Improving materials management on construction projects
An essential factor adversely affecting the performance of construction projects is the improper handling of materials during site activities. Materials management is made problematic by materials shortages, delays in supply, price fluctuations, damage and wastage, and lack of storage space. I...
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| Main Author: | |
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| Format: | Thesis |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2008
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| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/7371/1/24p%20NARIMAH%20KASIM.pdf http://eprints.uthm.edu.my/7371/ |
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| Summary: | An essential factor adversely affecting the performance of construction projects is the
improper handling of materials during site activities. Materials management is made
problematic by materials shortages, delays in supply, price fluctuations, damage and
wastage, and lack of storage space. In addition, paper-based reports are mostly used
to record and exchange information related to the materials component within a
supply chain which is problematic, error-prone, and inefficient. Generally, modern
technologies are not being adequately used to overcome human error and are not well
integrated with project management systems to make the tracking and management
of materials easier and faster. Thus, this research focuses on the development of a
mechanism to improve materials management on construction projects through the
integration of materials tracking and resource modelling systems.
A multi-facetted research approach was adopted. Initially, a literature review on
materials management process in the construction project was conducted. This was
followed by case studies involving six construction projects in order to investigate
current practice in materials management to establish key problem areas and
elements of good practice. The case studies also explored the requirements for
integrating materials management and resource modelling in project management
systems. The case study findings underpinned by literature results were used to
develop a real-time framework for integrating RFID-based materials tracking and
resource modelling.
The framework was encapsulated in a computer-based prototype system based on
Microsoft Visual Basic.NET. The prototype system was developed by amalgamation
of all the software and hardware chosen such as MS Access (database system), MS
Project (resource modelling) and RFID (automated materials tracking) to provide the
mechanisms for integrating materials management and resource modelling in the
construction industry. Evaluation of the prototype system was carried out by a series
of interviews with industry practitioners to assess its appropriateness and
functionality. It also established the skills and other requirements for the effective
use of the real-time materials tracking system. The evaluation established that the
prototype system demonstrated many benefits and is suitable for use in materials
tracking and inventory management processes.
It is concluded that the prototype system developed can improve materials
management on construction projects, particularly with regard to materials tracking
and integrating materials utilisation with the resource modelling subsystem in project
management applications. Adoption of the approaches suggested in the thesis will
enable the construction industry to improve the real-time management of materials
on sites, and hence improve project performance. |
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