Materials practice:
Each project uses automated data collection technologies (e.g., barcodes, RFID tags, GPS systems) for automated on-site location tracking.
The benefits of leveraging technology to properly managing equipment and materials on-site appear to be obvious, and as the industry sorts out its approach to a digital world and continues to leverage the Internet of Things they are expected to become standard practice. However, the use of practices in support of materials management and the adoption of proven technologies are consistently lagging among accepted good management practices.
Tracking materials, tools and equipment enhances project productivity by enabling planners to make sure that the right materials, tools, equipment and information is available for the crews at the right time. Tracking materials enhances risk mitigation by ensuring that key materials are not lost. Losing materials requires expedited re-procurement, inactive crews, schedule delays and poor productivity. Tracking tools enhances risk mitigation by ensuring that tools are not stolen, hoarded or misallocated. Tracking equipment enhances return on capital by ensuring that equipment does not sit idle.
Construction materials and tools tracking service providers can be easily found by searching the internet who provide cloud hosted systems that use barcode, RFID and GPS systems tailored to applications by merit and applicability. Equipment tracking systems are provided by the large rental companies and equipment makers.
References:
- www.buildforce.ca/en/products/construction-productivity-where-are-we-now-and-where-do-we-need-go
- www.construction-institute.org/resources/knowledgebase/best-practices/materials-management
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ABOUT THE PERFORMANCE BENCHMARKING TOOL
The free Performance Benchmarking Self-Assessment Tool is designed to assist construction and maintenance employers in measuring their organization in relation to a specific set of recognized best practices. In addition, you will be able to compare your organization's efforts against other construction and maintenance employers. From the results of the self-assessment tool you will also be able to identify areas for continuous improvement.
The self-assessment tool is designed to be completed either individually by a member of your management team or in a collaborative setting. Consider bringing your leaders/managers together to work through the tool and take time to discuss the perspectives of each group member.
This initiative is supported by the National Research Council of Canada Industrial Research Assistance Program (NRC IRAP).