Supply Chain Management and Logistics in Construction by Lundesjo Greger

Author:Lundesjo, Greger
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2015-05-30T16:00:45.231000+00:00

The purpose of the logistics process is to support the construction process; therefore the planning must be integrated. Logistics planning needs to be done at different levels:

A general outline plan should be produced early in the project, based on the material requirements as defined by the construction process.

A detailed plan should be produced on an ongoing basis, and updated weekly to capture progress and any changes in the programme. This plan is the basis for material call-offs.

The team

When implementing change or developing a new way of doing things, a necessary condition for success is to train those involved. This has to include everyone: own staff and agency staff, subcontractors and suppliers. This is particularly important in environmentally friendly construction and when implementing sustainable logistics, as this is likely to introduce new working methods and procedures to many suppliers and contractors.

Deliveries

Early in the programme, develop clear delivery instructions (sometimes called logistics instructions) and issue them to all contractors and suppliers. Go through the instructions with all concerned and ensure that everyone understands what is expected. It is useful to tie compliance to some kind of commercial reward/penalty.

To avoid unnecessary offloading and reloading activities, materials can be delivered on a JIT basis directly from suppliers; this can be efficient but requires careful coordination. If this can be done it lowers stockholding in the LC and reduces the capital tied up in materials. It can also contribute to reduced waste as less material is lying around waiting to be used, when it is susceptible to damage or loss.

It is useful to organize deliveries according to items required at specific locations. This means that deliveries from the supplier are organized by final location on site. For instance, windows to a building are delivered by the type(s) and quantity needed at each floor level and zone, rather than all windows of a certain type being delivered in one batch. Deliveries are also scheduled in time as construction progresses.

A key function of the LC is to consolidate deliveries. Materials that are needed at the same location on site and within the same time window can be picked to make up a material kit at the LC and then transported to site as part of a consolidated load. This reduces the number of vehicle journeys and handling on site. In this instance the LC performs a value-added service, which reduces waiting time on site.

Vehicles running on renewable fuel sources should, if possible, be used.

Logistics centre

The LC should be established in a geographically suitable location with regard to access and space. This can be immediately adjacent to the site or at an external location. Materials are stored in an organized fashion and transport to and from the site is optimized.

Functions carried out at the LC:

receiving materials that cannot be delivered directly to site or materials where transport optimization excludes direct delivery to site;

goods receiving and inspection;

limited stockholding, ensuring good storage conditions and correct material handling methods;

picking material kits in sequence to support the construction process;

consolidating materials for delivery to site;

receiving materials returned from site to be sent back to suppliers by return transport.

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