Supply chain integration, logistics and e-trading – Action learning project

CITB-ConstructionSkills is keen to support the industry in adopting integrated working. In 2003, it approved funding to run a two year action learning project on supply chain integration, logistics and e-trading.

Introduction

This action learning project aimed to accelerate the take up of integrated supply chains and logistics within the construction industry. It was funded by CITB-ConstructionSkills and managed by the National Construction College, NCC.

The Approach

The project partners were contractors, consultants and the NCC. The contractors, Denne, Taylor Woodrow, Interserve and Wates identified current business issues which formed the basis for a number of action learning sub-projects.

Integrated Construction Project Executive Suimmary

The sub-projects are outlined below with links  for each of the project reports.

The Sub-Projects

Driving efficiency on a repetitive housing modernisation project, Wates

The project focused on the refurbishment of houses for Whitefriars Housing Group in Coventry. The objective of the project was to test whether using logistics software could improve productivity from its existing high level. The project defined the work process for refurbishing each house.
The project team worked with the client, site team, bathroom suppliers and fitters and the kitchen suppliers. In addition, much time was spent with the teams on the ground to understand the entire process from property release through to survey and completion.

Driving efficiency on a repetitive housing modernisation project, Wates report

IT based logistics, Taylor Woodrow

The project focused its activity on synchronising activities and resource flows on the refurbishment of Fort Dunlop and a tunnelling project for the Cross Rail enabling works using logistics software. Further work on the St Helens hospital PFI project is on hold awaiting Treasury financial approval.

IT based logistics, Taylor Woodrow report

Logistics and Project Management at Ordell Road, Denne Construction

Two research projects were carried out with Denne Construction by the Centre for Performance Improvement. The first was in partnership with Synchro and involved the application of the their logistics management system. This research project explored the benefits that such a system could provide in terms of aiding the integration of construction supply chains. It also reviewed the barriers that exist in introducing a technically advanced system within the industry.

Report into the application of a logistics management system to a construction project at Ordell Road, London EC3

The second research project examined construction logistics and specifically reviewed three of the areas highlighted by the Strategic Forum’s Construction Logistics Group, namely:

  • Transport
  • Stockholding
  • Efficiency of on-site labour

Denne Introduction

Denne Transport

Denne Stockholding

Denne Efficiency of Onsite Labour
In both projects the research was undertaken on major residential schemes in East London carried out within a strategic partnering relationship by Denne Construction on behalf of Berkeley Homes.

Implementing e-trading throughout the supply chain, CITE

CITE, Construction Industry Trading Electronically, worked with the other project partners to explore the opportunities for implementing e-trading to streamline the administration process in purchasing and supply.

CITE Report

CITE flowchart 1

CITE flowchart 2

CITE flowchart 8

Supply chain relationships within Framework arrangements, Interserve PSL

The project’s aim was to develop and implement a range of innovative approaches to improving framework and project supply chains at the second and third tier levels. The specific objectives were for the project team to have:

  • identified supply chain challenges and improvement opportunities at second and third tier levels
  • developed strategies and practical techniques to involve the supply chain in resolving the issues and improving performance
  • measured the qualitative and quantitative improvements
  • analysed the critical success factors and written these in a form suitable for dissemination to the wider supply chain and industry.

The key participants in the Interserve project include NHS Procure 21, BT Telereal, Department of Work and Pensions (DWP), Somerfield, AMEC, Interserve Project Services, Interserve Health, specialist contractors, and suppliers.

Supply chain relationships within Framework arrangements, Interserve PSL report

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