CONSTRUCTION CASE STUDY
How Complex Co. Advanced Their Safety and Compliance Standards in 12 Months on SIMPEL
Before SIMPEL: Running Key Workflows Across Separate Point Solutions
Before adopting Simpel, Complex Co. was using both Procore and 1Breadcrumb to manage operations. Each system held pieces of the puzzle but weren’t quite matching up with one another. Even with integrations, the team often found themselves relying on manual workarounds and double handling to keep their data aligned.
"There was a lot of back-end administration to make sure that everything went from one area to another. We were loading contractors into Procore and expecting it to automatically populate into 1Breadcrumb. It was supposed to, but it didn’t really work like that. It was a lot of back-end fiddling around to make things work.”
Selecting Simpel: Switching to a Unified Platform Specialising in Construction Operations
The decision to change platforms started with a shift in mindset. Rather than trying to make one system cover everything, Complex chose to separate their tools by purpose. So, they invested in a specialised financial software and specialised construction operations software respectively.
“We thought it would be easier to separate the two functions and get a new tool to do financials separately that specialises in it. Then bring all our quality and work health, safety, and onboarding processes into the one platform.”
Having seen it in actions on other sites, when they started evaluating new platforms, Simpel was already on their radar. They considered several options during their search, but Simpel stood out for its unified structure. Mirroring the flow of operations, it could handle their processes end-to-end without added overhead.
“When we started looking for something new, Simpel was already high on my list. I’d seen it on other jobs, and the setup with the turnstiles always stuck with me. It ended up being a no brainer. It was doing both in the one and then you didn't have to worry about migration or anything. It’s handling all those processes in one system
Rapid Roll-out: Up and Running in Weeks, Not Months
Rolling out a new system mid-project is never ideal, but with overlapping timelines and new sites on the horizon, Complex needed to move quickly. Simpel’s Client Success team handled the setup behind the scenes, digitising forms, configuring workflows and running tailored training sessions.
“We had to adapt pretty quickly, and it was really helpful that Simpel got all our forms built for us straight away. We ran all our training within four to five weeks to fast track it onto a few new projects. It all came together quickly and got jobs off the ground, which was really good.”
Software Subcontractors Want to Use: Built for Boots on the Ground
Designed with the End User in Mind
Subcontractors were quick to notice how much easier it was to manage safety, documents, and day-to-day tasks without switching between multiple systems. Most are focused on site work, handling plant checks, and compliance on the fly without admin support, so having a system that’s easy to use makes a real difference.
“I think that's the mistake we made in the past. We were just thinking about ourselves and how we were going to have to adapt to it. But the bigger consideration now is around your subbies and smaller contractors. You can't just have an expectation that they're all going to jump into the system and do all these mini tasks. It's not really what they sign up for.”
Subbie Buy-in Starts at First Sign-in
Subbies were sceptical at first. Once they realised they could set up their profile once and use it across all Simpel-powered projects, resistance faded fast.
Now there’s no need to start from scratch on new projects. One profile carries over, making it faster and easier to stay compliant without the usual back-and-forth. Log in, upload, and move on. It’s a small change that’s had a big impact on uptake.
“We had a bit of pushback but once people realised they only had to set it up once they were on board. They have one profile, set it up once, and it carries across every, contract or project. It’s just log in, drop what’s needed into a box, and they’re done.”
Site Diaries a Daily Habit Safeguarding Projects: 1,800+ entries in 12 months
Site diaries aren’t just a daily routine for Complex Co, they’re an essential tool for protecting the business, capturing proof, and keeping projects on track. With more than 1,800 entries logged in 12 months, site diaries have become a key part of their safety workflows. It’s not just about ticking a box for them; it’s about having the evidence to back the work done every day, every step of the way.
“We’re big on recording information. We take a lot of photos and use site diaries to make sure everything’s properly documented. It’s how we stay accountable and ensure our obligations are met, with clear records to support it. That way, if someone comes back months later with questions, we’ve got the evidence. Simpel makes that whole process a lot easier.”
Customised for High-Risk Maintenance Work: Scrivener Dam
Scrivener Dam isn’t your average project and Complex needed more than a generic diary. With Simpel, they configured the site diary to suit high-risk operations, logging exactly what’s needed to maintain control: water levels, site activity, weather conditions, and more. Every entry is timestamped, stored securely, and easy to export if needed. It’s not about filling out a form. It’s about having a reliable record when the stakes are high.
“We tailored the site diary on our maintenance project at Scrivener Dam. It tracks water levels, who’s on site, how much water is released and even what the weather conditions are. If something was to go wrong, it could have major consequences downstream. That’s why record keeping is so important there. It’s high-risk and we need to log everything.”
Daily Insight Without the Admin:
Dashboards On Sight and In Office
With Simpel in place, JK Williams has dramatically reduced time lost to repetitive admin tasks. Compliance, quality, and safety are easier to manage across the board. Toolbox talks, inspections, onboarding and plan reviews are faster, clearer, and easier to track. It’s been a measurable shift resulting in the team spending more time on the tools, and less time chasing paperwork.Dashboards have become a daily touchpoint across teams, connecting what’s happening on site with what leaders need to see. At the project level, supervisors can quickly check sign-offs, track overdue actions, and monitor daily compliance tasks.
“The traffic light [project] dashboards are one of the strongest features. Our directors and managers are really into their data and analytics, so having that built in was a massive bonus. You can spot issues straight away, like if something’s expired, a licence isn’t valid, or someone hasn’t been inducted. The prompts make it easy to stay on top of it.”
To take reporting to the next level, Complex has recently introduced Organisation Intelligence. This dashboard brings that data together across all jobs, making it easier to track performance, benchmark projects, and monitor compliance at scale.
“We’ve also recently updated the organisational dashboard, and we’re really looking forward to pushing this out to the team.”
From Prestarts to Permissions:
One System for Complete Plant Compliance
QR Code Prestarts: From Sticker to Sign-Off in Moments
Complex Co has taken a hands-on approach to plant compliance, using Simpel’s QR codes to simplify daily pre-starts. Each machine is labelled with a QR sticker that workers scan the code to access the pre-start for that piece of plant. Once submitted, each form creates a full audit trail linked to the plant item, showing exactly what was done, when and by whom. It’s helped the team reduce manual follow-up and keep checks consistent across jobs.
“We invested in some sticker printing machines for our sites. We print out the QR code stickers and put it on our machines so the guys can just log in, do their prestart. They don't have to search for machines. Makes it very simple for them to jump in, check the maintenance records and complete tasks.”
Plant Inductions: Digital Records Replacing the Ring Binder
Before Simpel, verifying whether a plant item was cleared to work often meant chasing paperwork or relying on verbal updates. Now, it’s all tracked in the system and easy to confirm on the spot.
“One of the key aspects for us when purchasing Simpel was the transparency on what’s actually been completed on site. In days gone by, we assumed things had been done, like inductions completed, or plant checked, but you couldn’t be sure unless you went out and confirmed it yourself. Now we can go online, check the system, and it’s all there. There are no hidden surprises while going through paper files or folders.”
Operator Compliance: Ensuring the Right People Are on the Right Machines
Simpel makes it easy to see if someone’s inducted, what they’re cleared to operate, and whether anything has lapsed. It supports faster decision-making and audit readiness without the usual back and forth.
“Now there’s complete transparency across the company. You can see when and what’s happening, whether someone’s been inducted, who’s compliant to operate what, and who still needs to do pre-starts. That visibility is where you save the most time and gain the most assurance. You know right away if something has expired or whether an induction is valid, so when you walk into an audit, you know there aren’t going to be any surprises.”
One Platform, Full Transparency
Complex Co. has significantly enhanced operational clarity, reduced administrative overhead, and improved compliance transparency by bringing all critical processes into Simpel. With real-time insights and streamlined workflows, the platform has become central to how Complex Co. manages high-risk, high-standard projects.
About Complex Co.
Complex Co. is an Australian construction company with over 60 years of experience delivering technically complex infrastructure projects. Their work spans sectors such as transport, water, marine, and renewables. The team is known for tackling challenging projects that require precision, compliance, and deep technical expertise.
Thanks to Lloyd Lucas and the team at Complex Co. for their ongoing support and contribution to this case study.
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