fire protection, will feature a significant discussion led by Neil Odin, chief fire officer of the UK National Fire Chiefs Council, who is a prominent figure in fire safety.

Odin, with over three decades of experience in the UK fire service, will share his unique perspectives on the challenges faced by the Middle East during the panel discussion titled "Crisis to Recovery: Strategies for Effective Fire Post-Incident Management," set to take place on the opening day of the Fire Protection & Technology Summit.

A surge in construction activity

According to Mordor Intelligence, Saudi Arabia currently hosts over 5,200 ongoing construction projects, collectively valued at more than US$819bn. These projects, spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and infrastructure sectors, highlight the pressing need for effective fire-safe design strategies.

"A response strategy cannot stand alone; it must be intricately linked with fire-safe building designs and comprehensive prevention strategies. Understanding the root causes of fire disasters and sharing this knowledge is key to innovating effective solutions," said Odin.

“The Middle East, particularly Saudi Arabia, holds the potential to lead in global fire management through its focus on designing out risks in new developments,” he added.

The session will delve into the critical phases following a fire, showcasing best practices and innovative approaches to post-incident recovery, with a focus on restoring normality for affected communities, buildings, and emergency responders. Odin will be joined by Jamal Al Ghamdi, corporate process safety director at Sadara Chemical Company, on the panel.

Additional sessions on the first day of the Summit will cover topics such as promoting fire safety awareness and preparedness, fire safety hazards associated with electric vehicles, and lessons learned from past disasters.

The second day of the Summit will feature a full agenda addressing various topics, including the integration of IoT and AI in fire safety systems, the maturity of robotics in firefighting, safeguarding fire safety infrastructure against emerging threats, and fire challenges exacerbated by climate change. These sessions will be led by experts from diverse fields critical to fire safety.

Riham Sedik, show manager—Intersec Saudi Arabia, Messe Frankfurt Middle East, said, “Intersec Saudi Arabia has an integral role to play in providing a platform for some of the greatest minds and most experienced individuals to come together from around the world to discuss critical challenges, opportunities, standards & policies, and technology relating to fire safety.

“Our packed agenda ensures Intersec Saudi Arabia remains a key date for all concerned in this field.”

Alongside the Fire Protection and Technology Summit, the event will also host the Future Security and Safety Summit, focusing on the convergence of security thought leadership, innovation, and global expertise. Both summits are part of Intersec Saudi Arabia’s high-level content and conference programme, all of which are CPD-certified.

This year's exhibition will span five product categories: Commercial & Perimeter Security, Cybersecurity, Homeland Security & Policing, Fire and Rescue, and Safety and Health. With unprecedented demand from exhibitors, the show has sold out two months before its opening day, leading to a 34% increase in exhibition space from the previous year, now covering a total of 23,000 sqm across five halls and a dedicated outdoor area.

Bilal Al Barmawi, CEO and founder of 1st Arabia Trade Shows & Conferences, said, “I’m delighted to see such a high calibre of experts who will be able to share insights from their many years of experience. This secures our position as a must-attend exhibition.”