Economic and sustainable implications of standardised components and modular assembly

introduction I was claimed that research suggests that 80% of inputs into buildings are repeated but the problems lies in that developing a generic approach is difficult given the unique nature of each building

introduction This lecture will consider how standardisation can help to reduce costs in both repeated processes as well as one off buildings and look at the economic implications of this. Consideration will also be given to how modular assembly can reduce the latitude that the client usually enjoys in modifying the original design brief, and the various sustainability issues that are associated with this.

What is Standardisation? Many components are standardised such as bricks and masonry products, “I” section beams, timber beams etc. The issue here then is not that of standardised products but standardised processes Therefore, if the materials could be put together in a way that reduces the total man- hour content, particularly on site, costs could be reduced and project delivery quality increased. Standardisation also makes prototype testing more feasible, which in turn, helps minimise defects

What is Standardisation? Investing in improved construction processes is frowned upon by many practitioners because of the “one off” supposition. No two buildings are the same so how can standardisation work? No two buildings are the same, civil infrastructure needs to be fitted into confined spaces and construction work needs to blend in with the surrounding area. Soil conditions vary, materials are re-used more and more. These are examples of how some put the case against standardisation – in summary, circumstances are unique to each project and hence so is the product.

What is Standardisation The standardisation of components and processes is often achieved project by project. Standardisation is rare between projects bar where the product is small and familiar, and generic to many different forms of building, such as simple portal frames for example. The key to success in standardisation is effective process mapping and co-operation between key stakeholders. Feedback on project outcomes should be encouraged, from the front line to the design team. This should generate opportunities to learn to standardise and automate parts of the process.

Pre-assembly Pre-assembly: the process of completing certain sections of the project away from the site. Many components already used in the construction process are pre-assembled, examples including roof trusses, cladding panels and pre-cast concrete sections. There are many advantages to using pre-assembled, The industry now recognises that pre-assembly can not only provide many economic benefits, but also help firms develop the sustainability strategies that the government now requires of them.

Key business benefits of standardisation and pre- assembly The drive towards standardisation and pre-assembly should reap rewards for all involved in the production process. The two main benefits are: o Improving customer satisfaction o Increasing profitability

Improving customer satisfaction Construction industry clients run businesses with customers to whom they are providing a service or product. Take for example the highly competitive supermarket retailing sector. The business knows that without customers, there is no business. Its key processes are designed and structured so that it can establish and nurture loyalties with its customer base. To do this, it must retain a competitive edge in all its business dealings. To be successful at this, processes and teams must be integrated and waste must be reduced or eliminated by examining every process in their supply chains, right down to the most detailed level

Improving customer satisfaction Standardisation and pre-assembly can play a key role in reducing not only the costs of the project, but also play a pivotal role in reducing some of the risks that will effect the business of the client. The construction industry must pay attention to the other agendas that the client pursues in their business dealings, and provide construction solutions that help meet these requirements. This will lead to higher levels of customer satisfaction.

Increasing profitability Construction businesses must also concentrate on their own processes and seek innovative ways to reduce waste and cost in the construction process, and achieve higher levels of profitability. Standardisation and pre-assembly can act as a positive driver in increasing the profitability of firms through waste reduction and “on time” project completion targets. :

Increasing profitability Achieving predictability of project outcomes Realising improved and predictable quality Increasing productivity and efficiency Improving Health and Safety Reducing environmental impacts Enabling special projects to proceed

Key management issues  Develop an inclusive partnering approach, integrating design with construction needs  Challenge convention: look for ways to streamline construction and cut costs  Assess carefully the 'knock-on' effects and related costs and savings of procurement and prefabrication decisions.