Barriers and enablers for supply chain integration in prefabricated elements manufacturing in New Zealand

Abstract

The attention onprefabricated modules and components is resurging in the New Zealand residential construction industry. This isdriven by its relative benefitsand technological advancements.However inspite of thisattention, there has not been commensurate understanding of its manufacturing supply chainand the enhancement of theirperformance. Similarly, there has been little research considering the supply chain and supply chain integration in module/component manufacturing in residential constructionin New Zealand. Therefore, this paper presents a comprehensive overviewof the modular manufacturing process andthebarriers and enablers for supply chain integration in module manufacturing.The identified barriers are discussed with theirrelevant enablers. Informationfor the study investigation was collected through twelve semi-structured face to face interviews withprefabricationexperts. The information obtained was analysed using contentanalysis that enabled the development of a frameworkthat illustrates barriers and enablers for supply chain integration. Ad-hoc relationships, poor planning and scheduling, transporting of volumetric modules and information sharing are a few significantbarriers in the manufacturing process of modular bathroom pods and wall panels in New Zealand. The proposed framework providesa guide for the wall panel and bathroom pods manufacturing companies to improve integration across their entiremanufacturing process.