Project Controls Excellence Award Finalists
Dirck A. Hornung is a standout finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award, bringing over 25 years of transformative expertise to Honeywell Inc. as the Program Controls Director. He has pioneered crucial advancements in project controls, including the development of Standard Operation Procedures (SOPs) aligned with cutting-edge practices and standards. Dirck introduced the Deliverable Control Index and the revolutionary Project Dashboard, significantly simplifying project review processes with intuitive KPIs.
His initiatives in cost management and risk monitoring have markedly enhanced productivity and efficiency, making project controls a strategic function within Honeywell. Dirck’s leadership in digitizing project management has set new benchmarks for effectiveness and ease in reporting.
Beyond his professional contributions, Dirck’s mentorship has shaped the careers of numerous colleagues, reinforcing his legacy as a leader who not only advances processes but also cultivates talent. Voting for Dirck A. Hornung means endorsing a visionary whose innovation and leadership have profoundly impacted project controls at Honeywell.
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Judges’ Feedback
Dirk has been selected as a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award due to his substantial contributions to the field within Honeywell. With nearly 30 years of experience, Dirk has been instrumental in developing Standard Operating Procedures and pioneering innovative tools and methodologies that significantly enhance project management efficiency. His leadership has transformed Honeywell’s Project Control Organization from a transactional group to a key corporate function, elevating project controls to a strategic level across the company. Dirk’s dedication to mentorship within Honeywell has also cultivated a generation of project controls professionals. Judges noted his role in digitizing project management and controls, which has led to improved visibility and performance of projects. Dirk’s comprehensive approach, covering various project controls disciplines and his impact on efficiency, risk monitoring, and the development of pivotal tools like the Project Dashboard and Electronic Change Order Approval tool, underscores his extensive influence and expertise in project controls at Honeywell.
Michael Pink, CEO of SmartPM Technologies, is a leading finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award, recognized for his transformative impact on project management through SmartPM. With over 20 years in delay analysis, Pink identified and tackled the industry’s challenges of project overruns by automating project control processes. SmartPM, launched in 2019, has since enabled thousands of projects to finish on time and within budget by improving performance, reducing risks, and enhancing visibility.
SmartPM’s technology is celebrated by top contractors for its ability to cut schedule analysis time by 75% and provide real-time insights into project performance, earning endorsements from industry leaders. Beyond technology, Pink’s role as a global educator and mentor has shaped the future of project controls, making complex data analysis accessible and actionable.
His innovations in integrating technology with project controls have revolutionized how projects are managed, promoting efficiency and data-driven decision-making. Voting for Michael Pink endorses a future where project success is secured through innovation, leadership, and a deep understanding of the construction industry’s needs.
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Judges’ Feedback
Michael Pink’s selection as a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award is attributed to his innovative contributions to project controls through the development of SmartPM. With over 20 years of experience, primarily in scheduling, Michael revolutionized project controls by addressing critical industry pain points such as time extensions and delay claims. SmartPM, his brainchild, leverages advanced analytics, AI, and machine learning to automate project control processes, providing actionable insights to keep projects on track and within budget. His leadership in technology integration into project controls, combined with his global educational initiatives, has marked him as a visionary in the field. Michael’s efforts have not only enhanced project outcomes and efficiency across numerous companies but have also made him a pivotal figure in mentoring and training project professionals worldwide. His work with SmartPM Technologies has earned widespread adoption and acclaim, showcasing his significant impact on the construction industry and project management practices.
Vipin Das Kanakkassery, Executive Vice President at Sobha Construction LLC, shines as a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award. His leadership in project controls has revolutionized construction practices, notably achieving the largest single-pour concrete casting in Sobha Construction’s history and implementing innovative solutions like electric-powered Automatic Climbing Systems (ACS) to reduce project timelines and costs.
Vipin’s strategic use of Earned Value Management (EVM), advanced dashboard reporting, and his initiative in developing a comprehensive risk register exemplify his commitment to enhancing project delivery through meticulous planning and risk management. His pioneering implementation of Jaibot technology marks a significant advancement in construction efficiency, setting a new benchmark for the industry.
Voting for Vipin Das endorses a visionary leader whose contributions have not only propelled Sobha Construction forward but also set a precedent for excellence and innovation in project controls within the construction industry.
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Judges’ Feedback
Vipin Das was selected as a finalist for the Project Controls Excellence Award primarily due to his significant contributions to a landmark project at Sobha Construction. With expertise in concrete pour knowledge, scheduling, cost control, and forecasting, Vipin played a key role in achieving a reduction in cost and timeline through innovative approaches like the use of prefab cages. His leadership style emphasizes high standards and the empowerment of employees, providing them with both mentoring and career guidance. Despite the nomination focusing largely on a single project—the casting of 6040 m3 of concrete in a record pour—and lacking in broader contributions to the project controls community or details on the depth of his project controls expertise, Vipin’s efforts in implementing effective project controls processes and his impact on project outcomes through innovative construction methods have been recognized.