Considering Materials Management in Construction: An Exploratory Study

Zakaria Dakhli and Zoubeir Lafhaj
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Zakaria Dakhli: Civil Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lille, 59651 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France
Zoubeir Lafhaj: Civil Engineering, Ecole Centrale de Lille, 59651 Villeneuve d’Ascq, France

Logistics, 2018, vol. 2, issue 1, 1-13

Abstract: While materials count for a considerable amount of construction costs, the way materials are managed seems to be improvised rather than approached methodically. This study investigates the practice of novel techniques used to manage materials in the construction industry. Techniques that have already proven themselves to be efficient ways to manage the production pace within the industry include the pull system, Just-In-Time, Kitting and off-site fabrication. These are explained and assessed in the context of the French construction industry through an exploratory study, supported by a questionnaire completed by contractors. The results reveal that a clear plan to manage materials on-site is lacking among the respondents, creating common inventory problems. This research provides evidence to support the central role played by an efficient management of material flow on-site. It also highlights the obstacles that hinder the adoption of innovative techniques, such as sub-contractor coordination.

Keywords: materials management; construction; kitting; pull planning; supplier; inventory (search for similar items in EconPapers)
JEL-codes: L8 L80 L81 L86 L87 L9 L90 L91 L92 L93 L98 L99 M1 M10 M11 M16 M19 R4 R40 R41 R49 (search for similar items in EconPapers)
Date: 2018
References: View references in EconPapers View complete reference list from CitEc
Citations: View citations in EconPapers (4)

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