Mitigation strategies for challenges to achieving high performing onsite construction logistics. A case study with insights from a large Swedish construction company

Abstract

The construction industry has difficulties achieving high performance and well-functioning construction logistics is a key aspect for improving project performance and increasing productivity. The aim of this study was therefore to expand the understanding of the poor performance of on-site construction logistics and map out the main logistics challenges, their causes, effects and possible mitigation strategies. The study consisted of a case study of two construction projects in a large Swedish construction company, with common logistics conditions experienced in commercial building projects in dense urban areas. The findings were based on a literature review, interviews with 25 respondents and a review of company documents. The study focused on investigating challenges related to onsite logistics. The four main challenges to high performing on-site logistics found in this study were: lack of space, constrained conditions for efficient material handling, construction documents provided late and late changes of construction documents. Identified causes of the challenges included poor communication, timeliness of deliveries, the planning and design process falling behind and multiplicity and variety of concurrent activities. The main effects caused by the challenges was waste of resources in form of time and money, stressful work environment and adoptions of reactive ad-hoc practices. The results emphasised the importance of logistics planning and management, logistics setups and a structured procedure for integrated information sharing between projects, in order to mitigate the challenges. The theoretical implications explains that the general view found in this study regarding the urging of concurrency in operational and strategic activities is not generating high performing logistics. The contribution of this study includes practical implications regarding an awareness of common challenges and performance benefits of planning for construction logistics and sharing lessons learned within the construction industry.