Maxwell, D and Couper, R (2023) Construction tracking: Implications of logistics data. Construction Innovation, 23(2), pp. 322-339. ISSN 1471-4175
Abstract
Purpose: Construction suffers from “peculiarities” that concern the temporary natures of the construction site, project teams and unique product design. Considering the digital transformation of construction, new solutions are being investigated that can provide consistent data between changing projects. One such source of data manifests in the tracking of logistics activities across the supply chain. Construction logistics is traditionally considered a site management activity focused solely on the “back end” of projects, but an expanded logistics focus can unlock new avenues of improvement. This study aims to understand the requirements and benefits of such a consistent thread of data. Design/methodology/approach: From a research project with one of Australia’s largest contracting companies, this paper details a series of construction tracking tests as an empirical case study in using Bluetooth low energy aware tracking technology to capture data across the manufacture, delivery and assembly of a cross-laminated timber structural prototyping project. Findings: The findings affirm the tracking of expanded logistics data can improve back-end performance in subsequent projects while also demonstrating the opportunity to inform a project’s unique front-end design phase. The case study demonstrates that as the reliability, range and battery life of tracking technologies improve, their incorporation into a broader range of construction activities provides invaluable data for improvement across projects. Originality/value: As a live case study, this research offers unique insights into the potential of construction tracking to close the data loop from final site assembly back to the early project design phase, thus driving continual improvement from a holistic perspective.
| Item Type: | Article |
|---|---|
| Uncontrolled Keywords: | bluetooth; construction; data; logistics; prototype; tracking |
| Index terms: | methodology, prototyping, construction site, prototype, product design, project team, cross-laminated timber, construction logistics, design phase, site management, transformation, Australia, construction activity, low energy, case study, project design |
| Subjects: | modelling and simulation, work location, building materials, contractual arrangements, energy systems, construction operations, professional practice, innovation and technology management, project delivery, data collection methods, business, construction logistics, research methods, Geography |
| Topics: | Sustainability, Procurement, Business Strategy, Engineering Principles, Research Practice, Project Management, Geographical Context, Site Management, Design Practice, Supply Chain Management |
| Descriptive scope: | 4 PCTE |
N.B. Descriptive scope is a count of how many of the five facets of empirical research are indicated by the words used in title, abstract and keywords. It is not intended as a judgement on the research; merely a count of the kind of word we would expect to indicate Phenomenon, Concepts, Theoretical framing, Empirical techniques, Analytical techniques. If all five are present, then a code of “5 PCTEA” will indicate this. If you feel the coding for this record is questionable, we welcome discussion around the terms we matched or the way we categorized them. The facet you would expect may not be coded, or a facet may be coded inappropriately. This can also bear on a larger question, of which facets should be treated as defining in construction management research. Please get in touch, and we will look at it. More details here