07/07/2011 09:00AM Australia/Sydney
MELBOURNE, Australia (BUSINESS WIRE)

Aconex, the world’s largest provider of online collaboration solutions to construction and engineering projects, has launched the industry’s first accredited course for the document control profession.

Developed and run by industry professionals, the four-day Certificate IV in Document Control in a Project Environment aims to improve attendees’ document control effectiveness so that they can reduce project and organisational risk.

The national qualification, which is accredited by the Australian Government Department of Education, covers areas such as: best practice records management based on ISO standards; the application of risk management principles; and the use of industry tools to optimise and streamline records management.

Janaki Ramachandran, Commercial Manager for the Aconex business Document Control Essentials, said: “Few project teams are subject to higher levels of risk and uncertainty than those in engineering and construction. If risks are not adequately contained, both margins and reputations can be on the line.

“Document controllers are relied upon by project teams to manage the distribution, filing, storage, and retrieval of project information – essentially the lifeblood of any project. Organisations that lack skills in this area expose themselves to the increased likelihood of claims, disputes and litigation, and the schedule and budget overruns that follow.

“By taking this course, participants will walk away with a skill set and toolkit that will add immediate value to their companies and projects.”

Jenny Cahir, Senior Document Controller at O’Donnell Griffin, a leading engineering solutions provider, said: “Having taken the course, I’m already saving time by managing drawings more efficiently. In addition, it has helped me to better influence and effect positive change in the project team.”

Dr. Cynthia Wang, Lecturer of the Built Environment at University of Technology Sydney and a Member of the Chartered Institute of Building (CIOB), said: “This course will cover the current disconnect between vocational training and higher education. It’s something that both document controllers and the industry need.”

Aconex has 38 offices worldwide that service more than $260 billion worth of projects in 70 countries. Since 2010, the company has trained document control professionals from more than 15 countries through the company’s flagship professional development program, Certificate in Document Control. With the two programs on offer, the accredited course which is a qualification and the non-accredited course, participants now have a wider choice for professional development.

Upcoming course dates in Australia include:

Global course dates are available at Aconex.com/DocumentControl.