Embarking on a transformation journey, Aboitiz Construction Inc. (ACI) ventured into the uncharted waters of the Google Hackathon training. The initiative was rolled out with the guidance of the Aboitiz Culture Pillar, together with partners from Globe and Google with the goal of helping groups within the SBU to establish additional competencies and reimagine ways of working.
Initially, there was a cloud of skepticism, especially among those unfamiliar in the field of programming. The common sentiment that was echoed by team members: “Programming? That’s not for me.” However, the involvement of 32 ACI members in the training sparked a collective curiosity and willingness to explore new frontiers as part of the great transformation.
The pandemic’s push towards digital solutions became a catalyst for ACI. This drove the birth of the company’s transformation efforts. ACI participated in the Google Appathon–a venture, in collaboration with Google Workspace and Globe Business Enterprise Group, composed of a Design Thinking Workshop conducted last September 20, 2023. The session was followed by a discussion of Appsheet Fundamentals last October 4, 2023 and a workshop for Looker Studio and App Creation last October 18, 2023. This Appathon was not just a training program but a pathway to mastering data-driven mobile-app development through Appsheet.
Appsheet’s intuitive design was a game-changer, particularly for those of us with little to no coding background. Alvince Daryl Cuvinar, a manager from Internal Audit shared, “The platform’s simplicity allowed us to focus more on how the app could enhance ACI’s operational processes rather than get bogged down by coding complexities. Our collective efforts, balancing daily responsibilities with this new project, led to the creation of apps that are tailored to the specific needs of ACI.”
The essence of the Appathon went beyond learning new software; it fostered a culture of collaboration across various departments. Teams from various functional areas came together, bringing diverse perspectives and insights to the table.
Attending the Google Appathon workshop was like providing our team with a GPS, guiding us through the intricate roads of data organization and enabling us to navigate and reach our destination of efficiency with precision.
—Adrian Siggaoat, Tender Planning Engineer, ACI
A significant highlight of the Appathon was the emphasis on data analysis tools. The integration of tools like Looker Studio not only facilitated efficient data collection but also enabled the team to discern patterns and make data-driven decisions to enhance company performance.
The participants were empowered with the skills to develop compelling data narratives and automated solutions. The successful completion of the training sessions and presentation of project concepts marked a milestone towards a new phase of digital competency and innovation.
ACI’s story is one of embracing broader change, fostering innovation, and building collaborative synergies. Supported by the Aboitiz Group’s vision for transformation, ACI is well on its way to improving its operational excellence and creating added value for its clients. This journey highlights ACI’s commitment to adapting and thriving in a dynamic environment, showcasing the transformative impact of embracing new challenges and opportunities.
