Under NEC, your records are either on time or worthless

14 May 2026 · 1 min

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1:27

In this presentation, the speaker explains how using a digital platform for site record keeping can transform the management of NEC contracts. He outlines three key advantages: (1) aggregating records into a big‑data, trend‑able format that supports the calculation of productivity rates and improves forecasting and forward‑looking aspects of NEC procedures; (2) providing a single, digitally‑leveraged data source that can be presented in multiple formats for different audiences—such as shift‑pattern managers, cost accountants, program planners, or payment processors—thereby simplifying access and tailoring information to specific needs; and (3) linking the digital records with other digital assets, including commercial event logs, work‑activity data, and BIM model components, which opens up untapped opportunities for richer analysis and integration. The overall message is that digital site record keeping not only serves as evidence but becomes a strategic tool for enhancing efficiency, insight, and collaboration in NEC‑based projects.

Chapters

So to manage NEC contracts effectively using a digital platform for site record keeping, I think it opens up all sorts of possibilities. I think firstly it takes the role of the record beyond just being a point of evidence to justify a particular account on record. I think having them in aggregate in a trendable big data way enables us to establish productivity rates and really help us with some of the forecasting and prospective forward-looking parts of the NEC procedures. I think the, the second bit, and this goes for whether you're a contractor or a project manager, of course, you know, it's just simple access and the way in which the data's orientated as well. So, you know, different audiences will look at records for different reasons and having a single source of data leveraged digitally means that we can present that single source in multiple different ways, whether we are satisfying somebody who's looking after shift patterns or we're using that for cost defining cost records, or we're assembling a program based on some productivity, or we're looking at, you know, applying for payment. I think there's lots of different ways digital enables us to leverage it in those different ways. And thirdly, combining it with other digital sources. So indexing those records with real events and matters from a commercial point of view, or indexing them to things like activities at work or asset components in the BIM model, perhaps. Really fantastic opportunities that are so untapped at the moment. Really exciting area to get into.