Measuring and re-engineering logistics chains in the construction industry

Abstract

The construction industry needs new tools and approaches to develop their business processes. The objective of this paper is to introduce a new framework for re-engineering logistics chains in the construction industry. The re-engineering process is based on co-operation between construction firms and material suppliers. Designers and subcontractors also participate when necessary.Two tools are introduced as a part of the framework. These tools measure the effectiviness of information and material flows. The objective of the tools is to identify opportunities to improve logistics chains of different construction materials. With these tools logistics chains can be benchmarked to find out best practices and improvement potentials of the firms.One objective of the paper is to emphasize the importance of a process view of construction logistics. The focus is on material and information flows between designers, material suppliers and construction firms.KeywordsLogistics chainsmeasuring toolsre-engineering processconstruction industry