A year since its launch in 2014, PPC's Cement and Concrete Cube (C3) remains a true triumph for the industry. Designed to facilitate greater collaboration and information-sharing, the Cube's interactive interface speaks to user trends and needs - with many groups now communicating on a daily basis.

First launched to the industry in July 2014, PPC's Cement and Concrete Cube continues to offer users a subject-specific, neutral platform where they're able to source and share information, and interact with like-minded people. "C3 was conceptualised to close some of the collaboration and communication gaps we had noted in the industry," explains Hanlie Turner, PPC's Technical Information Services' specialist. "Its interactive interface speaks directly to the need for electronic information sharing and networking, driving practical conversations where groups can leverage collective experience and knowledge." Industry uptake supports this assertion - with over 1 200 registered users on the platform.

C3 has driven a number of key conversations over the past year, with posts around innovation and creativity generating the most engagement. "The trend is towards shorter, catchier content for day-to-day interaction, while more technical content is accessed when a specific need for in-depth information is identified," notes Turner.

The Cube has attracted members from across the sector, including the likes of John Sheath, CEO and Director of the Concrete Society of Southern Africa, and Johan van Wyk, General Manager of the Southern Africa Ready-mix Association. Both note C3's ease-of-use as one of its key features. "Contact with others in your sector is continually encouraged, as you receive alerts when new people have joined your group. This makes it the ideal platform to share new ideas and well as innovations affecting the wider built environment, including inspiration from architecture, art and building," says Sheath.

Users are able to join multiple interest groups. This has seen the growth of groups around subject matter including innovation, architectural concrete, C3 A - Z and energy. The ease of searching for content across the Groups remains one of the strengths of C3. "The platform has also demonstrated that there are no limits in terms of what cement and concrete can be used for," adds Sheath.

Current - and future - users can look forward to the continued evolution of the Cube. "We've already received requests for an App that will facilitate greater interactivity, much like Twitter and Instagram," says Turner. "We're committed to updating and refining C3 to respond to this type of request, as well as to keep abreast of leading social and electronic media trends."

To celebrate C3's one year anniversary, PPC will be running daily competitions to encourage users to access the platform, experience its functionality and interact with fellow community members.http://c3.ppc.co.za/ppc/ to be part of the celebration.

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