Offsite Construction: Reflection is Simply Not Good Enough – We Need a New Prism!

Abstract

This paper reflects on the recurrent challenges facing Architecture Engineering and Construction (AEC), noting that slow incremental changes have only just stated to address efficiency and product delivery systems underpinning its value proposition. Whilst these challenges embrace many areas, from quality through to waste and concomitant carbon footprint initiatives; the challenge here is “why have other sectors out-performed AEC in many of these areas?”. Acknowledging this, the work presented here challenges the industry to re-think its position, advocating the use of a new ‘prism’ - one which highlights new opportunities for exploitation, rather than re-examining parochial ‘traditional’ approaches. The rationalisation underpinning this treatise rests on the need for AEC to transition towards Industry 4.0. This work presents findings from three case study construction organisations based in Turkey. The foci concentrated on the use and application Offsite Construction (OSC) concepts, addressing the specific technology-related needs to transition to Industry 4.0. This is particularly important given the need for organisations to not only unlock their digital potential to improve performance and capability, but also leverage better value throughout the whole process. Emphasis was therefore placed on this transformative ‘journey’ using agility as the main prism. Research findings highlight the need to step back from adopting conventional thinking and linear approaches, to ones which help actuate evidenced-based levers for change: from conceptualising, embedding, implementing and diffusing new technology per se (into existing business systems and processes); but also embrace the macro, meso and micro drivers associated with the skills and people involved in the delivery of these products and services. In doing so, the paper presents a number of agility-driven innovation and exploitation opportunities, from Additive Manufacturing through to Distributed Ledgers and new data-centric logistic platforms.