NEC Contracts launches digital tool with aim to reduce errors and disputes in construction

Construction projects could see a marked decrease in disputes with the launch of NEC Digital, an online contract drafting platform.

In its bid to make collaborative contracting more accessible, NEC Contracts developed the tool to enable clients, contractors, consultants and project teams to draft contracts together, with more visibility right from the start.

This builds on the positive sentiment towards collaborative contracts, with recent research from NEC Contracts revealing that 82% of industry professionals feel good about using them more widely.

The digital tool guides users throughout the whole drafting process, with intuitive navigation and side-by-side views of the relevant options and clauses available.

The new platform recognises the short-comings of paper-based contracts, including their environmental impact.

“With the industry evolving rapidly and facing multiple challenges, paper-based contracts are no longer sufficient for today’s complex, multi-stakeholder projects,” said Rekha Thawrani OBE, global director at NEC Contracts.

“NEC Digital transforms the contracting process and brings the NEC suite into the digital age with an efficient, transparent and intuitive approach, offering users the confidence and assurance of the highest quality contract outcomes.”

Introducing NEC Digital: key features

Built on the principles of clarity, simplicity and collaboration, NEC Digital allows users to:

• Select main, secondary and Z clauses tailored to their project requirements. The platform offers contextual drafting guidance throughout the process and allows organisations to create a library of previously used clauses.
• Check that the clauses chosen during drafting are compatible, reducing errors and potential disputes.
• Come together with all stakeholders on a single platform, while robust permission controls ensure only authorised users can view and edit the documents.
• Share contracts and provide bidders with guidance and visibility of all contractor-selected clauses and parameters to ensure they can make high-quality submissions.

NEC Digital is available on a subscription basis.