The Construction Materials Conundrum: Practical Solutions to Address Integrated Supply Chain Complexities

Abstract

As projects evolve into complex and specialized temporary initiatives, accountability shortfalls in material flow are a major reason for schedule and cost overruns in construction. To date, researchers and practitioners are unresolved regarding the causes of material handling challenges and eminent solutions to improve material flow accountability. Consequently, inefficient supply chain management practices persist, leading to ineffective handling methods. This research, therefore, focused on identifying critical material challenges encountered by contractors and presented solutions to alleviate schedule and cost overrun failures. The fuzzy Delphi approach was used to refine opinions and achieve group consensus from 15 specialists on the ranking of material handling problems and potential solutions associated with designbuild projects. The research revealed that complexity, material flow, and lack of information sharing are the top three main causes of onsite material problems. Potential solutions identified were a faster response mechanism (as an alternative to a slower build schedule), increasing material handlers' worker power, subcontractors' involvement in the procurement process, and prefabrication. The research highlighted subcontracting as a material handling paradox as apart from being a solution, it creates non-value-added costs in the supply chain and often inappropriately transfers risk. The findings showcased the potential to improve onsite material handling praxis by considering decisionmaking uncertainties in material flow and recognizing the importance of procurement methods in construction supply chain solutions in resolving scheduling and cost inefficiencies.

Forging Pathways to Circular Economy Excellence: Integrating Industry 4.0 with Quality Management

“…In addition, these practices emphasize the production of safe products and processes that prioritize consumer health and safety [6]. By adhering to rigorous quality standards, ethical sourcing, and responsible manufacturing practices, businesses build trust and contribute to the overall well-being of consumers [198]. Environmental respect and responsible resource management in a CE are fundamental aspects of sustainable performance that underscore the importance of integrating environmental considerations into a firm's sustainable performance strategies [199].…”

Challenges in the Integration of E-Procurement Procedures into Construction Supply Chains

“…Step 1: The crisp judgments of the k experts were transformed into appropriate triangular fuzzy numbers (Table 4). Crisp values (such as 6 for very important) were used in the data collection process and then converted to corresponding triangular fuzzy numbers (such as (7,9,10)). The ratings of the barriers are aggregated for each criterion by using Equation (1).…”

“…Collaborative relationships among the involved parties improve efficiency and quality in coordinating supply chain activities and improving the production process [7,9]. In other words, effective material flow management reduces cost overrun, time escalation, and quality defects [10]. However, it must also be noted that several adversities have been reported in supply chain management and have been recognized as a significant burden in achieving the targeted objectives in construction projects [11].…”

“…However, it must also be noted that several adversities have been reported in supply chain management and have been recognized as a significant burden in achieving the targeted objectives in construction projects [11]. For instance, past research addressed problems such as project managers usually having significant concerns about inefficient payment practices, lack of trust between supply chain partners, and site layout/material handling issues that hamper supply chain performance [10,[12][13][14]. Here, the setbacks in the improvement of supply chain processes can be attributed to three sector-related issues: (1) the temporary nature of construction projects [15], (2) variations in design and inadequate production processes [16], and (3) the multiple and different needs of the many stakeholders in construction projects [17].…”

Evaluation and Development of Building Material Sales Information System to Improve Inventory Management and Customer Service

“…By adopting an effective BMIS, suppliers can optimize inventory levels, improve order accuracy, and provide enhanced service experiences to their customers [7]. The use of advanced technologies like BMIS aligns with the broader trend of strengthening supply chain management through technology, which involves utilizing sensors like RFID, CRM, AI, and ML to collect information at every checkpoint in the supply chain process [8]. This shift towards digital solutions reflects the need for businesses to innovate and adapt to the evolving complexities and expectations within the industry [9].…”