Inside Asian Gaming

FEB 2019 INSIDE ASIAN GAMING 51 Key to the smooth running of an IR – both during the early phases of opening and once fully operational – is the effective planning of procedures, as well as potential challenges that a property’s layout may present. Not only will an efficiently orchestrated construction project reduce the likelihood of issues in the future, it can also greatly reduce build and operational costs. “Integration of design and construction is vital at an early stage to mitigate scope creep and escalating costs, and also to minimise any shortfalls due to a client’s requirement for the early operation of certain elements of an IR to start generating revenue,” Parmar says. “It’s important to highlight here that while partially opening the IR properties, we need to develop a robust mitigationplan to run theMEPF/ ELVsystem infrastructure, whilst passing through the non-operational areas. This solution must cater for business needs and maintain continuity of quality standards for guests, in addition to ensuring the integrity of the property and the maintenance of essential safety and security systems.” Sector knowledge is essential to thrive in the IR development arena. Time, not cost, is often the primary focus driving projects for Asia’s IR operators. The faster a scheme can open, the quicker it can generate revenue and make returns for its investors. Accelerated project programmes can give construction teams very little time to co-ordinate all the systems and services prior to the start of construction, another reason why employing an expert coordinator from the project outset can prove an intelligent commercial decision. IRs differ from other large-scale buildings in multiple ways, not the least of which is the convergence, under one roof, of so many distinct business types – from the casino itself to F&B, retail, hotels and more – all typically served by the same centralized core system. There is also the fact that IRs are 24-hour operations, while the amount of bespoke design and special features included within most IR projects easily exceed anything typically seen on a more traditional project. “On top of that, due to ever-evolving technology, extra pressures are often placed on MEPF and ELV to implement all these dynamic requirements in the minimum possible time frame, whilst mitigating cost implications, while construction is already in full swing,” Parmar observes. “To overcome such challenges, Commtech Asia has a process driven, innovative tracking and reporting methodology, that in conjunction with our coverage, knowledge and experience of all integrated building systems, allows us to introduce and deploy ‘out of the box’ solutions quickly at any moment in time.” “Within IR projects, the reliance and importance of MEP and ELV integrity is significantly increased due to the nature of the business, which is fast- tracked.” – Bhupinder Parmar