Project
Scheduled Maintenance Services (HVAC, Electrical, Plumbing, Auto Doors, Energy Plant, Power Generation)
Key Challenges
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Strict access and clearance requirements across secure Defence sites
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High volume of reporting and KPI-based compliance obligations
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Complex service coordination across multiple trades and locations
Outcomes
Marked improvement in KPI completion rates across all services
Digitally enhanced compliance reporting & invoicing
Reinforced AE Smith’s role as a trusted Defence partner
The Client
Downer Defence is a strategic partner delivering estate maintenance and operational services for the Department of Defence across multiple bases in Queensland. Their responsibilities include ensuring operational readiness of Australia’s defence infrastructure.
AE Smith has been engaged with Downer Defence for over 8 years, originally focused on HVAC and electrical systems. The scope has since evolved to include plumbing, energy plant services, and more, reflecting a trusted and enduring partnership grounded in performance and reliability.
The project’s significance lies in its contribution to national infrastructure—ensuring that critical Defence facilities remain operational, safe, and compliant through high-performance maintenance and service.
What we achieved with our customer
AE Smith delivered a multi-trade scheduled maintenance program across HVAC, electrical, plumbing, auto doors, energy plants, and standby power generation systems—ensuring uninterrupted operation of critical Defence infrastructure.
All services were delivered in compliance with the Defence Service Definition Table (SDT) and relevant Australian standards, following the Planned for Period Work Structure. This approach ensured that assets remained functional, operated efficiently, and achieved maximum lifecycle performance.
To meet Defence’s stringent compliance requirements, AE Smith implemented an improved field documentation process.
Technicians captured asset conditions and task data in real time, significantly enhancing the accuracy of reporting and audit readiness.
The project also introduced a BOT (robotic process automation) to streamline invoicing and documentation uploads into the Client’s portal. This innovation ran after hours to minimise IT strain, resulting in higher submission success rates and reduced manual workload.
These improvements translated into measurable gains in compliance performance, streamlined workflows, and enhanced service visibility.
Through these innovations, AE Smith not only met contract requirements but also strengthened its role as a trusted partner to Downer Defence and the broader Defence ecosystem.
