Economists from the Manufacturers Alliance for Productivity and Innovation expect the construction supply chain to be a primary driver of manufacturing growth over the next two years.
Around the world, ever-larger capital projects are being undertaken. Better project management and technological innovation can improve the chances of success.
The UK P&I Club has joined forces with leading marine cargo insurer Allianz Global Corporate & Specialty to publish practical guidance for ship owners and operators on how to carry heavy-lift and project cargo safely at sea.
Across my career, I've participated in scores of software implementations for companies ranging from SMBs to industry giants. Some have gone exceptionally well, while others have encountered delays. Each effort has served as a learning experience, offering insights and lessons learned about the characteristics "smooth" projects share – and the pitfalls to avoid.
Accurately monitoring the curing of concrete can be critical on large construction projects. If a slab is not given sufficient time to cure, cracks can develop when the next slab is poured, which would ruin that section. RFID technology is helping ensure that doesn't happen.
Insufficient communication and too much emphasis on controlling factory capital expenditures means that manufacturers pay massive energy-inefficiency costs over the lifetime of their plants, according to research firm IHS.
Architects want a better relationship with each part of the building and construction supply chain, especially as lean practices move heavily into the commercial construction industry.
Projects to change distribution networks can be highly complex. To guarantee success, says Mike Dunn, group vice president, Fortna, participants must fully understand the need for change, get total commitment from all departments in a company, and work with a knowledgeable partner.
Project planning can be incredibly time-consuming and tedious, but it's worth it to keep a project running smoothly. A critical piece of the plan is creating your team. This task becomes easier when you know exactly who is available - with the skill sets you need - and what their schedules will be for the duration of the project.
Analyst Insight: In the past, collaboration technology has been a separate software segment encompassing web conferencing and document sharing. But technology providers are now blending these solutions with business applications such as logistics, forecasting and product design, creating a more natural user experience. After all, collaboration is about the business and the people.
Collaboration is also a catalyst for other technology sectors such as cloud, mobile and network infrastructure. - Ann Grackin, CEO, ChainLink Research