The bigger a construction project is, the more planning challenges. This is due to the interdependence of processes and the complexity of stakeholders and companies involved. And duplication also characterizes the processes: Today, only around 50 percent of operational business is actually planned on a construction site — the rest is decided and worked on site on an ad hoc basis. All this not only costs nerves, but also a lot of money.
In view of the growing complexity due to ever more requirements and rising costs, efficient construction logistics is becoming increasingly important. We see the solution to this in digitalization — specifically in data-protected construction logistics management.
Transparency thanks to data analysis
Data-protected construction logistics management combines the intelligent use of data to make forecasts of processes — and to develop smooth processes thanks to data services. The overview is essential: Thanks to tools such as the schedule analyzer, it is possible to see all important processes at a glance, with a dashboard showing schedules, resources and costs. This technology makes it possible to view the target/actual reconciliation between planning and execution at any time and to continuously adjust poorly coordinated processes or delays.
Everything at a glance thanks to a digital dashboard
Our data services not only provide an overview, but also make it possible to design construction processes. By evaluating the variety of data sources from a construction site, interfaces are identified, evaluated and optimally linked for the project plan. Thanks to different analytical perspectives, the customer's ideas can be addressed — and the most important information for them is accessible via a single dashboard. As a “single point of truth”, this “control center” is an essential planning element that is used to monitor construction progress and for quality assurance. What is the volume of the material to be installed? Or when does which company deliver which material to which location? Thanks to real-time information, construction progress is transparent.
Reduce delays thanks to precision
In addition, data-protected construction logistics management makes it possible to answer planning questions reliably and precisely. Using a four-dimensional model (space plus time), a precise logistics, process and schedule planning is created for the respective construction project. Specifically, the principle is based on the integration of quantities and volumes (3D) and temporal information such as deadlines (4th dimension), from which logistics can be visualized over time. In this way, ideal delivery flows on construction sites can be planned, truck journeys can be timed using a schedule, the timing of the elevators can be defined by employees, or better utilization of storage space can be calculated. Thanks to the use of self-developed sensors, the planning tool is fed with real-time information. In this way, DCL guarantees precise planning — and thus the minimization of delays.
Learning for the future
Our data services make increasing complexity more tangible. Our experience shows this: Thanks to digital construction logistics, processes have been carried out on average 20 percent more efficiently over the construction projects carried out so far. At the same time, there was 35 percent less construction site traffic, delivery stability was increased by 25 percent and express deliveries were reduced by 85 percent. Based on this data, it is now possible to learn for the future: The analysis of previous experiences can be used as the basis for future simulations or logistics patterns for construction projects, which can increase predictability even more and make processes more agile. Amberg Loglay is currently developing the “7D future” in collaboration with various universities: Topics such as construction costs, recycling and moving in and out of the standard process are to be integrated into the standard process.
