Datacentres | A global hyper-scale product platform strategy

Contact

Jamie Hillier
07791 718 377
Jamie.Hillier@akerlof.co.uk
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Overview

Akerlof was engaged by a leading data centre developer to devise a platform strategy for the creation of a global hyper-scale product. The project’s ambition was to leverage efficiencies and economies of scale across a global footprint, whilst respecting local needs, requirements and specifications to create an optimum solution that is faster, better and greener.

What we did

Collaborating closely with key stakeholders, we shaped a product-based vision and developed a platform strategy that was aligned with business goals. Driving a business shift in focus towards product lifecycle, we worked in partnership with a design team to create a platform DfMA solution, capable of deployment at scale.

Balancing the efficiencies of standardisation against local and customer-specific needs, we provided programme, logistics, procurement and cost advice, to evaluate and optimise solutions.

Our work not only provided a proof-of-concept demonstrator that underscored the potential benefits of a product-based approach but also flagged early on the cultural and organisational challenges that needed to be addressed to realise these benefits internationally. By highlighting both opportunities and challenges, we empowered our client to make data-informed decisions about their investment in product development, helping them mitigate risks prior to committing substantial expenditure.

The impact

  • Strategic business alignment with a platform DfMA solution that is globally scalable, and that leverages both local needs and customer-specific requirements
  • Early recognition of cultural and organisational change required for international success
  • Data insights for effective risk mitigation and informed decision making in product development

Jamie Hillier

Partner
Contact
Linkedin Twitter
jamie.hillier@akerlof.co.uk
07791 718 377

With a penchant for tweed and jackets with leather arm patches, Jamie began his career as a quantity surveyor, before climbing the ladder to lead major projects for a Tier 1 contractor.

Eventually expanding his book collection beyond copies of SMM7, Jamie has interest in a broad range of subjects linked to delivering better outcomes for society and the environment.

His strategic insights on MMC and behavioural science have made their way into numerous government, industry and academic publications, including the Construction Playbook, Transforming Infrastructure Performance Roadmap to 2030, the Platform Rulebook and the RIBA DfMA Overlay.

John Handscomb

Partner
Contact
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john.handscomb@akerlof.co.uk
07305 486 581

Construction is in John’s blood. Learning from his father who was a planner and project manager, John began his career by working on some iconic projects in both the public and private sector.

As a procurement expert and integrator of new ways of working, John has pioneered the integration of platform principles, DfMA processes and supply chain within over £5bn projects in the last 15 years, for some of the largest building programmes in the UK. Despite his considerable expertise, John keeps it simple, communicating complicated ideas with ease and helping to equip the industry with new knowledge and skills.

Outside of Akerlof, John enjoys his executive role with technology start-up ScanTech Digital, spending time with his family, taking trips down the football, playing a bit of golf with friends and the odd pint. 

Our name is shared with George Akerlof, a Nobel Prize-winning economist.

His seminal paper, Market for Lemons, demonstrated the devastating consequences of making decisions under the conditions of quality uncertainty and unequal information between buyers and sellers, increasing the chance of buyers ending up with a ‘lemon’.

This 50-year-old concept continues to retain parallels within the construction industry.

Through our insight and experience, we can rebalance this information asymmetry on behalf of our clients, levelling the playing field to deliver better outcomes.