A comparative evaluation of construction and manufacturing materials management

Abstract

Construction materials management especially in major projects is an important and complex function in need of substantial improvements. In manufacturing, unlike in construction, the function is extensively studied, highly developed formal systems and techniques for performing it exist. The potential value of the work that has gone into that formalization, as well as the techniques produced, for resolving the need for improving materials management in construction seems evident from similarities of the function in the two industries. Although there is some awareness of it, this potential is largely unexplored. This paper reports on a study carried out to explore this potential through a comparative evaluation of construction and manufacturing materials management processes. The research reveals that materials management of manufacturing can assist in formalizing that of construction and some of the developed detailed techniques can be adapted or readily applied.