Australian companies focusing on Omnicom

Omega’s office in Perth recently facilitated a discussion forum where users of the Omnicom system were invited to discuss their user experiences. By participating in the event, important clients like Rio Tinto and OSD Pipelines, were introduced to modifications in the system, and given the opportunity to discuss potential improvements for the continued development of the product.

Omega and Omnicom)

The software company, Omniware, was acquired by Omega in 2010
The software programs Omnicom and Omnisafe became a part of Omega's Pims products selection
Omnisafe is now a part of the Pims product Pims HSE, a HSE control system with focus on risk evaluations, surveillance, RUH rapports, and training
Omnicom is a contract management system catering to clients such as the State of Ohio, UK Power Networks, UKAEA (the United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority), Rio Tinto, and OSD Pipelines

Omnicom became a part of Omega’s product selection when Omega acquired the software company Omniware in 2010. The office in Perth works closely with clients utilizing these systems.

The Omnicom program is a well-developed contract management system, catering to clients such as the State of Ohio, UK Power Networks, UKAEA (The United Kingdom Atomic Energy Authority), Rio Tinto, and OSD Pipelines.

Emphasizing benefits

During the forum discussion in Perth, many benefits of the Omnicom system were highlighted; for example, the program’s improved ability to produce accurate, consistent and efficient results, especially in terms of record keeping and report building. The program now saves time by quickly exporting files into different formats, and updating dates automatically; the system also has new routines in place to limit delays in updating the screen.

Rio Tinto and OSD Pipelines utilize Omnicom from different points of view; OSD uses the application from the perspective of an EPC/EPCM (engineering, procurement, and construction/engineering, procurement, and construction management), managing materials procurement as well as their sub-contractors; Rio Tinto uses the software as an Owner/Operator managing their EPCMs for Capital Expansion Projects. Although the two clients utilize the system differently, they were able to find common ground at the forum and discuss key functionalities of their daily processes and potential improvements.

"Several modifications have already been implemented in two client systems as a direct result of the forum, and we can see large-scale changes currently in the planning process," states Maddison Watts, Office Manager in Perth, who assisted in hosting the event.

Positive developments

At the Perth office, the Omega employees agree that the discussion resulted in both small and large improvements in the application.

"The feedback has not only led to improvements in the Omnicom system, but contributed to the initial development of a new Pims program for Operational Contract Management," says Andrew Wooding, Department Manager at the office in Perth.

He continues to explain that the forum provided an opportunity to discuss frequently used aspects of Omnicom, and that these aspects could then be replicated in the new product; lesser used functions and those not relevant to operational contract management will be omitted.

Future forums

Following the forum discussion, the Perth office decided that it would be beneficial to all parties involved to facilitate these discussion-type forums on a regular basis, approximately every 6 to twelve months. Through these events, users and developers have a unique opportunity to discuss further possibilities for the program. Focusing on continued development of the system is therefore a keystone to ensuring proper functionality and quality of the product.

The next Omnicom forum discussion is likely to be held in February 2016.

Omega welcomes feedback and suggestions outside of these events and users are encouraged to contact Omega's Product Managers with their suggestions and feedback.

Published: 04.09.15