Construction excellence is a topical subject in a sector which is always under pressure to deliver projects in the most affordable, best quality, formats possible. The trend has been looking towards giving more achievement per resource.
To do this effectively, there is need for a framework that allows the productivity in construction to be assessed and improved where the analysis shows that there are benefits to be found. How is productivity defined? When that crucial question has been answered, there is opportunity to select a methodology and framework to be used as the approach to improving productivity in the construction process.
Productivity does not simply begin when the first brick is laid, the origin of the construction process is found much before that. Having the idea, and identifying the need, the funding, the regulation, all have a part to play, and they all have potential for affecting productivity.
Techniques for Measuring and Improving Productivity
When actually on the construction site, what metrics are in place to measure productivity? Without these it is impossible to know how much improvement you have seen from taking actions. For example:
- What is the measure of the labour and teams used?
- Is there sampling of any data from current and previous related projects of a similar size?
- Are craftsmen questionnaires used to assess the potential improvements that could result from feedback?
- Is there robust analysis of delays encountered?
Human Productivity Improvement Factors
Even with increased automation of tasks, the use of a living workforce, both directly employed and contracted, is an unavoidable necessity in the construction sector. You need them to make important decisions to ensure the project moves forward to completion. As a major influence on the smooth running of the build, do you know:
- What is the current status of staff motivation?
- What are factors affecting motivation and demotivation?
- What is the rate of absenteeism and turnover?
- What is the state of staff amenities?
- What are the safety issues?
Cost-Reporting System Measurement
With budgets and profit targets to be met, measuring and monitoring of costs is a vital factor in the viability of projects. How close to real-time are your systems? Do they cover all the areas that have the greatest impact on productivity? Have you looked at:
- Tracking person hours?
- Estimated percentage complete?
- Physical measurement of “pipeline” materials delivered?
- Earned value?
Management Factors
- What is the quality of supervision?
- What is the quality of material management>
- How is procurement managed?
- How are problems solved?
All of the above are vital factors in the productivity in the construction sector. At IiE we have assisted organisations over several years to improve what they do. Contact us to find out how we can help you.