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When it comes to materials management on Canadian construction sites, statistics paint an alarming picture. The National Equipment Register published a research paper that revealed the cost of stolen construction equipment in the country amounts to $1 billion annually! If that was not enough, the same study concluded that contractors typically lose about $6000 per incident to various causes such as theft, damage, improper storage etc.
This makes effective materials management the need of the hour. When you have the right materials available at the right time and at the right place, you do not have to suffer through losses, unexpected project delays, waste, and other inefficiencies. Workflow becomes smoother and with proper techniques in place, you can even ensure the safety and security of materials onsite. Plus, streamlined materials management is more cost-effective too as it minimizes the risk of over-ordering, theft, and damage.
That said, materials management can be a complex world to navigate through. At least at first. So allow us to guide you through its A to Z. Let’s begin!
What Is Construction Materials Management?
A critical part of any construction project, materials management can help you avoid oversight, budget overruns, and delays, thus putting your project on the path of success. Let us explain.
Definition and scope
Simply put, construction materials management involves the planning, sourcing, handling, storage, and movement of the materials used in any construction project. The key is to ensure that materials go through each stage in a strategic manner so they are always available exactly where they are needed.
A typical materials management journey covers various processes including supply chain management, inventory management, quality control, and waste reduction. For it to be truly effective though, you must resort to digital tools that help you track your inventory and take charge of deliveries while maintaining detailed records.
Why it matters for infrastructure and residential projects
As we mentioned before, poorly handled materials on construction sites are a recipe for disaster. Delays become inevitable while costs rise up and safety hazards loom large. Combating all of these requires the timely delivery of precise materials (in case of large-scale infrastructure projects), and inventory control (in case of residential projects).
When you manage all your materials properly, you can stick to tight timelines, reduce waste, and prevent theft while ensuring optimum resource allocation. Think of it, not just as a strategy, but as a productivity enabler that also allows for the maintenance of strict safety and compliance standards.
Key Challenges In Construction Materials Management
Just like any other process involved in construction, challenges are a part of materials management too. They can spiral out of control if you do not address them promptly.
Inefficient handling and storage
It is not uncommon to find scattered materials on construction sites. Unfortunately, exposure to the elements has the potential to damage said material. Stacking them improperly has the same result. In fact, disorganized storage is not only cumbersome and inefficient, it is also a major safety hazard. That is why it is critical to use proper storage systems and label all materials onsite.
Transportation and access issues
Construction material is heavy-duty, which means moving it across sites can be a logistical nightmare. Especially in complex environments like railway construction. Issues such as uneven terrain, confined spaces, and limited access can further complicate material movement.
You need specialized equipment to counter the increased risk of delays and accidents they bring. A rail boom lift will come in handy. Designed to streamline material movement, it serves as a stable and safe platform that minimizes the need for manual labor. What’s more, you can use its extendable arms and adjustable reach for precise placement in difficult spots.
Inventory management
Surplus and shortages – both are problems that arise from improper inventory management. Each of them can be costly in their own right. While overstocking can strain your budget and present storage challenges, understocking can stall construction and require costly re-stocking. Digitizing your material inventory management can help mitigate these issues.
Rising material costs
The costs of steel, timber, concrete, and other construction materials tend to fluctuate, which can add another layer of complexity. If you do not keep track of their prices, your project might overshoot its budget. Hence, careful planning and strategic procurement is mandatory.
Best Practices For Effective Materials Management
By now you know that materials management on a construction site is necessary for a lot of reasons. Do not worry if you do not know which strategies to adopt just yet. These will help you.
Choose reliable supply sources
First and foremost, you need to collaborate with reliable suppliers you can trust. A construction project demands several types of high-quality materials so you need to know where they are coming from and if they meet your requirements.
For example, if you partner with a trustworthy lumber yard, you can be sure of the quality and durability of the timber you get. Fostering such steady partnerships will help you maintain optimal material flow while enhancing planning and budgeting.
Opt for just-in-time delivery
Early deliveries pose storage challenges and late ones delay everything. The fix lies in just-in-time deliveries. When materials are delivered exactly when and where they are needed, instances of waste are automatically reduced. You do not have to spend much time figuring out storage solutions either, and neither do you have to suffer the consequences of expensive overstocking.
Use technology and tracking systems
Manual tracking of inventory levels is beyond tough. However, digital tools such as inventory management software and RFID tracking systems can help you keep tabs on all your materials. You can also use them to track delivery schedules and usage rates. Plus, their in-built alerts will notify you if there are any discrepancies in your stock levels so you can address them immediately.
Practice safety protocols in handling
Improper material handling is the main culprit behind construction site injuries. We strongly recommend proper training, use of PPE (personal protective equipment), and specialized machines such as forklifts and rail boom lifts to curb instances of onsite accidents. You must also label materials and organize storage layouts so accessing components is easy and safe.
Future Trends In Materials Management
When it comes to the future of materials management, expect digital innovation, sustainability, and smart technologies to drive the change.
Digital tools and automation
From IoT devices to advanced software and automated tracking systems – each of them is shaping the way materials are managed. Digital tools are incredibly helpful in this regard. Their in-built features such as predictive analysis, inventory tracking, and automated alerts reduce manual error and improve accuracy. Meanwhile automated tools such as AGVs (automated guided vehicles) speed up efficiency and enhance safety onsite.
Sustainable and eco-friendly materials
The future is environmentally conscious. Recycled steel, low-carbon concrete, and responsibly-sourced timber are now becoming standard choices in construction. Efficient materials management further reinforces this trend by optimizing material usage and preventing waste.
Integration with smart construction
Smart construction ecosystems are becoming the norm and materials management is quickly following suit. Connected devices and data-driven workflows are key to seamless communication between different processes including design, procurement, and site operations. With materials management integrated with smart construction, you can expect a visible reduction in waste along with an optimized supply chain. In fact, fully automated construction sites are not far off.
Conclusion
If there is anything that can increase safety and efficiency on construction sites, efficient materials management is it. Contractors can use specialized equipment, collaborate with reliable partners, and employ other best practices to achieve efficient material handling, thus minimizing wastage and preventing delays. Get your construction on-track and within budget with materials management.