A Dorset steel firm has explained why it is happy to share technical data with clients, the construction industry – and even rival businesses.
Poole-based SMD has now published its latest concept design guide that includes design look-up tables for floor decking. The company that is shaping Britain’s skyline has issued a new White Book, the brainchild of Technical Director Jamie Turner.
Available online as an interactive resource and in print format, the SMD publication contains thousands of detailed specifications. It is aimed at structural engineers, architects and anyone looking to use SMD’s products.
Jamie said: “Our commitment is very much geared towards driving industry standards higher. We want to be the ‘go to’ place for technical knowledge. “Our company mission is to be the UK’s leading provider of structural floor and roof solutions, so we must be philanthropic in the sharing of data. “The White Book is intended to simplify the concept design stage – a three- stage interactive process for designers to use to ensure they select the right product for their project.”
SMD publishes a plethora of documents within its technical reference library, including Technical Guidance Notes (TGN Online), Elements Design Software, BIM specifications and training presentations. Jamie added: “TGN Online is a very useful tool we have created – it was intended as an external resource, but SMD staff also find it invaluable. “We have taken 10 to 15 years of technical queries from the industry which have been answered by SMD and spent a long time formatting them into this comprehensive and essential resource. “This means our customers and clients can more often than not find the solutions they need on our website without having to call – and our staff can also answer queries with confidence using the TGN Online tool as a knowledge hub.
TGN first went online this year – it’s still also available as a manual – and Jamie reckons it can answer 90 to 95 per cent of queries. He said: “Much of the information is in the public domain and there are no trade secrets, but TGN certainly makes the job easier and the client experience smoother and more cost-effective.”
SMD, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, has for many years produced technical literature and brochures, digitally for the past ten years.
Topics include product data sheets, standard details, industry best practice guidance, health and safety, concrete, stud welding and company policies across a broad spectrum, all of which can be found on their website at smdltd.co.uk
SMD, founded in Ringwood in 1987, employs more than 100 staff at locations across the UK, including Poole, Leeds, Nottingham and Glasgow, as well as overseas in Dubai and India. It is one of only a handful of British firms to design, manufacture and install its own steel decking systems.