The Problem: Complex Challenges in Construction Management

Mainbrace Constructions, a leader in delivering retail and commercial projects across Australia, faced a range of challenges typical in the construction industry. From tracking worker hours and ensuring site safety to managing compliance and siloed data, their processes were heavily reliant on manual, paper-based systems. These inefficiencies placed additional strain on site teams and impacted project timelines, resource planning, and safety oversight.

Paul Hudson, Senior Site Manager, described the extent of the issue: “When we did DFO at Homebush, it had circa 250 guys at its peak on-site a day. To just go around site and collate how many people were on-site from all the different trades, then write up the site diary, used to take two to three hours of my day nearly every day. The difference now with 1Breadcrumb is it’s all there. You know who’s on-site by basically looking at your phone straight away.”

Group HSEQ Manager, James Elward, reflected on the manual safety processes: “We had a very manually administrative process around capturing hours worked, the trades, when they were on-site, how many guys they had… Our induction processes, again, were very paper-based, and the records we maintained were very hard to review and check if individuals had the right competencies on-site. That took focus off other things.”

The need for a solution was clear – Mainbrace required a platform to streamline their safety, compliance, and resource management processes, as well as offering real-time visibility of this data across multiple projects.

The Solution: Streamlining Construction Management with 1Breadcrumb

Mainbrace adopted 1Breadcrumb as a digital safety and compliance platform to address these pain points. Its integration with Procore offered a centralised solution for project and safety management, enabling Mainbrace to digitise processes and eliminate inefficiencies.

“1Breadcrumb has transformed how we operate,” said Project Manager Andrew Kolar. “It’s consolidated the way we do business and created transparency among our client, our subcontractors, and our team. With real-time data, we can make informed decisions and address potential issues before they become problems.”

The platform provided Mainbrace with tools to track worker hours, monitor safety processes, and integrate compliance records into a single, accessible system. Most importantly, 1Breadcrumb enabled live updates, empowering site teams with instant access to critical information.

Key Results: How 1Breadcrumb Solved Mainbrace’s Challenges

1. Worker Hours: Precision in Workforce Management

Tracking and analysing worker hours across projects was a significant challenge for Mainbrace. Before 1Breadcrumb, estimating attendance and productivity relied on manual records, which were prone to errors.

As Paul Hudson shared, “Now, with a click of a button, I know exactly how many workers are on-site, how long they’ve been there, and which trades are present. Monthly reports used to take ages—we’d have to go through diaries to figure it all out. Now it’s just there in 1Breadcrumb. It’s a massive time-saver.”

With 1Breadcrumb, Mainbrace achieved:

• More Accuracy: Real-time data ensures precise tracking of attendance and productivity.
• Avoiding Slippage: Site teams can compare live attendance data with project schedules, addressing potential delays early.
• Forecasting Costs: By multiplying man-hour data with set rates, Mainbrace can accurately forecast cash flow and monitor budgets.
• Anticipating Future Needs: Historical data from similar projects helps plan resources, facilities, and manpower effectively for future jobs.

Andrew Kolar added: “We use 1Breadcrumb data to analyse past projects and make informed decisions for upcoming work. Whether it’s staffing levels or site facilities, we’re able to anticipate needs and plan accordingly.”

2. Safety Processes: From Manual to Digital Efficiency

Safety management was another area in need of improvement. Manual processes, such as paper-based inductions and toolbox talks, created inconsistencies and slowed down onboarding.

James Elward described the impact of going digital: “Our induction processes were very manual, paper-based. Now we can gather that information digitally, and it’s accessible from the guys in their pocket when we’re on-site. It gives us a level of visibility and confidence that we haven’t had before.”

With 1Breadcrumb, Mainbrace achieved:

• Digital Efficiency: Workers complete inductions digitally, ensuring consistency and reducing administrative burden.
• Safer Sites: Real-time alerts and notifications keep everyone informed of high-risk activities and changes on-site.
• More Time on Site: Site managers focus on supervision and safety rather than administrative tasks.
• Programmes on Schedule: Efficient onboarding and compliance tracking minimise delays, ensuring projects stay on track.

Paul Hudson emphasised the consistency this brings: “In the old days, you’d do an induction, and it depended on how someone interpreted it or if they had a lazy day and didn’t say something. With 1Breadcrumb, it’s the same rules, the same message for everyone. It creates consistency and peace of mind.”

3. Siloed Data: Integration for Transparency and Reporting

Before adopting 1Breadcrumb, Mainbrace struggled with siloed systems that made accessing and utilising data cumbersome. Integrating 1Breadcrumb with Procore transformed their operations.

James Elward explained the importance of integration: “Having one source of truth for safety and compliance data is invaluable. Procore is our primary project management tool, and 1Breadcrumb complements it perfectly. The integration ensures seamless data flow, reducing admin work and improving traceability.”

With 1Breadcrumb, Mainbrace achieved:

• Integration with Procore: All safety and compliance data syncs directly with Procore’s Documents and Site Diary tools, ensuring easy access and auditability.
• Enhanced Visibility: Real-time updates provide clear insights into on-site activities and resource allocation.
• Improved Reporting: Consolidated records simplify audits and provide confidence in compliance management.

Andrew Kolar added that “The Procore-1Breadcrumb combination has streamlined how we manage resources and compliance. It’s a collaborative solution that brings transparency and efficiency to our projects.”

A Safer, More Efficient Future

With 1Breadcrumb, Mainbrace Constructions has transformed its approach to safety, compliance, and resource management. By digitising manual processes, integrating with Procore, and providing real-time insights, 1Breadcrumb has empowered Mainbrace to deliver safer, more efficient projects.

“The mobility that 1Breadcrumb gives us is the biggest value add,” concluded James Elward. “It frees up our site teams to be where they’re needed most—in the field, driving programmes, keeping worksites safe, and delivering successful projects.”