Chapter 1 Introduction

1.1 Background and context of the problem

Certainly, in the context of connecting engineers and service providers with clients, the main
problem is the lack of a centralized platform that can effectively connect the two groups.
Currently, engineers and service providers often rely on word-of-mouth or personal connections
to find new clients, while clients may struggle to find the right engineer or service provider for
their specific needs. This problem is compounded by the fact that engineers and service
providers may have different areas of expertise, making it difficult for clients to find the right
person for their specific project. In addition, the process of finding and selecting the right
engineer or service provider can be time-consuming and resource-intensive for clients.

Furthermore, the traditional process of connecting engineers and service providers with clients
may not take advantage of the latest technological advances in web platforms, data management,
and machine learning. This can result in a disjointed and inefficient system that does not
effectively connect the right engineers and service providers with the right clients. Therefore, the
need for a centralized platform to connect engineers and service providers with clients is
becoming increasingly urgent. A platform that can effectively match clients with the right
engineer or service provider based on their needs and preferences can greatly enhance the
efficiency of the system, save time and resources for clients, and improve the overall quality of
building projects.

1.2 Purpose and objectives of the project

The purpose of this project is to design and implement a centralized platform that connects
engineers and service providers with clients in the building management industry. The platform
aims to solve the problem of a disjointed and inefficient system of connecting the two groups by
providing an easy-to-use, transparent, and efficient platform that streamlines the process of
finding the right engineer or service provider for the job.

The objectives of the project are:

1. To conduct a thorough analysis of the requirements and needs of engineers, service

providers, and clients in the building management industry.
 2. To design and develop a web platform that effectively matches clients with the right
engineer or service provider based on their needs and preferences.
3. To implement a robust data management system that can handle the vast amount of data
generated by the platform and support machine learning algorithms to improve matching
accuracy.
4. To ensure the security, privacy, and confidentiality of the platform users' data and
information.
5. To evaluate the effectiveness and usability of the platform through user testing and data
analysis.
6. To compare the platform with existing solutions and identify its advantages and
disadvantages.
7. To provide suggestions for future work and improvements to the platform.

Overall, the aim of the project is to provide a user-friendly and efficient platform that connects
engineers and service providers with clients in the building management industry. This platform
has the potential to improve the efficiency and quality of building projects while reducing the
time and resources needed to find the right engineer or service provider for the job.

1.3 Significance and relevance of the project

The significance and relevance of the project are multifaceted and can be summarized as follows:

1. Improved Efficiency: The project's primary significance is that it aims to streamline the
process of connecting engineers and service providers with clients, reducing the time and
resources needed to find the right person for the job. This can lead to more efficient
building projects, with the right person or team assigned to the job from the beginning.
2. Better Quality of Building Projects: By providing a platform that matches clients with the
right engineer or service provider based on their needs and preferences, the project aims
to improve the overall quality of building projects. Clients will have access to a wider
range of qualified professionals, increasing the likelihood that they will find the right
person for the job, resulting in better quality work.
3. Cost Savings: The project aims to provide a more cost-effective solution for clients by
reducing the time and resources needed to find the right engineer or service provider. The
 platform will be designed to connect clients with the best possible candidate for the job,
reducing the likelihood of time and money being wasted on unsuitable or suboptimal
candidates.
4. Job Opportunities: The platform also has the potential to create job opportunities for
engineers and service providers who may struggle to find clients through traditional
means. The platform will provide a centralized location for potential clients to find
qualified professionals, increasing the exposure of engineers and service providers and
potentially creating new job opportunities.
5. Technological Advancements: The project also has the potential to take advantage of the
latest technological advancements in web platforms, data management, and machine
learning. By incorporating these technologies, the platform can improve the accuracy of
matching clients with engineers and service providers, increasing efficiency and the
quality of building projects.

In summary, the significance and relevance of the project lie in its ability to improve efficiency,
quality, and cost-effectiveness in building projects while creating new job opportunities and
taking advantage of the latest technological advancements.
 Chapter 2 Literature Review

2.1 Overview of related research and studies

Connecting engineers and service providers with clients is an important aspect of the
building management industry. In recent years, there has been an increasing focus on developing
platforms and technologies that can improve the process of connecting these groups. This
literature review aims to provide an overview of related research and studies in this area.

One key finding from related research is the lack of a centralized platform in the building
management industry. Several studies have identified this as a major issue that can make it
difficult for clients to find the right engineer or service provider for their specific needs. A
centralized platform can provide a single location for clients to find qualified professionals,
improving the efficiency of the process. Another important factor identified in related research is
Matching accuracy. Accurate matching of clients with the right engineer or service provider can
greatly impact the overall efficiency and quality of building projects. Several studies have
emphasized the importance of accurately matching clients with professionals who have the
required skills and experience for the job. Related research has identified data management
systems and machine learning algorithms as technologies that can enhance the accuracy of
matching clients with professionals. Several studies have also highlighted the importance of
incorporating these technologies into building management platforms.

User experience is another critical factor in the success of a platform connecting engineers and
service providers with clients. A user-friendly platform that is easy to navigate and understand is
essential to attract and retain users. Related research has identified several key elements of a
good user experience, including clear and concise information, easy navigation, and responsive
design.

Security and privacy are also important factors in building management platforms. Clients,
engineers, and service providers need to feel secure that their data and information are safe and
protected from potential breaches. Related research has also highlighted the importance of
implementing robust security and privacy measures in building management platforms to ensure
the protection of sensitive data.

In conclusion, related research and studies have identified several key factors that are important
in the process of connecting engineers and service providers with clients. These include the need
for a centralized platform, accurate matching, technological advancements, a good user
experience, and robust security and privacy measures. By taking these factors into account, a
new platform can be designed and implemented that addresses the needs of all stakeholders in
the building management industry.

2.2 Analysis of existing solutions for connecting engineers and service providers with clients

The analysis of existing solutions for connecting engineers and service providers with clients
reveals that there are several platforms available in the market that aim to facilitate this process.
However, these platforms vary in terms of their features, user base, and effectiveness. Some of
the most popular existing solutions are discussed below.

Upwork:

Upwork is a popular freelance platform that connects clients with professionals from various
fields, including engineering and building management. The platform allows clients to post job
requirements and receive bids from qualified professionals. Upwork has a large user base, with
over 12 million registered freelancers, making it a popular option for clients seeking
professionals with specialized skills. However, the platform can be overwhelming for clients due
to the large number of freelancers available, and finding the right professional can be
challenging.

Thumbtack:

Thumbtack is a platform that connects clients with local professionals, including engineers and
service providers. The platform allows clients to post job requirements and receive quotes from
qualified professionals in their area. Thumbtack has a user-friendly interface, making it easy for
clients to find the right professional for their needs. However, the platform has a limited user
base compared to other solutions, which can make it difficult to find professionals with specific
skills.
BuildZoom:

BuildZoom is a platform that connects clients with licensed contractors and service providers in
the building management industry. The platform offers a range of services, including finding
qualified professionals, obtaining permits, and managing projects. BuildZoom has a large user
base of licensed professionals, making it a popular option for clients seeking professionals with
specialized skills. However, the platform is primarily focused on construction projects and may
not be suitable for clients seeking professionals for other types of building management services.

LinkedIn:

LinkedIn is a professional networking platform that allows clients to connect with professionals
from various industries, including engineering and building management. The platform offers a
range of features, including job postings, company pages, and professional groups. LinkedIn has
a large user base, making it a popular option for clients seeking professionals with specialized
skills. However, the platform can be overwhelming for clients due to the large number of
professionals available, and finding the right professional can be challenging.

In summary, the analysis of existing solutions for connecting engineers and service providers
with clients reveals that there are several platforms available in the market, each with its own set
of features and user base. While these platforms can be effective in connecting clients with
professionals, they can also be overwhelming for clients due to the large number of professionals
available. There is a need for a more specialized platform that is tailored specifically to the needs
of the building management industry and provides a centralized location for clients to find
qualified professionals with the required skills and experience.

2.3 Discussion of the gaps in current solutions and the need for a new approach

Based on the analysis of existing solutions, there are several gaps that exist in the current
approach to connecting engineers and service providers with clients. These gaps include:

 Limited specialization: Existing solutions, such as Upwork and Thumbtack, are not
specifically tailored to the building management industry. They are general freelance
 platforms that cater to a broad range of industries. This lack of specialization can make it
challenging for clients to find qualified professionals with the required skills and
experience.
 Limited quality control: Existing solutions, such as Upwork and LinkedIn, rely on user
reviews to verify the quality of professionals. However, these reviews can be unreliable,
and there is no guarantee that the professional will deliver the required level of service.
 Limited project management: Existing solutions, such as LinkedIn and BuildZoom, focus
primarily on connecting clients with professionals. However, they do not offer a
comprehensive project management solution, which can make it challenging for clients to
manage their building management projects effectively.
 Limited geographical reach: Existing solutions, such as Thumbtack and BuildZoom, are
limited to specific geographical locations, which can make it difficult for clients to find
qualified professionals in other areas.

These gaps in existing solutions highlight the need for a new approach to connecting engineers
and service providers with clients. A new approach should address the limitations of existing
solutions by providing a specialized platform that focuses specifically on the building
management industry. This platform should also offer quality control mechanisms to ensure that
professionals deliver the required level of service, a comprehensive project management
solution, and a wide geographical reach to connect clients with professionals from around the
world.