Construction is not typically thought of in terms of supply chain, that’s more often critical to manufacturing and retail, but if you don’t have the materials on the jobsite at the right time (think ready-mixed concrete), you’re stuck. That’s why I found this white paper from IDC interesting. If manufacturers and retailers now perceive the supply chain as a “strategic tool for business performance and growth,” maybe contractors should too. The advances in this supply chain transformation are mostly related to digitizing the process and applying artificial intelligence but for construction, maybe that’s not as important.
More important is to develop long-term trusting relationships with your suppliers, be it concrete or curing agents. Even if you could get a slightly lower price from someone else, the value of working with a supplier that will respond quickly and stand behind the product is much greater than a few cents per square foot.
You should also look into the new tracking software for concrete. BCMI has some really impressive technology that allows you to track your most important supply (ready-mixed concrete) from the plant to the job. Command Alkon’s Trackit performs a similar function. And, of course, don’t forget Trimble and its TrimFleet. You’re going to have to begin adopting technology eventually, so might as well start now.
