A PARTNERSHIP FOR PROGRESS: ATRACIO AND BUTEC REDEFINE ASSET MANAGEMENT
Ralph Maacaroun, Head of Procurement at BUTEC, details the journey and positive outcomes of implementing Atracio’s asset management solution across their global operations.
Managing a large number of assets across vast construction sites was a major challenge. The primary requirement was to accurately track their extensive asset base, schedule maintenance, identify employees of concern and be able to quickly locate critical equipment in the event of an emergency.
Relying on spreadsheets or traditional methods for asset management increased the likelihood of data inaccuracies, misplacements, and delays in locating assets when needed.
Each asset was tagged with an RFID tag, transforming it into a digital asset with a unique digital identity. RFID readers were strategically placed across BUTEC’s sites in multiple countries, providing a multi-site view and enabling real-time tracking of asset movements and status updates.
The project consisted of implementing an efficient and rapid inventory solution using RFID technology within BUTEC Group.
Atracio and BUTEC have revolutionised asset management, particularly in the construction sector, by leveraging RFID technology. BUTEC faced challenges in tracking a vast number of assets across multiple sites, leading to inefficiencies and potential losses.
To address this, Atracio implemented RFID tags on assets, enabling real-time tracking and minimizing human errors. This system enhances visibility, prevents unauthorized movements, and streamlines inventory management1. The result? Increased efficiency, reduced costs, and improved security for BUTEC’s operations.
In today’s fast-paced Engineering, Procurement, and Construction (EPC) landscape, visibility and control over assets are crucial for operational success. BUTEC, a leading regional group recognised for its multidisciplinary expertise in Engineering and Contracting, Electro-mechanical Solutions, Facility Services, and Utility Services operating in 21 countries across the Middle East and Africa, is pioneering a modern approach to asset management. With thousands of assets ranging from tools and machinery to office equipment and vehicles, spread across multiple countries, BUTEC faced the daunting challenge of ensuring real-time tracking, optimised assignment, and seamless coordination throughout the life cycle of each asset.
To meet these demands, the company partnered with Atracio Solutions, which offers a cutting-edge supply chain execution platform bringing together AI capabilities, RFID technology, and advanced analytics. This partnership enables a smarter and more agile asset management process through real-time insights and centralised control. For BUTEC, the collaboration represents more than just a digital upgrade. It is a strategic shift toward scalable and data-driven operations.
The challenge: Tracking thousands of assets across continents
Asset management in the EPC industry is inherently complex, especially when assets are dispersed across multiple countries and project types. For BUTEC, managing thousands of pieces of equipment, tools, and vehicles evolved into a complex operation requiring smarter, more streamlined solutions. Whether it was basic office supplies or large machinery, the Group needed a system that could provide real-time visibility, reduce manual work, and ensure every asset was properly tracked throughout its lifecycle. Traditional methods like spreadsheets and physical audits were no longer sufficient. BUTEC required a faster, smarter, and more reliable way to maintain control, especially in light of its expanding global footprint.
Ralph Maacaroun shares, “We recognised the need for a solution to manage our assets, so we began assessing different options available in the market.”
He continues, “With the vast expanses of countries like Morocco, Algeria, and Saudi Arabia, it’s crucial for us to effectively monitor assets spread across a variety of projects.”
The Solution: Real-Time asset visibility powered by Atracio’s RFID Technology
To address these challenges, BUTEC selected Atracio, a smart asset management platform built around RFID technology. The system enables teams to track asset location, usage, and movement across different project sites instantly. It replaces the manual, time consuming, and labour intensive inventories with automated scans and real-time KPI’s and interactive dashboards, significantly enhancing operational efficiency.
More of this article can be found on: https://globalsupplychainme.com/digital-issue-2025/june-2025/
