The Construction Sector Urgently Needs to Learn Lessons from Manufacturing

If you spoke to somebody from a manufacturing business they would probably struggle to understand much of what happens in construction. After all, they come from a world of lean manufacturing, just in time delivery, high productivity and minimal waste. These have been their realities for decades as businesses strive for every last ounce of competitive advantage.

Meanwhile, in the world of construction many techniques are unchanged for over a hundred years. Schedules are flexible, materials are stored onsite for long periods (and at times damaged), labour is heavily relied upon and many key project issues are worked through late in the programme and onsite, rather than being planned from the outset.

Weather, labour availability and scheduling of different trades (among other issues) mean that delivery on time is the exception rather than the expectation. And that’s before you get to the waste of materials over-ordered, mis-ordered or mishandled.

Faced with those realities, a manufacturing business would conclude that construction is an unacceptably risky business. Risky in terms of cost, timing, quality, safety and the environment.

Perhaps clients, planners, architects and contractors have become too accustomed to those risks to see them as unusual or avoidable.

Offsite Changes How We Think

Offsite construction changes more than just the way buildings are put together. It changes the way projects are conceived, designed, planned and delivered. It demands ways of thinking and working that have more in common with advanced manufacturing than with traditional construction.

This new approach brings the benefits of greater productivity, reduced risk and minimal waste. Offsite systems such as Innovaré’s System demand much more of a ‘front-loaded’ process. Construction and engineering challenges are resolved in advance using the latest 3D design tools and expertise from throughout the supply chain.

Designs are translated into precision-made panels that fit together exactly as planned. All of the technical details such as M&E installation are already solved and accommodated within the panel designs. The structure is fabricated in parallel with the site preparation and delivered in a controlled sequence exactly when needed.

The entire process is less susceptible to delays through weather, labour shortages or technical problems that need last minute reworks.

If greater productivity and reliability are the goals, offsite construction points the way. And an offsite partner that can handle design, engineering, manufacturing and assembly is better placed to help secure those advantages. To find out more about how the benefits that offsite construction using the System can work for you get in touch with Innovaré on 0845 674 0020 or visit our website.