CARES digital innovation features in HS2 Learning Legacy

14/01/2025

Digital supply chain solutions developed by CARES are now featured as one of the highlights in the ‘Learning Legacy’ developed by the UK’s mega transport infrastructure project, HS2.

CARES has worked with design, delivery and supply teams throughout the development and rollout phases of High Speed 2 – and the results of that partnership are being shared in HS2’s knowledge base, aimed at highlighting lessons learned across the project.

The CARES smart solution features in HS2’s ‘Innovation’ resource, part of the official Learning Legacy record of best practice; innovative solutions and step-by-step guides aimed at ‘raising the bar’ across the wider construction sector are open to all.

In the paper, ‘Digitising the Chain of Custody for Rebar: CARES Cloud’ , detailed findings from the trial of a new digital chain of custody system are set out, including the improved accuracy of embodied carbon emissions – all part of the sustainability credentials achieved by real time tracking of rebar sourced from steel mills to site across complex supply routes.

The paper’s author, MACE Sustainability Operations Director Andrew Kinsey, sets out how the CARES Cloud-based platform provides an easy-to-understand ‘digital dashboard’ aimed at busy project managers – providing all-important assurance evidence and digital product provenance.

Mr Kinsey describes how transformative innovation was achieved as MACE Dragados HS2 JV partnered with CARES and Digital Construction Solutions to trial a wholly digital chain of custody solution for rebar on HS2. By taking out time-consuming and vulnerable paper records the smart solution developed by CARES delivers digitally authenticated certificates of approval and tracks products from their place of manufacture to the structure.

The HS2 spotlight on CARES’ work in digitising the chain of custody was described as a “very important acknowledgement of the innovative steps we have taken,” said Lee Brankley, CARES’ Chief Executive Officer. “We have worked hard to bring digital assurance to stakeholders such as the expert team tasked with delivering HS2,” he said. “This is a positive partnership delivering gamechanging efficiencies and innovation.

“We are grateful to our partners at MACE Dragados HS2 JV and Digital Construction Solutions for the consistent support and determination they have shown in successfully digitising the chain of custody for rebar. The results are now there for all to see and, more importantly, to use” added Mr Brankley.

Full details of the Learning Legacy summary report can be found here:   https://learninglegacy.hs2.org.uk/document/digitising-the-chain-of-custody-for-rebar-cares-cloud/