Missing the initial deadline is almost a running joke in the construction industry. Of course, with a potentially tricky time on the horizon after COVID -19, making sure that our teams and projects are as productive as possible could spell the difference between survival and going under. With that in mind, be sure to read the tactics that ate essential for maximum construction productivity, below.
Application of analytics
While the current state of play in construction is not one that favours the collection and application of detailed data, ‘the times they are a’ changin’. It’s a good thing too because closing tracking of any number of data points can help boost productivity and efficiency in a business specialising in construction.
One of the top uses for data analytics is to help more accurately predict the time and budget outcome on the next job. Happily, with more agile data collection and reporting software, these predictions are something that it is now possible to make.
Of course, keeping track of spending and schedules isn’t the only thing that analytics are useful for in the construction industry. They can help boost productivity in a variety of areas such as workflow, recruitment, training and event marketing. Something that can make a massive difference for smaller construction forms concerning the order they book.
In fact, by using a reporting tool, to sum up marketing data, it becomes clearer to read, understand and most importantly use. Thus providing valuable insight into how you can get more business on your books. Something that any construction company looking to be productive in the coming months will find essential. After all, you can’t be productive as a business, if you have no projects.
Plan and manage workflow
Have you ever begun a long and complicated journey without first checking the map or programming a sat nav? Probably not. However, inadequately planned constructions projects begin all the time.
They don’t tend to end well, either. Usually over running in both time and funds. Something that will certainly not endear you to your client for the next project they consider doing.
To that end, before anything else, it is imperative to thoroughly plan a job. Now, this is a task that many site managers loathe, as it’s all paperwork and numbers. However, without an accurate map or schedule of what needs doing when, and by whom, you genuinely risk the success of the whole project.
With that in mind, putting in some additional work at the beginning of a project is well worth the effort. In fact, it can save you time, stress, and hassle later on and vastly increases the chances that you will finish on schedule and on budget. You’ll also look a lot more professional to your client while working for them too. Something that can help get you repeat business once the job is completed.
Inventory management
Building materials are essential to the construction process. In fact, without them, work will grind to a halt. Unfortunately, no brick fairy magically replenishes stock when they start to wane. What that means is you must find an effective way of keeping track of the stock you have, and when it needs to be reordered. (That is before stocks run dry completely).
Happily, tech is making this endless task a little easier to manage. In fact, there are a variety of inventory management software options to choose from. It is also possible to use digital barcode or QR readers to make logging stock numbers and usage easier. You can even automate your system so when it reaches a specific number, items are immediately reordered and delivered to site. Something that can make a massive difference in productivity and prevent all sorts of troublesome delays.
Rest is as essential as work.
It often seems as if there is more waiting around on-site than productivity. However, you can fix this by using some of the methods described in this post. Of course, that doesn’t mean that you can expect your employees to work without breaks at all.
In fact, the joint physical strain of working in construction combined with the high-risk environment means you will want your employees to be rested and alert. Otherwise, you could have accidents on your hands that will cost you more than just a delay in your schedule.
With that in mind, be sure to have a clear break policy for all your workers. Also, each manager and supervisor must be consistent in enforcing this. Even when you are on a tight deadline.
Onboard and train everyone to a high standard.
Do you know what makes it easy for your employees to be as productive as possible? It’s when they know what they are doing and can work effectively without micromanagement. That means onboarding new employees is essential, as is regular training for those that have been with you for some time.
The thing is that in construction, such training can be so easily overlooked. After all, there are so many elements to be trained on from safety, processes, equipment, machinery, and skills. However, while it may seem as if you are losing time through training, you will actually gain it overall. After all, workers that can work safely, in a self-directed manner are essential to productivity.
Consider new ways of working.
The construction industry is changing all the time, and the way things are done is regularly updated to make it cheaper, faster or easier. This is excellent news for any construction company looking to boost their productivity.
In particular, your construction business may wish to consider prefab options for buildings, sections of buildings, and roofs. The reason being that they will cut down on your labour and time needs and can be a massive boon to productivity.
Final thoughts
Sometimes working harder in the field of construction is counterproductive. Instead, businesses in this field need to consider ways of working smarter. That is using tech and innovation, and investing in the training and well being of their employees. Also, better use of the resources they have at their disposal can help boost productivity in the construction sector.
