Construction Logistics
Effective and Sustainable Construction Logistics Solutions
AFRY offers comprehensive consulting and advisory services in construction logistics, from logistics analyses in early stages to implementation and operation. We help you create an efficient and sustainable construction logistics solution that addresses multiple challenges and risks.
Construction logistics is crucial for reducing climate impact. A third of all heavy vehicles on the roads are heading to or from a construction site, and each construction project recieves in average 2-10 deliveries per day, equivalent to 8-10 tons of material. These flows impact both the climate and the social environment and generate significant costs. The industry must also transition from linear flows of newly produced materials to circular flows for increased reuse.
The large material and information flows within construction logistics create more risk areas. AFRY has identified the main risks and developed a concept and process for construction logistics that can be applied by municipalities, regions, and private actors.
Read more about the identified risks here:
Delayed Schedule
A delayed schedule can occur for several reasons. For example, residents' resistance against an area's expansion can lead to delays. Noise and traffic disruptions that arise during construction work can create additional obstacles, extending the project’s timeline.
Supply Chain Disruptions
Supply Chain Disruptions can occur when construction materials and critical components are not delivered on time. This can be due to various factors including transport delays, material shortages, or logistical challenges. Such disruptions can significantly impact the project´s schedule and overall progress.
Incorrectly Sized Storage Facilities
Incorrectly sized storage facilities can lead to inefficient use of space and complicate the management of materials and resources.
Lack of Knowledge about Transport and Storage Options
Global suppliers have limited knowledge regarding local transport and storage options, which poses a risk of disruptions in the supply chain. This lack of insight can lead to inefficient logistics solutions and delivery delays.
Capacity and Competence Shortages
The availability of logistics services in different regions can affect the efficiency and reliability of the supply chain, for example in case of shortages related to for example port capacity, containers, trucks and drivers.
Lack of Planning and Coordination
Lack of planning and coordination of production, schedules between different contractors, queues, and coordination of international transports leads to inefficiency and delays.
Inefficient Handling
Inefficient handling of materials and waste on site, as well as lack of traceability and labeling of materials.
Handling of Heavy and Large Transports on the Road Network
In the construction industry, it is common that materials and equipment are too heavy or large for the road network. Therefore, there is a need for special planning and coordination to prepare for efficient and safe transport to site.
Positive effects of Coordinated Flows
AFRY’s previous projects and research show several positive effects of working with construction logistics before and during construction projects, for example:
- Approximately 60% fewer vehicles arriving at the construction site
- Productivity increases by about 20% for skilled workers
- Less impact on the surrounding environment
- Reduced waste and discards
- Increased control and traceability of the flow
- Monitoring and follow-up of metrics and deviation reports
- Controlled and planned demolition
AFRY’s Construction Logistics Process - From Initial Planning to Final Execution
We have an established construction logistics process that supports you from the initial planning processes to production, ensuring efficient and sustainable material and information flows. You can choose to use AFRY for the entire construction logistics process or for specific parts to complement your own expertise and organization.
The Construction Logistics Process is Applicable to Municipalities, Regions, and the Private Sector
We have supported large new establishments of industries and business areas, and worked closely with regions in the renovation and new construction of hospitals and in early strategic stages at the municipal level.
AFRY’s Construction Logistics Process
- Logistics Analysis
- Design of logistics solution
- Preparation of a Logistics Appendix
- Implementation
- Development and Adaption
Learn More About Our Construction Logistics Process:
A logistics analysis is conducted early in the planning phase to get an overview of the current situation, future state, as well as volumes and risks during the different project phases. Capturing the logistics aspects in early phases, the best prerequisites for efficient logistics can be created.
The analysis includes:
- Mapping existing and upcoming flows
- Volumes
- Types of materials
- Timeline
- Location
- Identifying bottlenecks and risks
- Examination of logistics dependencies on the surroundings
- Transport routes and infrastructure
- Surrounding activities and traffic flows
- Identifying the need for a logistics solution
Optimis of Logistics setup, Based on Conducted Analysis
In this part of AFRY’s construction logistics process, a logistics analysis has been conducted which forms the basis for the design and development of an appropriate logistics solution. This phase is crucial to ensure that all aspects of construction logistics are optimized for efficiency and sustainability, and adapted to local conditions.
Here are the main steps in the design process:
- Development of an overall strategy that includes all aspects of material handling, transport, and storage.
- Establishment of guidelines for how materials should be handled from supplier to final destination.
- Use of digital tools to improve information flow and traceability throughout the supply chain, including the construction site.
- Design of efficient transport routes to minimize traffic and disruptions.
Sizing, design, and placement of storage areas.
- In cases where heavy transport will be carried out, the necessary documentation and analyses are prepared for the application to the local authorities to prepare for the transport and ensure that an appropriate route is available before construction begins.
- Establishment of a clear communication strategy to ensure that all parties are informed and coordinated both before and during the construction period.
- Planning for the reuse and recycling of materials to support circular flows.
- Development of a detailed plan for how the logistics solution will be implemented step by step.
- Preparation of a training program for staff to ensure that everyone is aware of and follows the logistics plan
By carefully designing the logistics solution based on a thorough analysis, AFRY can ensure that the construction project is carried out efficiently and sustainably, with minimal disruptions and maximum results.
Strategic Plan for the Construction Project
In this step, a detailed logistics appendix is developed, serving as a strategy for the entire construction project. The logistics appendix includes guidelines and specifications for how materials and resources should be handled, transported, and stored.
The requirements and available functions of the logistics solution are described, as well as what is expected of suppliers and contractors involved in the construction project. The logistics strategy must be developed before suppliers and contractors are procured to ensure full implementation and that all parties have information on how the logistics will be designed.
Customized to Specific Needs
Once the logistics strategy is in place, we begin the implementation of the logistics solution. Since logistics solutions vary between different projects, the implementation is customized to specific needs.
At a high level, the following parts are usually included:
- Coordination of deliveries to minimize traffic and disruptions at the construction site
- Monitoring and adjusting logistics flows to ensure efficiency and adaptation to changing conditions
- Training of staff to ensure that everyone is aware of and follows the logistics plan
- Continuous communication with all stakeholders to manage changes and resolve issues quickly
Development and Adaptation of the Logistics Solution During the Construction Period
During the construction period, it is important that the logistics solution is continuously developed and adapted to meet the project’s needs.
This involves:
- Ongoing evaluation of logistics flows and identification of improvement areas
- Adaptation of strategies based on feedback and changing conditions
- Evaluation and supplementation of technical solutions to improve traceability and efficiency
- Coordination with subcontractors to ensure all parts of the logistics flow operate smoothly
- Continuous training and communication with stakeholders involved in the project
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