OHL North America, a subsidiary of Spanish multinational Obrascon Huarte Lain (OHL), is a civil engineering company with more than 3,800 employees. This leader in the heavy construction industry specializes in large public works like bridges, highways, tunnels, and subways. Some of its recent achievements include New York City’s South Ferry Station and the Second Avenue Subway Station, which the city’s Governor Cuomo praised as a “transformative project”.
Our client faced a number of obstacles that were limiting its potential for growth. Due to redundant business systems, OHL North America’s staff had to rely on inefficient spreadsheets and outdated third-party applications for essential tasks such as record keeping. To make matters more complex, alternative software products that were already on the market in the construction sector didn’t meet OHL’s needs.
OHL North America’s internal process management systems were riddled with issues. Redundant, disparate third-party systems that did not integrate with one another made it difficult for the organization to manage business-critical process, user and system administration, end-user training and support. Without a central hub where staff could coordinate tasks and share knowledge, internal communication was often poor, leading to unnecessary client disruption and mistakes.
Our client needed a comprehensive, integrated software solution that:
After speaking to different vendors, OHL chose Asahi Technologies due to our extensive experience with similar projects.
We built a dedicated team to develop an integrated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solution that would connect OHL’s departments through a centralized data sharing facility. We used a number of technology toolkits to create this including:
By using a bespoke software solution, OHL didn’t have to worry about third-party licensing costs. It has been able to add unlimited users with clearly defined, role-appropriate access rights. We were also able to provide OHL with additional tools, including:
Our bespoke ERP solution has streamlined operations across OHL North America’s large, multifaceted business. Outdated paper-based processes and ineffective legacy systems have been replaced by an intuitive, cutting-edge system built just for our client. Users at all levels across the company can access critical operations data via an intuitive, web-based interface that offers role-based access.
The scalable software solution has allowed our client to move away from disconnected third-party systems to one that allows distributed teams to seamlessly work together. Now, the organization can easily track projects and enjoy constant sight of its resource management capabilities to deliver better results for its clients.
Despite initial hesitation from some within the business, OHL North America reports that our ERP solution has been widely adopted. The large organization’s departments are now digitally connected and enjoy full visibility of crucial workflow, accounting and project management information. Request, approval and workflow processes can be completed in a faster, more accurate way, with workflow time being cut in half. And by centralizing record keeping and accounting processes our software solution has led to a reduction in human errors during payroll and invoicing.
"Over the course of our six-year relationship, Asahi’s service has been prompt and high quality. The team that worked on this project have been trustworthy, diligent, and highly technically proficient, and they have done exceptional work automating and digitizing our business workflow processes.”
Ashok Patel, New York
President, OHL North America
