Symal partners with Macquarie Cloud to boost AI capabilities
Symal has engaged Macquarie Cloud Services to provide Microsoft Azure cloud services to enhance its DevOps and AI capabilities.
Symal, a construction company known for its expansive services across contracting, equipment hire, and recycling since its founding in Melbourne in 2001, has enlisted Macquarie to support its rapid digitisation. The collaboration is set to underpin Symal's digital foundation, with a particular focus on building artificial intelligence capabilities.
Trent Dawson, General Manager IT and Systems at Symal, described the crucial necessity for a cloud provider that could match the company's digital aspirations and expertise. "We've been moving at pace, and we needed a new partner who could keep up and match our digital ambition and expertise," stated Dawson. "It became very clear that Macquarie Cloud Services' team had what it takes – their experience in managing Azure DevOps environments which we have, the AI foundations and developments they've made as a company, and really walking the talk of customer service. Many providers talk a big game here, but it's ingrained in every aspect of what Macquarie Cloud gives and it makes for a truly proactive partnership experience."
With Macquarie managing the Azure environment, Symal's technology team has seen a reduction in routine workload, enabling a sharper focus on business expansion, security, and networking. The partnership has also brought about financial efficiencies for Symal, delivering a 10% saving on Microsoft subscriptions and optimising less-used resources.
In addition to fiscal savings, Symal benefits from enhanced Azure consumption discounts and the introduction of cloud-native monitoring, reducing infrastructure downtime and elevating capacity management. A priority for Symal amidst its acquisitions and evolving operations is maintaining robust cybersecurity and compliance standards to manage costs and risks.
Symal's digital transformation efforts are particularly concentrated on AI, using the Azure platform to develop projects such as large language models with Microsoft Copilot and creating AI agents to refine construction processes. Dawson remarked that while the construction sector has historically trailed in technology adoption, noticeable advancements have emerged recently. "The construction sector has lagged behind in technology and innovation for so long, but in the last few years we're seeing a drastic shift and more impactful digital services being offered and created," he said. "Innovating with intent is one of our core values and we're 100 per cent committed, from the top down, in being a leader in the industry transformation that's happening. AI will be central to that and so will having a partner in Macquarie Cloud we can rely on to manage our Azure environment and who has that AI expertise and focus."
Commenting on the collaboration, Naran McClung, Head of Azure at Macquarie Cloud Services, acknowledged Symal's proactive stance in leveraging AI to enhance industry practices in construction across Australia. "AI can't construct buildings, but it can dramatically improve efficiency, forecasting, collaboration, and lower costs for construction companies and customers," stated McClung. "Symal doesn't just see this or sit back and wait for it; they're experimenting now and creating this change the industry needs. We're committed to helping them achieve that vision with our own unique approach to data, Azure cloud management and customer service."
