Published 14th June 2005 by Constructing Excellence
A consolidation centre is like a retail regional distribution centre and is so named because it ‘consolidates’ many different loads onto one site-delivery vehicle. With the exception of some equipment and materials that are more conveniently delivered direct to sites, it is the one-stop point of delivery for virtually all supplies. It does not hold stock for any appreciable length of time but it is a useful distribution buffer. It is responsible for all items in its care.
There are six steps in dealing with materials:
- The trade contractor places orders for supplies, specifying delivery to the consolidation centre.
- The consolidation centre agrees an inward delivery time and takes delivery. Everything is checked and labelled to simplify distribution.
- About 24 hours before supplies are needed, the trade contractor requests delivery, stating exactly what, where and when.
- The consolidation centre makes up ‘daypacks’ for each task.
- The consolidation centre delivers the daypacks just in time for each gang to undertake that day’s tasks.
- The consolidation centre removes excess materials from the site every day.
