Digital and Operational Advancement in Construction Logistics A Case Study of Construction Logistics Management at BRA
Typ
Examensarbete för masterexamen
Master's Thesis
Master's Thesis
Program
Design and construction project management (MPDCM), MSc
Publicerad
2023
Författare
SÄRNSTRÖM, ALEXANDRA
WESSMAN, EDVIN
Modellbyggare
Tidskriftstitel
ISSN
Volymtitel
Utgivare
Sammanfattning
Construction logistics management (CLM) and construction supply chain
management (CSCM) are crucial for the construction industry’s performance progress and
potential improvement of production efficiency. Research shows that construction
logistics largely affect the overall project costs and have a significant impact on
environmental performance and the health and safety of both employees and civilians
in urban settings. While previous research has shown clear benefits for contractors
following the advancement of CLM, it is yet to provide a comprehensive understanding
of how digital tools should be implemented successfully. Furthermore, there is
limited research on how digital tools may alter or aid the construction logistics
efficiency on the building site.
The aim of the thesis is to identify the benefits and challenges of an increased level
of digitalization in construction logistics at BRA, and in doing so, provide
recommendations for the use of digital tools for logistics activities in current and future
projects. The aim was pursued through a case study of three ongoing construction
projects at BRA with various levels in the use of digital tools for construction
logistics. The study entails on-site observations and 16 semi-structured interviews
with actors affected by or involved in construction logistics. An abductive research
process allowed for the iterative development of theory and empirical data, which
was analyzed using an analytical framework.
The study shows that well-functioning construction logistics can contribute to
monetary gains and improved production performance. However, these values are difficult
to measure and are therefore often overlooked by practitioners who tend to focus on
the challenges of implementing and maintaining CLM and CSCM instead. These
challenges generally boil down to organizational preconditions and work culture in
the construction industry, as well as the limited knowledge and competence within
construction logistics.
In conclusion, early involvement of construction logistics planning facilitates the
implementation of digital tools in production. In every project, BRA should assign
explicit responsibility for construction logistics to a specific person or team and
utilize digital delivery management systems to increase coordination between actors on
site and suppliers and decrease the frequency of unplanned events. Task distribution
tools should be utilized in projects with dedicated logistics workers, as they provide
a better overview, allowing more accurate in-depth planning and reducing collisions
in the schedule during the production phase. To promote the advancement of
construction logistics management in the early phases of the construction process, BRA
needs to consider the project-specific preconditions and plan the logistics activities
thereafter. Lastly, the study concludes that evaluation methods are needed to
identify the extent of indirect and intangible benefits that digital tools for construction
logistics can bring.
Beskrivning
Ämne/nyckelord
construction logistics, construction logistics management, construction industry, supply chain management, digitalization, digital tools.