Tom oulton

Operance appoints digital transformation lead



Digital building information software platform Operance has appointed Tom Oulton (pictured above) as digital transformation lead.


In his new role, he will guide clients through the process of creating an easy-to-manage virtual estate, in order to improve the safety and efficiency of their buildings.

Tom is chair of both the UK Constructing Excellence Digital, and Constructing Excellence Yorkshire and Humber organisations. 

He also sits on the steering group of thinkBIM, a network of specialists set up by Leeds Beckett University.

Prior to joining Operance, he worked as principal consultant at Turner & Townsend.

Commenting on his appointment, Tom said: “There isn’t anything out there that does what Operance does, in the way it does it. 

“There are software packages that address some aspects of digital estate management, but nothing that brings it all together on one platform that is easily accessible on the user’s phone.

“Operance will take information from cradle to grave, and bring together whole life data management for the built environment.”

Scott Pilgrim, chief product officer at Operance, added: “Tom is renowned for fostering relationships and a supportive culture with customers and industry bodies. 

“His industry knowledge, vision, leadership and commitment to the successful implementation of digital estate initiatives make him stand out among the construction community.”

Tom’s appointment follows a number of recent hires, including Nigel Hedley as chairman, and Paul Mennell as a member of the technology team.

The Operance platform aims to make buildings safer and more efficient by creating a digital “golden thread” audit trail of information relating to facilities’ entire history, enabling increased ownership and accountability.

The software will define, coordinate, and audit building operations and maintenance information via the Operance 'coordinate' web application during the design, development, and construction stage.

It will then provide end users with crucial details in real time via the Operance 'operate' mobile app post-handover, ensuring risks and facilities management operations are managed through the full lifecycle of buildings.

Operance is set to launch early next year, after securing £250,000 from the Northern Powerhouse Investment Fund (managed by Mercia Asset Management) to support its development and commercialisation.



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